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Top 10 Aromatherapy Application Methods

by Aromatherapist Heidi Kiddle MIFPA |

 

HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS 

  (EFFECTIVELY AND SAFELY) 

 

In my series of blog posts for Upnature, I wanted to offer some helpful information early on, this will form the backbone of my later blog posts and I will refer you back to this one for all future recipes. I hope to set you in good stead for your journey into the wonderful world of aromatherapy and essential oils and with this guide, it should give you the confidence to get the best from your essential oils, supporting your health and wellbeing. Naturally. So make a nice cup of tea (or coffee), grab your notebook and pen and I'll guide you through your first steps into the wonderful world of Aromatherapy.
 
So, you have just purchased your new essential oils, but are unsure of how to use them. It can feel a little overwhelming and confusing to start with, so here are some simple ideas to get you started using your oils.

 

 

INHALATION 

Probably one of the most commonly used essential oil methods of application is via inhalation. Of course, whichever other methods you choose to use, you will also still benefit from inhaling the wonderful natural aromas of your essential oils.

    

 

 

1. STEAM INHALATION

I have used this method countless times myself when I have been suffering from a cold and feel congested. I have found it extremely effective in clearing a stuffy nose, soothing the respiratory tract and even soothing sinusitis headaches. The warmth of the steam compliments the comforting nature of this application. 

 

Method

Remove any contact lenses or spectacles and keep eyes closed. Sprinkle 4-8 drops of essential oils onto a bowl of just-boiled water, cover head with a towel and inhale for 5-10 minutes until water has cooled and no steam rises. You can also inexpensively purchase an inhaler cup which is more convenient to use. 2-4 drops should suffice. It can be repeated as needed up to 8 times a day. Caution with the boiled water.

 

 

 

2. DIRECT INHALATION

The most simple method of inhaling the essential oils is by direct inhalation (Perfect for the time-poor). Great for helping with any respiratory complaints, also great for using with essential oils to help soothe you emotionally.

 

Method

Administer 1 drop of essential oil onto a handkerchief, tissue or cotton wool pad and inhaling from this. 
 

 

 

3. NASAL APPLICATORS

A really useful application to just pop in your bag alongside your UpNature Rollerball. Aromatherapy on the go! Ideal for all your respiratory complaint needs, especially congestion.

 

Method

These can be bought cheaply online. Simply add 2-4 drops of essential oil to the applicator and inhale as needed. 
 
 

 

4. DIFFUSION

 This is a very popular method of utilizing essential oils, especially when it comes to working on the respiratory system and for mental and emotional benefits. It can be used to simply fragrance your home naturally, air purification, to support emotional and mental wellbeing, for use during times of illness, to help keep bugs at bay and to support the respiratory system.  



Method

Ideal for use in UpNatures NEW essential oil diffuser. Simply add between 3-8 drops depending on room size to the water in your diffuser and enjoy the incredible aroma as it fills your space. 
 
 

 

5. DIY ROOM SPRAY

Another great way to utilize these oils is to create a DIY room spray. It’s super easy and effective for a quick pick-me-up. Especially when working or in the mornings. 

 

Method

Simply fill a 50 or 100ml glass spray bottle with water. Combine your chosen essential oils into a small amount of alcohol first (less than a tsp). Add 4-5 drops in 50ml of water or 8-10 drops in 100ml of water. Feel free to add any ratio (up to the maximum amount of drops) of any combination of essential oils listed above or from the entire UpNature range. 

 

 

6. MASSAGE OIL BLEND

  I mostly use this method in my aromatherapy treatment sessions with my clients. The combination of the use of essential oils combined with massage and the power of touch is a real holistic approach for the mind, body, and soul.
It is easy to self-massage the legs and feet with your very own (create your own) massage oil blend. 

  

Method

Dilute chosen essential oils into your chosen carrier oil. 2-3% (see blending table below) for adult full body massage. 1% for children 2-12 years old, elderly, sensitive skin, facial work or where fragility and unknown medical history indicate caution.

 

BLENDING TABLE

no.drops of essential oil to carrier

ML/GM

 5 10 15 20 25 30 50 100
%
1 1 2 3 4 5 6 10 20
2 2 4 6 8 10 12 20 40
2.5 2.5 5 7.5 10 12.5 15 25 50
3 3 6 9 12 15 18 30 60
                                      

 

7. COMPRESSES (hot & cold)

Helps to sooth and support aches, sprains, strains and bruising. Cold for inflammation, hot for aches and pains.

