How to use Essential Oils
A Family Guide to Home Use
How to use Essential Oils is a family guide to the therapeutic use of essential oils. This simple guide includes instructions for the whole family, including infants and children.
Therapeutic AromatherapyThere are two main models of aromatherapy, the British and the French. Both models are followed in the United States, often with conflicting views. The British model was developed by aromatherapists from the “fragrance” industry for relaxation, massage, and emotional benefits. Often, they use oils that are "perfume grade." They support the view that oils should never be applied undiluted or taken internally, and that only trained therapists should administer and use essential oils. The French model was developed by doctors to maintain health, care for illness, and support emotional health. These oils must be certified "Therapeutic Grade" plus be free of all contaminants. This model encourages internal use, and when needed, the undiluted or “neat” use of essential oils. The French model maintains that anyone can safely use essential oils as long as they use common sense and certified therapeutic grade oils. Our family follows the French model which is known as "Therapeutic Aromatherapy." This model is gaining popularity here in the United States as more families discover the healing benefits of essential oils.
How to Use Essential OilsPlease read “Essential Oil Safety” Definitions Neat means to use the essential oil “undiluted” or full strength Dilute means to mix the oil with a vegetable or carrier oil. Examples of carrier oils are coconut, olive, sesame seed, sweet almond, sunflower, vitamin E, wheat germ, jojoba, and grape seed. We use fractionated coconut oil or organic olive oil.
Diluting OilsPremature Babies Because their skin is thin and highly sensitive, it is recommended not to use essential oils until they are older.
Dilute 1-3 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon (tbsp.) of carrier or vegetable oil.
Dilute 1-3 drops of essential oil with 1 teaspoon (tsp.) of carrier or vegetable oil.
Application of Essential OilsThere are three main ways you can use essential oils therapeutically. They can be inhaled, applied topically on the skin, and taken internally.
Direct InhalationBenefits: This is useful for stress, anxiety, headaches, nausea, colds, coughs, respiratory and sinus congestion. The body can have a quick response to inhaled oils, in a matter of seconds. How it works: As the therapeutic molecules are breathed in, they trigger an electrical response that sends signals throughout the body. These signals (messages) stimulate different healing responses, such as increasing the body’s natural mood elevators, natural pain killers (endorphins), immune enhancers (antibodies), etc., depending on the oil used. 1. Palm Inhalation: Place 2-3 drops of essential oil in the palm of your left hand. Using the palm of your right hand, rub the oil clockwise. Cup both hands over your mouth and nose, and inhale. Repeat as necessary. Be careful not to touch your eyes. 2. Steam inhalation: Using a cup or bowl, place 4-6 drops of oil in hot water. Place a towel over your head, lean forward over the bowl, and slowly inhale. Those with asthma should be cautious. 3. Humidifier or Vaporizer: Cool mist models are the best to use as heat may reduce the oils benefits. Add 15-20 drops of essential oil to the water. *Note: Some models discourage adding anything to the water to prevent damage.
Essential Oil Diffuser4. How to use essential oils in a "Diffuser": This is an extremely effective and therapeutic way to get essential oils into your household and multiple family members. Diffusing essential oils with an “essential oil diffuser” kills airborne germs, adds fragrance, and repels insects.
If someone is ill, we place the diffuser in their bedroom at night. This allows them to breathe the oils while they sleep. It works well in fighting infections, relieving congestion, even reducing stress. The usual recommendation is to diffuse essential oils for 15 minutes every hour. I prefer diffusers that have timers. Follow the instructions that come with the diffuser.
How to use essential oils "Internally"Essential oils that are certified by the FDA as "GRAS" (generally regarded as safe) may be safely taken internally as a food supplement. Dilute in honey, agave, coconut milk, rice milk, or soy milk before ingesting. Dilute 1 drop of oil in 1 tsp. of honey or in 4 oz. of milk. Usually no more than 2-3 drops should be ingested at one time or within 4-8 hours. Some of the more potent oils, cinnamon, oregano, lemongrass, and thyme will require more dilution than the milder oils like lemon, lavender and grapefruit, which may not need to be diluted. Essential oils may be placed in capsules (size "OO") and taken orally. Dilute 50:50 with vegetable oil. Do not give oils internally to children under 6 years of age. Before taking internally: 1. Make sure the oil is listed as "GRAS" (generally regarded as safe) for internal use 2. Make sure you are using certified "Therapeutic Grade" essential oils
How to use essential oils "Topically"For Specific or Local areas: Apply 1-3 drops of essential oil. Feet: Highly Effective for all concerns Feet have large pores and absorb essential oils quickly. This is a valuable and safe way to address family health issues, including those for infants, babies and children. Feet contain numerous nerve endings or reflex points. Massaging essential oils on the reflex points offers additional benefits. These reflex points guide the oil, along the nerve pathway, to specific locations within the body…for example the lungs, sinuses, heart, liver, kidneys, spine, etc. Ears: Auricular Therapy for Physical and Emotional Health This method involves applying essential oils to the rim of the ears. Auricular or Ear Therapy is helpful for both physical and emotional issues. This method of application has been found helpful in dealing with spine issues, including spinal cord injury and neurological damage. Hand Reflexology Points on the hands also correspond to those located on the feet. This can be helpful if the feet are too sensitive or painful to apply essential oils. How to use essential oils for "Back Massage" Quick Massage I have found a simple back massage to be an effective way to care for illness, especially colds and flu. We dilute the essential oils and do a simple, quick, massage on the lower back and buttocks, and then up along the spine. I do this because bacteria and virus tend to hibernate along the spine.
In depth Back Massage There are two effective techniques for applying essential oils on the back. The “AromaTouch” Technique developed by Dr. David K. Hill, and the “Raindrop Therapy” Technique, developed by D. Gary Young, along with a Lokata Medicine Man. Anyone with a stubborn or serious health concern would greatly benefit from these therapies. Both techniques combat stress, enhance the immune system, decrease inflammation, reduce toxins, fight illness and disease, and benefit the nervous system. Each system uses specific oils, in a specific order during the massage. Perfume This is a natural way to wear pleasing fragrances, balance emotions, and even boost your immune system. How to use essential oils in a "Compress" This is a mild application that can be used on infants, children and those with sensitive skin. Fill a basin with ½ gallon of water; hot (not boiling) or cold. Use cold water if the body part is hot, dry or tender or if there are neurological problems. Add 5-15 drops of essential oil and agitate vigorously. Lay a towel on top of the water until saturated. Wring out excess water, leaving most oils in the towel. Place over desired area, and layer with an additional dry towel on top. Leave on as long as possible, 1 hour is optimal. How to use essential oils for "Bath and Shower" Add 2-3 drops of essential oils to Epsom salts, bath salts, baking soda, or a bath gel base before adding to the bath water. You can make aromatic bath gels by adding 5-15 drops of oil to ½ oz. of unscented bath gel base. Shower - Add 3-6 drops of oil to a bath gel base. Apply to a wash cloth or loofa sponge and wash body. How to use essential oils as a "Body Spray" - Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Shake well and spray over body after bathing or showering. How to use essential oils in your "Household" There are many ways to use essential oils in your household. They clean, disinfect, eliminate odors, cut grease, and repel insects…and much more. Home to "Essential Oils for Families" from "How to use Essential Oils" Aromatherapy Benefits Essential Oil Safety These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. In strict accordance with FDA regulations the information and products on this website are not intended to treat, cure, prevent, mitigate or diagnose any illness or disease.
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Infants and small children
Children 2-5 years Old
This quick back massage, along with a foot massage on the reflex points, has enabled us to quickly care for body aches, colds, and flu… adults as well as children.
