Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Choosing an Oil
• Method 2 of 4: Diluting essential oils for topical use
• Method 3 of 4: Using Essential Oils as Natural Medicines
• Method 4 of 4: Using essential oils as a home fragrance
• Tips
• Warnings

Essential oils are distilled pure essences extracted from fruits, peels, twigs, leaves or flowers of plants. They are used in aromatherapy and promote emotional and physical relaxation. Essential oils can be used in many ways: applied to the body in the form of an oil-based or water-based liquid, inhaled through a diffuser, or sprayed with a spray in combination with other substances. This article will discuss how to use essential oils.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Choosing an Oil

1. 1 Assess the quality of your oils before purchasing. Since you will be using the oil in your home and applying it to your skin, it is in your best interest to buy quality oil. There are no specific standards for essential oils, so it is important to consider several factors when choosing.
   • Do you know the name of the manufacturer? Buy only well-known brands of oils.
   • Is the price of oil approximately equal to the price of other oils, or is it significantly lower? Do not buy cheap oils as they may contain impurities.
   • Does the jar contain the Latin name of the plant from which the oil was obtained and / or the country of origin? Such information suggests that the company relies on certain knowledge from the buyer, and it should be trusted.
   • Is the degree of cleaning indicated on the packaging? Buy 100% essential oils and bypass bottles that don't say anything or have a lower value.
   • What does butter smell like? If the oil does not smell as you expected, you may have a substandard product.
   • Does the packaging say organic production methods? If not, the plants that were used to make the oil may have been treated with pesticides, so you should probably skip that purchase.
2. 2 Consider the chemotype of the oil. Several manufacturers offer different versions of the same essential oil. Different types, or chemotypes, have a different smell - this is influenced by climate, soil and growing conditions of plants, as well as other factors. The advantage of choosing a specific chemotype is the ability to obtain different solutions depending on personal preference.
   • For example, basil has two main chemotypes - allspice basil and reunion basil. Scented basil has a sweeter scent, while reunion has a woody aroma.
3. 3 Pay attention to the packaging. Essential oils quickly lose their properties when exposed to light and heat. The oil should be packed in a dark (usually brown) glass bottle and should be hermetically sealed. Do not buy open oils or oils that have been exposed to light or heat.

Method 2 of 4: Diluting essential oils for topical use

1. 1 Remember that essential oils cannot be consumed internally. Some oils can cause poisoning and some can even lead to death, so do not eat or drink essential oils. They can be applied to the skin, but most oils must be diluted before doing so.
2. 2 Decide which application is right for you. Essential oils can be diluted in oil or water for use as a spray, or mixed with other substances (such as bath salts). Decide what you will do with the oil before diluting it.
3. 3 If you wish to apply the oil to your skin, you can dilute it in a special oil or water. Almond, apricot, grape and jojoba and avocado oils are suitable for dissolving essential oils.These oils have a faint smell, so they will not overpower the smell of essential oils. You can also dilute oils in water. Before doing this, decide how you will use the oils.
   • If you want to apply oil to small area body of an adult, you will need to prepare a 3-5% solution. Place 3-5 drops of essential oil in a teaspoon of water or oil. This solution is suitable for use on the temples and wrists.
   • If oil is applied to large plot body of an adult, prepare a one percent solution. Add one drop of essential oil to a teaspoon of oil or water. This solution is suitable for massage and body spray.
   • If you want to apply the oil to your baby's skin, the solution should be much weaker (0.25%). To get this solution, use one drop of essential oil in 4 teaspoons of oil or water.
   • If you plan on adding oil to your bath, use 3-5 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of regular oil, or drip it into bath salt. Then add salt or oil to the bath. Mixing the essential oil with salt or regular oil prior to use will avoid skin contact with the concentrated oil, which can cause irritation.
4. 4 Use undiluted essential oils. Some experts believe that undiluted oil should not be applied to the skin as it can cause irritation and discomfort. However, research results indicate that such use is sometimes warranted. For example, one study found that applying undiluted tea tree oil twice a day could fight fungal nail infections. Consult an experienced aromatherapist before using the oil in this manner.

