How to use Essential oils
The easiest method of inhalation is to open a bottle of pure essential oil and inhale deeply a few times. But don’t let the undiluted oil touch your skin.
For the steam method, you’ll need a bowl of hot water and a towel:
- Place the bowl on a table and add a few drops of essential oil.
- Gently cover your head and the bowl with the towel.
- Close your eyes and deeply inhale the steam for several minutes.
- Repeat a few times throughout the day.
When you’re dispensing essential oils in the air, take note of any people who are pregnant or nursing, children, or pets in your environment. Some essential oils can be dangerous, so it’s important to steer clear of these groups.
Dry evaporation
This method only requires some type of dry material, such as a cotton ball or fabric.
Add a few drops of essential oil to the material. Hold this to your nose and inhale or allow the scent to disperse naturally.
You can add the material to the vents in your car, your shirt collar, or your pillowcase.
A diffuser is a device that disperses essential oils into the air. Popular types include:- ceramic
- electric
- candle
- lamp rings
- reed diffuser
- ultrasonic
Topical application
Essential oils can be used for skin care in various ways. Just be sure to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying the mixture to your skin.
Many people focus on areas of muscular pain, tightness, and tension. You can gently rub the oil into pressure points such as your temples, wrists, and third eye, or use the oil to massage your feet.
While it’s best to store essential oils outside of the bathroom due to heat and humidity, you’ll find many uses for them here. For example, many people add essential oils to bathwater.
Add a few drops of diluted essential oils to your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
You can also add a few drops of diluted essential oil to a warm washcloth, which can be used for inhalation or to wash your body.
Essential oils have the potential to aggravate the skin. Avoid using essential oils near sensitive areas such as the eyes, ears, and mouth. Do not apply them to broken, inflamed, or irritated skin.
Check for potential skin reactions before use. To do a patch test, rub a few drops of diluted essential oil into your inner wrist or below your ear. Wait 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs.
When to use popular essential oils
Lavender has sedative properties that may promote relaxation, ease anxiety, and improve sleep. Orange essential oil may also help with anxiety and stress.
The benefits of tea tree oil far outweigh its strong medicinal scent. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties make it useful as a remedy for skin conditions like acne, boils, bug bites, and nail fungus.
Peppermint is a potent oil that supports respiratory function and helps alleviate sinus congestion. Its stimulating scent may also relieve nausea.
