How to use essential oils – A Guide for Dummies

Almost everyone, I believe has heard about the wonders of using natural essential oils to remedy many ailments and modern day diseases (this includes mental stress or depression, which is very prevalent considering the economic situation nowadays). Essential oils have long been established to have medicinal values and have been used traditionally in many different cultures and tribes all over the world. Having said that, how are essential oils utilized to our benefit?

There are many ways to use one particular essential oil. The more passionate user would probably mix a few types of essential oils to get a synergistic result. Some essential oils work better together compared to others – for example, oils to remedy bloating, for relaxing or for respiratory ailments and such.

It is crucial to mention for a start that essential oils are very potent liquids that should not be used undiluted on the skin. Dosages for adults, pregnant women and children would differ and is dependent on the condition being treated as well. The usual advice would be:

Adults – Add 5-6 drops of essential oil to 10 ml of carrier oil.
Children, Pregnant
Women & Elderly people – Add 2 drops of essential oil to 10 ml of carrier oil
Infants – Add 1 drop of essential oil to 10 ml of carrier oil

1) Massage (Dermal Absorption)
Most people use essential oil blends in direct contact with the skin by adding a few drops into carrier oils. This oil blends can be used for massage on the body, massage for the scalp, facial point massage or as a moisturizer. This is great for babies, children and even pregnant ladies (gentle massage). People are usually advised not to take a bath after an aroma oil massage to maximize the benefits of the essential oil, which can last up to about eight hours.

2) Nasal Inhalation
- Direct Inhalation
This is the fastest way to apply essential oils. You can put a few drops of essential oils on a tissue or a handkerchief and let the smell waft around your nose/ face. Take care not to touch the essential oil on your skin as it may cause burning. Inhale deeply for better results.

- Steam Inhalation
Alternatively, there is the steam inhalation, whereby you could add a few drops of the chosen essential oils to a tub of hot water and cover your head over this tub with a towel, leaning over with your eyes closed and inhaling deeply for up to five minutes. Asthmatics as well as people with sensitive/ delicate skin should avoid this step.
Inhalation is commonly used to treat colds, headaches, sinus and other respiratory ailments/ head congestion or fainting spells.

3) Baths
A warm, fragrant bath can be particularly relaxing after a stressful day at work. You can add 4-6 drops of your favorite essential oils or essential oil blends directly into your tub of warm water. Just remember to agitate the water to disperse the oil since oil and water generally do not mix. Alternatively, you can add some milk to the bath water to help disperse the oils – guaranteed to leave your skin feeling smooth and supple, as well as to alleviate your mental tension.

4) Compresses
Compresses are typically used to deliver essential oils to a particular area of the body. They can be used to warm or cool an area and are beneficial for fluid or lymphatic congestion, muscular aches & pains, headaches, migraines or inflamed skin conditions.
Pour 100ml of water into a bowl. Add 4-5 drops of essential oil and swish well. Soak material or face washer in water, wring and cover the affected area. Keep reapplying compress as required.
For a Warm compress apply a hot water bottle over compress. Useful for muscle aches & pains
For a Cold compress apply ice pack wrapped in a towel over compress. Useful for irritated skin conditions, swellings and headaches.

5) Spritzers/ Room Mists
You can add your favorite essential oil or oil blend into water and use it as a spritzer to energize or refresh yourself, especially after a long and tiring flight or travel (Lavender oils are usually recommended for this use). Similarly, you can create your own room mists and spray it to the air around you. Typically, 20-25 drops of essential oil are mixed to about 50 ml of water. Remember that oil and water do not mix, thus the blend has to be shaken rigorously before use. A good mixture of essential oil can influence your mood and have many therapeutic benefits.

6) Candle Aroma Burner/ Oil Burner
Essential oils or blends can be used in burners, whereby the scent is infused into the air using heat from the candle. To do this, simply fill the burner bowl with water and add 6-10 drops of essential oil depending on the size of the room and light a candle. It is important to make sure that the burner is on a stable, heat-resistant surface and out of the reach of children, pets or other flammable materials to avoid a fire hazard. Remember to blow out the candle after use.
Alternatively, essential oils or blends can also be applied directly onto an unscented candle to the partially melted wax portion. It is best to do this by lighting up the candle, waiting for the wax to melt partially, blowing out the candle, adding the oil, and then relighting the candle.

7) Vaporizer
Lastly, electric vaporizers are considered a safer and more effective way to diffuse oils, especially in the presence of young children, in public places, spas, workplaces and even in hospitals.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.