 

Method

Add 1-4 drops of essential oils (depending on bowl size, area to cover, condition treating) to a bowl of hot water or cold/ iced water. Stir to break up droplets. Carefully lay a thick piece of kitchen roll, muslin or cotton cloth over the surface of the water, and immediately remove, shaking off excess water (paper) or gently squeezing (material). Apply to the affected area for 5/10 minutes until warmed/ cooled. Reapply as needed. Hold in place over a larger area can overwrap with a towel or clingfilm.

 

 

8. AROMATHERAPY BATH

What feels better than a relaxing warm bath? A relaxing warm bath infused with Soothing Essential Oils! Offering mood enhancement, an aid to sleep or for prophylactic/ antimicrobial use (infections). 

 

Method

4-6 drops of essential oils diluted in a solvent - spoonful of carrier oil, (excellent for the skin, but can make slips possible getting out of the bath, care needed to clean bath after use) milk, dried milk powder or cream (oils dissolve in fat content). EO suppliers will also have un-fragranced plant-based foamers - make up for bulk use at 1-2 1/2 % 

 

   

9. BODY LOTIONS & SHOWER GELS

Great for using daily and incorporating into your beauty routine

 

Method

1% dilution is preferable for daily use. Refer to the blending table above to add to your required amount of base shower gel/ body lotion. Choose a specially made base shower gel from natural ingredients (purchased from Aromatherapy suppliers online) alternatively add to a simple unfragranced shower gel/ body lotion.

 

   

10. BODY SPRITZERS

What feels better than a relaxing warm bath? A relaxing warm bath infused with Soothing Essential Oils! Offering mood enhancement, an aid to sleep or for prophylactic/ antimicrobial use (infections). 

 

Method

4-5 drops of essential oils IN 50ml of water. Dissolve in a small amount of alcohol first (less than tsp). Store in glass, not plastic.
 

 

 

 

HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS SAFELY... and therefore effectively

Last, but not least we will look at how to use essential oils safely.

 Essential oils are powerful natural substances that can help support us through their various properties and actions. It is also important to realize that just because something comes from nature, it doesn't mean it is automatically safe to use however we please, (Take poison ivy as an example). 

However luckily for us, when used with a little bit of knowledge and within a few simple guidelines, essential oils can be a great tool to help support our health and wellbeing. It's not about being scared to use them. It's about understanding how to get the most from the, safely. Using them correctly will mean they work more effectively. The saying less is more applies in Aromatherapy. 

I'm sure that if you are interested in essential oils and aromatherapy, you will have inevitably come across misinformation with regards to their usage. The problem lies when the source of that information comes from an untrained person. Always consult someone trained in the correct usage of essential oils... an aromatherapist. Which is why I wanted to offer you some helpful guidelines so that you can access the most benefits from your essential oils, without side effects. 

 

 

Get the most out of your essential oils by... 

  • Consulting a trained aromatherapist before using essential oils if you have a medical condition, are taking medications, are pregnant/ breastfeeding, allergies, or if you have any other concerns. Essential oils are powerful substances, which make them so helpful. It just means that there can be some contraindications with certain oils if you have any of the above circumstances. So it's important to follow specific advice, which I'm sure is well worth the time and investment.
    • There may be essential oil specific guidance. Ensure that the essential oil you have chosen is suitable for you. Does it have any safety precautions to consider? Some do, some don't. Your aromatherapist will advise on the above circumstances. For anything else such as sensitive skin, please refer to our 

      Up Nature ebooks on the particular oil, you have purchased for more in-depth information.

    • Make sure your essential oils are correctly diluted if applying topically, using the topical use chart above. 
    • There is no such thing as an official internal use graded essential oil. These are just phrases that have been coined but have no basis. They make things confusing. Whilst it is true that, yes, essential oils are used in the food manufacturing industry, however, this is only in tiny, highly controlled quantities. It doesn't automatically mean they can be ingested in other settings, even if they have been labeled for such use. Be cautious of terms such as internal use, food-grade. Or any advice to drink a drop or two in a glass of water. I would advise you never to do this. Never use essential oils internally. There is no benefit to this practice. Oils are not water-soluble and will not, therefore, dilute when dropped into water. Undiluted essential oils should not be used on the skin, so imaging the effect on your delicate internal organs. If this is something that you still want to pursue and I understand that you might already be convinced due to the current trend of marketing this unsafe practice has received, please, at the very least make an appointment with a highly trained aromatherapist to discuss this further. 
    • Refrain from using undiluted on the skin. Only in emergencies and with a few limited essential oils. Again refer to an aromatherapist for specific exceptions.
     

     

     

     

     

    Please let us know what you thought of this blog and how you made use of this information in the comments below!

     

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    Whilst you're here why not check out my other blog posts and apply what you have learned here to the other suggested recipes.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Shop these and all of our essential oils on UpNature!

     

     
     
     

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