How do we use essential oils?
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Hello you,
I assume you are here because you are curious to learn more about how to use essential oils in a safe and efficient manner. That makes our hearts happy:)
Normally there are several routes of absorption like inhalation (olfaction), topical (skin) application, ingestion, vaginal and rectal application. Our company only teaches and advocates for inhalation and skin application!
The rest should be only performed under the supervision of a physician of clinical aromatherapist. In this post we are discussing ingestion just to shed some light and provide accurate information.
1. Inhalation
Inhalation also called olfaction basically means breathing the volatile compounds. It can be done directly from the bottle, your palms, a personal inhaler or room diffuser. It is considered the safest method with 75% absorption chances. Also, this has the fastest effect on behavior and emotions since the olfactory nerve is situated very close to the limbic brain.
When to use this method? When you are experiencing breathing issues, headaches or for emotional purposes: relieve anxiety, improve mood, clean the air or simply to recall how good lavender or orange smell!
A brilliant idea is adding 1 drop on your mask- it will feel like a tiny diffuser close to your nostrils! And it will keep the germs away:)
If you have a diffuser with ultrasounds or nebulizer you can use it to disperse the oil and clean the air in the room. The diffuser with candle can also work but for very small spaces.
Of course, essential oils can be used for cleaning not only the air, but also your house. We will tackle this in a separate article.
2. Topical application
Topical application means applying the oil on the skin. The absorption rate is 10-12%, however in reality it might be higher since when we apply topically, we also inhale without realizing.
Be careful: essential oils should not be applied undiluted on the skin. Usually, they are mixed with carriers beforehand.
When we say skin that can mean anywhere on the body from the scalp to the limbs and orifices like mouth, vagina or anus. However, for starters keep essential oils out of any orifice. Never use for ears!
When to use this method? For any pain or physical issue you need to apply as close to the ailing spot as possible. Obviously, this method is best for skin issues.
Let’s take some examples.
If you experience a headache you will be applying diluted oil on the forehead and scalp and massage the area.
If you have an eczema or rash you will apply directly on the affected skin patch. You got the gist:)
This method can be employed for massage, aromatherapy baths and feet soak as well. Likewise, essential oils can be applied on the neck area instead of perfume.
3. Ingestion
Ingestion means taking essential oils internally. It allows an absorption of 90-95% of the oils, however it bears risks.
When to use this method? Only when the other 2 methods are considered not strong enough. However, this must be done only under the supervision of a doctor or certified clinical aromatherapist. Not any aromatherapist can prescribe such a scheme. They need special formation in human anatomy and pharmacology.
What are the risks of ingestion? This is a very sensitive and debated topic, considering there are MLM companies advising to ingest. However, all reputed aromatherapy institutes with tens of years of research like AIA (Alliance of International Aromatherapists), NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy) or Robert Tisserand who wrote “Essential Oil Safety” are warning against this method if risks are not assessed.
There are oils that increase or lower blood pressure, oils that thin the blood or can interact with certain medicine like antidepressants or diabetic treatment. As an example, 1 full tea spoon of eucalyptus of wintergreen oil can be fatal to a child if ingested, same way as is ingesting a handful of pills. That is why you should make sure essential oils in pure form are kept away from small children, same as you would with any other medicine.
Be safe and make informed decisions,
The Oil Stories Team