How To
Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are the life-giving resin found in all plant life that
delivers the nutrients that produce strong and healthy plants very similar
to the function of our blood. Essential oils may enhance oxygen uptake,
absorption and utilization. The ancient Egyptian discovered that essential
oils possessed valuable substances which produced many benefits for the
body, mind and spirit. As you begin to use them, you are certain to discover
why these oils were important to this ancient people. Pure oils are very
concentrated, and a few drops can product significant effects; so please
begin slowly to properly determine your body's response.
Topical Application
When using natural products, only your body knows how it is going
to respond. Essential oils are soluble with the lipids in the skin and
in most cases easily penetrate it and are absorbed into the bloodstream.
They may be worn like perfume or cologne and can be applied "neat" (full-strength)
or diluted using many carrier oils such as JoJoba or Grapeseed oil. As
a rule, since essential oils are one of nature's most concentrated potent
extracts, dilution is strongly recommended for those who:
are FIRST TIME USERS
have SENSITIVE or FAIR SKIN
are applying them to SENSITIVE AREAS of the body (i.e., face, neck,
etc)
are trying a NEW OIL or BLEND OF OILS
are INFANTS or CHILDREN
If one oil is layered over another, allow enough time between applications
to gauge the body's reaction before applying another oil.
Recommended Dilution
Use 1-3 drops of an essential oil blended with 1/2 teaspoon carrier oil.
More or less dilution might be desirable, depending on skin sensitivity,
type of oil used, and the degree of effect desired. Take a careful, measured
approach when using any essential oil and adjust both the quantity of oil
used and the amount of dilution in accordance with the body's response.
CAUTION: If the skin becomes irritated of if oil gets into the eyes, immediately
flush with any vegetable oil and call your health practitioner.
MSDS regulations recommend flushing with water. However, through our experience,
we have found that it is better to use vegetable oil to dilute an essential
oil. You may use water, but this may cause considerable discomfort.
Detoxification Problems
Many people have reported that when applying too many different oils
or too much of one oil, the body may be subjected to a cleansing response
which can cause headaches, rashes, nausea, burning, diarrhea, etc. Should
this occur, simply reduce the amount of oil used and the number of times
applied and drink plenty of purified water. Ask your health practitioner
to monitor any detoxification.
Caution: If you have used liberal amounts of cosmetics, shampoos,
perms, hair coloring, hair sprays, deodorants; or products containing chemicals,
petrochemicals and many synthetic ingredients (watch out for sodium lauryl
sulfate), you may have an unpleasant cleansing experience. When using pure
essential oils, some people experience the release of stored toxins through
the skin, especially on the face and neck area. For this reason, you should
always start with 1-2 drops of oil diluted with 1/2 teaspoon Carrier Oil.
Rarely is there a problem, but it is best to be cautious
until you see how your body responds.
Feet: Applying 4-6 drops of oil to the bottom of each foot is
a popular way to begin. Oils may be rubbed on the Reflexology points of the
foot. All oils can be applied neet to the feet. However,
because so many people have chemical sensitivity, it is always best to
dilute the first time.
On Location: After applying the oils to the bottoms of the feet,
you may want to go to a specific location. Just add a few drops (1-5) of
oil diluted with 1/2 - 1 tsp. Carrier Oil and rub over the area. If
you are using the oils for the first time, wait at least 15-30 minutes
before using a second oil, allowing the body time to respond. If you are
accustomed to the oils, use them neet (undiluted) at your own discretion.
Layering: If using more than one oil, simply apply each oil separately,
allowing enough time between each application to gauge the body's response.
This was the method traditionally used by the ancient Egyptians.
Compress: Rub 1-3 drops over location (diluted or undiluted depending
on the oil) and cover with a hot, wet towel. Place a dry towel over the
wet towel and leave for 10-60 minutes. As the oil penetrates, you may have
a warm or slightly burning sensation,. If any skin irritation becomes evident,
rub Carrier Oil over the area. The burning should subside in several minutes. Discoloration of the cloth might
appear due to the body's excretion of toxins.
