How To Safely Use Essential Oils Beginners Guide
Beginning essential oils? Don't believe all that you read on the internet! Read this first- How To Safely Use Essential Oils Beginners Guide
The number one question asked is "How do I use, which oil do I use, and where do I put it?" That totals 3 questions but shows how essential oils can be very overwhelming to a beginner! There are 2 main ways to use essential oils- topically (put on your skin) and aromatically (smelling the oils). Many people choose to ingest their oils as well. There are no essential oils (none- seriously!) approved by the FDA for internal consumption. Our oils are bottled in a US beverage bottling facility which follows all of the food safety regulations. Any internal consumption of any oils should be done only under the advisement of a certified aromatherapist. Despite the trend right now of ingesting essential oils, it can have dangerous results. The therapeutic benefits of the essential oils can be obtained much safer by inhalation or topical usage.
Topical Application- Essential oils need to be diluted in order to safely use. This helps the oil absorb better into the skin and cover a larger area, the carrier also greatly reduces the amount of oil that evaporates before being absorbed. More is not better when it comes to oils. They are so concentrated a little goes a very long way. You can dilute with any pure carrier oil but most people use fractionated coconut oil (fco). It is not greasy, has no smell, and won't stain clothes. It is a great choice to allow the true benefits of the oils to shine! Dilution amounts depend on the user's age and health- we have a handy chart here. If you are looking to fill your bookshelf with resources, this is the one I would start with: The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness by Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele. Easy to read and full of reliable information.
Aromatic use is the most straight-forward and easy way to use essential oils. It can be as simple as smelling your bottle of oil! You can also purchase an essential oil diffuser, wear an essential oil necklace or bracelet, or use a nasal inhaler. Make sure to store your oils in the original bottles or dark colored glass bottles. If using plastic containers for recipes, they need to be HDPE, Plastic 1 (PETE) or Plastic 2 bottles if using citrus oils- anything else will break down.
That covers the how, now the what and where! A lot of essential oil usage is trial and error, an oil that works great for one person may not have an effect on the other. Below are a list of our oils and how they may be used:
Bergamot- can be calming and soothing, good for massage, diffuse to increase self-confidence and decrease tension
Birch- can be soothing and warming for muscles, may improve skin appearance, diffuse to uplift mood
Cedarwood- can be grounding, calming, good for meditation, can improve breathing passages, helps repel insects
Cinnamon Leaf- great for cleaning, can be used as a bug repellent, diffuse for a cozy feeling in fall and winter months, also great for a warming massage
Clary Sage- use for relief during monthly cycle, can help relieve stress, apply to feet for more restful sleep
Clove Bud- is a strong anti-oxidant, can uplift mood, repel bugs, improve digestion, and ease tooth pain by numbing
Eucalyptus- supports a healthy respiratory system, can help clear congestion, can improve mental clarity, repels bugs
Frankincense- improves focus and eases tension, can uplift mood, skin rejuvenator, a great go-to oil for everything
Geranium- dilute and use for skin moisturizer, great in homemade deodorants, gives calming sensation when diffused, naturally repels insects
Ginger- supports healthy digestion, can ease motion symptoms, has anti-oxidant properties, can increase energy when diffused
Lavender- helps calm and relax, can soothe skin and improve appearance, add to bedding to have more restful sleep
Lemon- diffuse to improve mood, great for cleaning, can improve digestion
Lemongrass- great during massages, can improve skin, natural bug repellent, diffuse to improve energy levels
Lime- diffusing can improve mood and increase energy, can help with focus, great for cleaning and also removes sticker residue
Marjoram- can be grounding, calming, good for meditation, can massage on sore muscles, put on bottom of feet to improve sleep
Oregano- anti-oxidant, helps support healthy immune system, great for cleaning, has been used as anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
Patchouli- great for homemade body products, can increase skin glow and decrease appearance of blemishes, calming and grounding
Peppermint- can help relieve indigestion, has been used to decrease overheating, diffuse for a great energy boost, can also relieve tension
Pine Needle- great to diffuse to purify the air, naturally repels insects, can improve respiratory symptoms
Pink Grapefruit- can improve appearance of skin blemishes, can help increase energy, diffusing during dieting helps with motivation
Roman Chamomile- calming and grounding, diffuse at night for restful sleep, skin soothing
Rosemary- can increase concentration, add to shampoo for thick hair, can improve fatigue, diffuse to decrease stress
Spearmint- helps relieve stomach discomfort, diffuse to increase concentration and improve mood, helps relieve muscle tension
Sweet Orange- great for cleaning and air purification, diffuse to increase energy, has been used to decrease stress and tension
Tangerine- diffuse to increase energy and improve mood, has anti-oxidant properties, can decrease muscle pain
Tea Tree (Melaleuca)- excellent for many skin issues, has been used as anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, diffuse to improve respiratory issues
Vetiver- calming and grounding, great in homemade perfumes, apply to feet to encourage restful sleep
Ylang Ylang- diffuse to calm and improve mood, has anti-oxidant properties, has been used to improve libido
Caution: Avoid essential oils when pregnant, particularly in the first trimester. Always test for skin sensitivity prior to widespread use. Excessive use of any oil can lead to skin sensitization. Keep out of eyes, ears, or nose. Keep oils tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Do not ingest essential oils unless guided by a trained professional.