Method 3 of 4: Using Essential Oils as Natural Medicines

1. 1 Treat headaches with essential oils. Essential oils can fight minor headaches. Dilute the oil to apply on a small area of ​​the body, then apply the mixture to the forehead, temples and back of the neck. Massage the oil into your skin in gentle circular motions while breathing deeply. The oils of the following plants work best for headaches:
   • lavender;
   • mint.
   • Ginger
2. 2 Treat acne with tea tree oil. Essential oils can help get rid of acne and are a great alternative to the harsh chemicals found in creams and acne medications. One study found that 5% tea tree oil gel was as effective in fighting acne as benzoyl peroxide, which is often found in acne creams of varying degrees of effect.
   • To make your own gel, add five drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Stir well and apply to acne with your fingers or a cotton swab. Store the mixture in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator for no more than a week.
3. 3 Treat insomnia with lavender, chamomile and sage oils. The oils themselves will not save you from insomnia or its causes, however, these relaxing oils will help you fall asleep faster and sleep until morning. The best fights against insomnia are lavender (relaxes), chamomile (is a natural sedative) and sage (has hypnotic properties).
   • If you have a vaporizer, turn it on before bed and add a couple drops of lavender, chamomile, or sage oil.
   • You can also add a few drops of oil to the bath or rub the solution into your legs and feet before bed.
   • Be aware that some oils (such as rosemary, cypress, grapefruit, lemon, and mint) can stimulate activity, so it is best not to use them in the evening.
4. 4 Combat stress with essential oils. Perhaps the most commonly used oils are for relaxation and calming.Essential oils have a positive effect on the emotional state of a person, since the receptors that perceive smell are associated with the human limbic system, that is, with the part of the brain that is responsible for emotions, memory and sexual arousal. The most effective oils are the following:
   • Lavender has a soothing, rich, sweet scent and is popular for its ability to relax the body physically and emotionally.
   • Frankincense oil has a warm and exotic scent that helps relieve stress.
   • Rose oil fights stress as well as depression and sadness.
   • Chamomile oil, especially the Roman version, can help relieve stress caused by anxiety, as well as paranoia and feelings of hostility.
   • Vanilla oil is known for its medicinal properties. For many people, the smell of vanilla is soothing, and some aromatherapists attribute this to the fact that the smell of vanilla is as close as possible to the smell of mother's milk. Vanilla brings serenity and clear thinking.
5. 5 Combat snoring with thyme essential oil. This essential oil is effective against snoring. Make a concentrated solution of thyme oil (3-5 drops per teaspoon of regular oil) and massage into the soles of both feet before bed. Cedar and marjoram oils also have a similar effect.
6. 6 Use lemon eucalyptus essential oil to repel insects. Many commercial repellents contain harsh chemicals that have an unpleasant odor and irritate the skin. A concentrated solution of lemon eucalyptus oil is a great alternative to these products, and the oil smells much nicer. You can mix essential oil with regular oil and apply directly to the skin, or pour the oil into a vaporizer or aroma lamp and place it near an open window.
   • To make a repellent, mix two teaspoons (30 milliliters) of regular oil, 10 drops of cedar nut oil, and 10 drops of rosemary oil. Stir and pour into a small spray bottle. Shake well before use.
7. 7 Treat ear pain with essential oils. Applying some oils topically can help get rid of an ear infection and ease pain. The oil should not be applied to the auricle, but along the neck and behind the sore ear.
   • Tea tree oil is most suitable for these purposes. Make a solution for a small area of ​​the body (3-5 drops per teaspoon) and rub behind the ears and into the neck.
8. 8 Use peppermint essential oil to treat vertigo. Essential oils can help ease vestibular dizziness. Peppermint oil is one of the most effective essential oils for dizziness. It is often used to treat vertigo and nausea because it contains menthol, esters, and menthol - substances that provide mint with cooling and invigorating properties. If you feel dizzy, apply a few drops of peppermint oil to a cotton pad or handkerchief and breathe in. The following plant oils can also help relieve dizziness:
   • cypress;
   • basil;
   • sage;
   • myrtle;
   • lavender;
   • ginger;
   • the Rose;
   • rosemary;
   • mandarin.
9. 9 Treat sunburns with oils. Some essential oils have been used to treat burns for thousands of years for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Most suitable for these purposes are lavender, immortelle, rose oil and Australian blue oil (a mixture of several essential oils). It is best to mix oil with aloe vera gel (1 drop of oil per teaspoon of gel) and apply to the burn.
   • You can make a scald spray by mixing the following:
     • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon of aloe vera juice
     • a quarter cup of coconut oil;
     • 1 teaspoon vitamin E
     • 8 drops of lavender essential oil;
     • 8 drops of tea tree essential oil;
     • 8 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil.
   • Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well.
10. 10 Treat small wounds with essential oils. Lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint and several other oils are suitable for treating minor cuts, burns, and insect bites because they act as antibiotics. Clean the wound first (it shouldn't bleed). Then apply a small amount of 2-3% essential oil solution (2-3 drops per teaspoon).
    • Apply the oil 2-5 times a day until the wound heals. After applying the oil, you can also apply a cold compress to stop bleeding, relieve swelling, and allow the oils to absorb.
11. 11 For an upset stomach, use peppermint oil. You've probably already heard that peppermint oil is used to treat indigestion. This oil also fights nausea and digestive problems. Dilute the oil as for a large area of ​​the body (3-5 drops per teaspoon) and rub into the abdomen to relieve pain.
    • Essential oils of ginger, nutmeg and various types of mint also have a similar effect.
    • Applying a warm compress to your belly after applying the oil can help reduce pain and discomfort.
    • Nearly all of the research findings suggest that peppermint oil, when taken by mouth, can help treat irritable bowel syndrome.
12. 12 Treat nasal congestion with eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil can help relieve symptoms associated with a sore nose. This oil opens up blocked sinuses and cools the nasal passages. Many people use eucalyptus oil to treat colds and nasal congestion caused by allergies.
    • Mix eucalyptus oil with regular oil (3-5 drops per teaspoon). Apply a small amount of the solution under the nose and rub a little more into the chest.
    • If your nose is severely stuffy, add a couple of drops to a humidifier and aroma lamp.

