These oils do not have a strong smell of their own. They should be kept refrigerated until used and should be discarded if they smell rancid. Oils typically keep about a year if refrigerated. For wound care, an ideal essential oil would be gentle to the skin and antimicrobial. Some essential oils can be used in different ways. For example, true lavender essential oil Lavandula angustifolia can be used on the skin for cuts and minor burns, and it can be inhaled to promote relaxation and sleep.
Lavender is one of the few essential oils that can be used undiluted on small areas of the skin. Essential oils can be applied internally in several ways, including oral ingestion and suppositories, but remember that in the U. The experts at the Earl E.
The course provides an overview of essential oil therapy and current aromatherapy practices. It gives you the skills to cut through the misinformation to safely and appropriately use aromatherapy. Learn more. Buckle, J. Clinical aromatherapy: Essential oils in practice , 2nd Ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. England, A. Aromatherapy and massage for mother and baby.
Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press. More info on this topic. Aromatherapy Home. What it is. How it works. Common uses. How to use essential oils. Find an aromatherapist. Like medications, essential oils must be treated with respect. It is important to seek professional advice and to follow instructions carefully. Since essential oils cause reactions in the body, not all the oils will benefit everyone.
Chemical compounds in essential oils can produce adverse effects when combined with medications. They may reduce the effectiveness of conventional drugs, or they may exacerbate health conditions in the individual.
A person with high blood pressure , for example, should avoid stimulants, such as rosemary. Some compounds, such as fennel, aniseed, and sage act similarly to estrogen , so a person with an estrogen-dependent breast or ovarian tumor should avoid these. Concentrated products may be poisonous before dilution and should be handled with care. A maximum concentration of 5 percent is recommended. Some oils produce toxins which can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, especially if taken internally.
Swallowing essential oils can be hazardous, and fatal in some cases. Individuals with any of the following conditions should be extra careful when using aromatherapy:. If the oil is to be mixed with a carrier, the individual should tell the aromatherapist or massage therapist about any nut allergies, because carrier oils are often obtained from nuts and seeds.
Use of aromatherapy by pregnant or nursing mothers has not been proven safe by research, so it is not recommended. During the first trimester of pregnancy, aromatherapy may pose a risk to the developing fetus.
Women who are breastfeeding should avoid peppermint essential oil, as it may be expressed in breast milk. Essential oils derived from citrus may make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light, increasing the risk of sunburn. Some oils may affect the function of conventional medicines, so people who are using medications of any type should first check with a qualified pharmacist or doctor. Finally, when storing essential oils, it is important to be aware that light, heat, and oxygen can affect the integrity of the oil.
Products should come from a respected and trustworthy source, to be sure of the quality. In parts of Western Europe aromatherapy is incorporated into mainstream medicine as an antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial therapy. In the United States and Canada, this is less so. In France, some essential oils are regulated as prescription drugs, and they can only be administered or prescribed by a doctor.
How to Use Essential Oils. Cancel Order View Order. Shop Now. Video disabled by your privacy settings. There are three ways to use essential oils: 1. You can use essential oils aromatically by: Diffusing in an essential oil diffuser Applying a drop to your hands and inhaling Wearing as a personal fragrance. Some ways to use essential oils on your skin are: Massage Apply to targeted areas and rub in Add to lotions or moisturizers.
Make sure the essential oil is safe for internal use first, and then try one of these methods: Add to a glass of water Take in a veggie capsule Put a drop under your tongue. Here are the 10 most popular essential oils: Frankincense oil Lavender oil Copaiba oil Lemon oil Wild Orange oil Peppermint oil Tea Tree oil Melaleuca Ginger oil Grapefruit oil Eucalyptus oil As you try different oils, you will learn which essential oils work best for you and your needs. Essential Oil Safety Guidelines Avoid applying oils to sensitive areas like the nose, ears, eyes, or broken skin.
Use dilution to minimize skin sensitivity. Be aware of oils with sun sensitivity warnings. Practice safe storage—keep oils out of reach of children. Essential oils are very potent, so you have to be cautious when you use them. Remember, a little goes a long way! From your first bottle of Lavender essential oil to a seven-oil combination in your diffuser, learning how to use essential oils is a process.
This essential oil uses guide is only the beginning—if you have more questions, check out our post that hits the things people ask most. Try testing your essential oil IQ! View Larger Image. How to use essential oils: 1. Aromatically 2. Topically 3. How to use essential oils aromatically The aromatic use of essential oils may be the most familiar. Try this combination in your diffuser before bedtime to promote rest and relaxation: 4 drops Lavender 3 drops Cedarwood 2 drops Frankincense Even without a diffuser, you can enjoy many of the aromatic benefits of essential oils.
Add drops of your favorite essential oils to a cotton ball and place it in areas where you want to disperse the scent. Freshen a smelly space in minutes by adding a few drops of your favorite citrus oils on a cotton ball, then place it in a gym bag, garbage can, or anywhere else that needs a scent upgrade.
The easiest way to get the aromatic benefits of an essential oil is by simply taking a few drops from the bottle into the palm of your hands.
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