Author: ThemeFTC

There are three ways to use essential oils, the most common are inhaltion and topical application. 

It is possible to ingest essential oils, but only recommended if you are suffering a viral infection.  Please do not ingest essential oils without previously consulting an aromatherapist. Dosage is EVERYTHING!  Many essential oils are DANGEROUS to ingest. 

INHALATION

Indirect Inhalation : Drop 1 drop of  essential oil on your pillow and enjoy a soothing aroma all night.  We recommend doing this when needing deeper, more nourishing sleep. Use lavanda angustifolia or melissa (dilution 20%).  It's also a great way to aid sleep when we are congested with mucus in nose or lungs.  Use cypress, inula graveolens dilution 20% or rosemary cineoil.  This method is very safe for children.  Aromas such as rosemary or peppermint are not so relaxing, although will help to decongest. If you are working through an emotional process and using an essential oil such as everlasting or laurel, this method is also wonderul to continue the 'work' while you sleep. 

Direct Inhalation : Meditate with an essential oil or e.o. blend by applying a dilution to the back or palm of your hand or directly to an aroma stick or soft tissue.   

Diffusing:  Add bewteen 6 and 20 drops of essential oil(s) into a diffusor, depending on the size of the room and length of time you will be there.  There are also car difusors now on the market. We recommend our ultra sound difusor next to your computer, in your bedroom or living area. If congested with mucus, put up to 6 drops in a bowl of hot water. Put a towel over your head and slowly inhale the steaming vapours that rise from it.

TOPICAL APPLICATION

Please ALWAYS dilute an essential oil with a carrier vegetable oil (almond, olive, wheat germ or grape seed oils etc. Many carrier oils or macerated carrier oils will also complement the work of the essential oil due to their curative properties).  Olive oil is easily accessable and is quite thick, which gives a long absorbtion time for the e.o. However it can also make the skin feel sticky.  We use almond oil in our Essence blends as it has a smooth, soft feeling on the skin.  Use dilutions of 3 to 50%. Please check maximum dilution before applying. 

EssenciesCat provide ready made diluted blends (see Essence 1-6) and Roll-ons to apply safely from one to four times a day as needed on different locations on your body. Allow the oil to absorb for 2-3 minutes before getting dressed to avoid staining clothing.
Dilute two or more drops of oil with your chosen carrier oil and rub on your chest (for heart, lungs, anxiety etc) or neck and temples (stress, head ache) upper sternum, wrist, ears or pressure points.  Application to soles of feet at night before bed is a very effective treatment.

Massage : Apply the blend on the skin and massage in. Use a warm compress (a cloth soaked in hot water, covered with dry cloth to seal the heat) after applying essential oils for deeper penetration. Leave the cloth on for 15-30 minutes. Remove immediatley if uncomfortable. Apply a cold pack after essential oils when treating inflamed or swollen tissues. Before applying oils, wash your hands with soap and water.

INGESTION: It is possible to ingest 1 or 2 drops of essential oils on a spoonful of honey. As mentioned previously, this should only be done on recommendation by an aromatherapist. See Recipies with essential oils and hidrolates.  

Please consult an aromatherapist. NOT ALL ESSENTIAL OILS ARE SAFE TO INGEST.

There are many creative ways of using essential oils. Enjoy finding the ones that suit you and your family!