Method 4 of 4: Using essential oils as a home fragrance

1. 1 Put a few drops of essential oil in the aroma lamp for a pleasant scent at home. Pour a few teaspoons of water into a container above the lamp, light a candle from the bottom, and then put a few drops of oil into the water. A pleasant smell of oil will fill the room.
   • You can also use flavoring sticks.
2. 2 Put a few drops on the candle wax. Light a candle, let it light up so that it melts a little. Blow out the candle, put a few drops on the wax, and then gently light the candle again. Be careful not to drip oil on the candle fire as oils are highly flammable.
3. 3 Put a few drops in hot water. If you don't have a diffuser or candles, you can put water in a small saucepan, bring to a boil, and then add oil. The steam will fill the room with a pleasant scent. Place the pot out of reach of children and pets.
4. 4 Make a room spray with essential oils. Pour 60 ml of distilled water, 60 ml of vodka or hazelnut tincture into a small spray bottle, add 30-40 drops of your favorite essential oil (or a mixture of several oils) and shake well. Use a spray indoors, spray it on furniture and linen, but be careful not to get on smooth and shiny surfaces.
5. 5 Sprinkle essential oil on the pillows. Place two drops of essential oil on each pillow. You will be able to enjoy the smell of oil every time you decide to lie down. If you're worried about ruining your fabric, drip the oil onto cotton pads and place them in your pillowcases.
6. 6 Make an essential oil cleanser. Since essential oils are antibacterial, they can be used as all-purpose cleaning agents. Non-porous surfaces (tiles, glass, plastic) can be cleaned with these sprays. Pour the following into a spray bottle and shake well:
   • half a glass of white vinegar or hazelnut tincture;
   • half a glass of water;
   • 15–20 drops of any essential oil (best of all tea tree, lavender, lemon, mint oils);
   • a few drops of detergent (optional).
7. 7 Make tumble dryer freshener. If you have a tumble dryer, take a cotton cloth and cut a few 12 by 12 centimeters out of it. Every time you dry your laundry, drip a few drops of your favorite oil onto a square of fabric and place it in the machine along with your wet laundry. Then dry the laundry as usual. Wash the squares after several drying cycles.
8. 8 Find other uses for essential oils in your home. Oils can be used in a wide variety of ways. Figure out how you can apply them in your home. Here are some possible options:
   • Drip the oil onto the incense sticks. Three drops will be enough. Burn the incense as usual.
   • Add oil to unflavored foods. Drip the oil into body creams, soaps and unscented bath foams to savor the scent of your favorite oils all the time.
   • Place a few drops of oil in the bag of the vacuum cleaner before turning it on. When the vacuum cleaner is running, the oil will spread into the air, which will fill the house with a pleasant scent.

Tips

• If you are interested in oils and aromatherapy, try enrolling in special courses. Search for relevant schools in your area.

Warnings

• Be careful when using diffusers, candles, matches and lighters.
• Be aware that some essential oils cannot be taken orally as they can cause poisoning and death if swallowed, but they are harmless when applied topically.
• Be careful when coming into contact with essential oils, as they are flammable and can damage your skin.
• Be sure to seek advice from a pharmacist or accredited aromatherapist before using essential oils.