Massage: A few drops (5-10) of an essential oil may also be added
to any massage oil base.
Bathing: Essential oils in a warm bath are a delightful treat.
Diffusing and Inhalation
An aromatic diffuser is one of the simplest and most effective methods
of dispersing essential oils into the air for inhalation. A diffuser consists
of an oil well, nebulizer (glass tube) and
air pump, designed to disperse the oils in a micro-fine mist into the air.
Research shows that diffusing may help reduce bacteria, fungus, mold, and
unpleasant odors. It not only freshens the air with natural fragrance but
also helps you relax and relieve tension creating an atmosphere of peace
and harmony. Put enough drops (30-40) into the diffuser well to send the
mist up the nebulizer and into the air.
Direct Inhalation
Put several drops of an essential oil into the palms of the hands and
with hands cupped, breathe deeply for greater inhalation.
Additional Benefits
Cooking: Many of the oils are excellent as food flavoring and
as a dietary supplement. Because they are so concentrated, usually 1-2
drops of oil will be sufficient. Oils should be added after cooking to
conserve all their benefits. Oils that are certified as safe and edible
in the 1996 edition of the Foods Chemical Codes (FCC) (National Academy
of Sciences) should be used.
Cleaning: A few drops of oil may be added to the dishwater or
washing machine to help promote greater hygiene. Some favorite oils are
lemon, peppermint, bergamot, etc.
Important Tips
Never Mix Essential Oils With Water. Most Essential oils are not
water soluble. If they burn a little or you get them in your eyes by accident,
always dilute Carrier Oil or any
pure vegetable oil. Do not add water as water drives the oils in
deeper, creating more skin irritation. Call your health care practitioner
immediately. Those who wear contacts should take extra precaution as oils
with high phenol content, such as cinnamon, oregano, thyme, clove,
lemongrass, bergamot, etc., may cause sticking problems with
contacts against the eye tissue or damage the surface of the contacts,
rendering them useless.
Do Not Take Oils Internally. The FDA has not approved essential
oils for internal use. Topical application have equal or greater benefit
as the oils are soluble with the lipids in the skin and are easily absorbed.
Do Not Use Citrus Oils When Exposed To Direct Sunlight. Citrus
oils such as lemon, orange, grapefruit, tangerine, bergamot,
etc., are photosensitive and may cause a rash or pigmentation changes.
Apply 1-2 drops of diluted oil to see how your skin responds.
Never Put Directly In Eyes Or Ears. Apply only around the opening
and always dilute.
When Pregnant, consult your qualified health practitioner. Based
on an experiment in England, a few drops of clary sage caused a contraction
when put on the exposed uterus of a rat, it was decided that clary sage
might cause an abortion-even though not one case in humans has been recorded.
Nevertheless, we suggest that you be cautious with the oils, such as clary
sage, sage and fennel, which have active constituents with hormone-like
activity. Apply around ankles, lower back and stomach.
For Babies And Children, always dilute 1-2 drops with 1/2 - 1
tsp. Carrier Oil or any vegetable oil.
Children love the oils and derive the same benefit as adults. Should a
child ever swallow an oil, give the child milk, cream, half-&-half
or any other oil soluble liquid to dilute the oil and call your local poison
control center or seek immediate emergency medical attention. A few drops
of a pure essential oil are not likely to be life-threatening; but for
your protection, it is best to follow this procedure.
Spice, Conifer, and Citrus Oils Can Be Caustic To The Skin. Spice
oils include nutmeg, ginger, pepper, basil, cinnamon, marjoram and thyme.
Conifer oils include juniper, spruce, pine and birch. It is always best
to dilute these oils. Particular care should be exercised with cinnamon,
lemongrass, oregano, and thyme, as they are some of the strongest and most
caustic.
Essential Oils Should Be Kept Away From Light And Heat. If stored
properly, they will maintain their maximum potency for many years. The
brown bottles are specifically selected for this reason.
The preceding statements have not
been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are
not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Prices are
subject to change without notice.
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