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How do essential oils
work? |
Essential oils work in different
ways depending on the method of application. See below for
examples.
When
applied directly to the skin:
Because of the small size of the essential oil molecules, when
applied directly to the skin they are quickly absorbed into the
skin (some as quickly as 20 minutes) and are carried by the
bloodstream to various areas of the body.
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 Bath
– For aromatherapy purposes, essential oils can be added
directly to the bath water. Depending on the essential
oil, 5-10 drops in a full bath is recommended. The water
should be warm but not hot. Add the essential oils right
before getting into the water, and swish the water
around with your hand to disperse the concentration of
essential oils.
Bath
Oil – For aromatherapy
purposes, add 10-15 drops of essential oil per ounce of
bath oil. Our
l is
perfect for use with essential oils in the bath.
Sea
Salts – Essential oils can
also be used in the bath with sea salts, creating a
unique synergy between the health benefits of both the
salts and the essential oils. The extraordinary health
benefits of sea salts have been recognized for thousands
of years. Sea salts are packed with minerals, and a
lukewarm bath should be used for proper absorption of
these minerals. Use 5-10 drops of essential oils per cup
of sea salts. Swish the water around with your hand to
disperse the concentration of essential oils and aid in
the dissolving of the salts. Soak for 30 minutes,
drinking plenty of water during and after your soak.
Massage
– For aromatherapy purposes, add 10-15 drops of
essential oil per ounce of massage oil.
Lotions/Creams
– For aromatherapy purposes, add 10-15 drops of
essential oil per ounce of lotion or creams.
Compress
– Great for treating muscular aches and pains, sprains,
bruises, and menstrual cramps. Use a cold compress
immediately after an injury, and a hot compress for
menstrual cramps and older injuries. Add 5-7 drops of
essential oil to 2 cups of water, mix together and then
place a wash cloth into the water. Wring the wash cloth
out and place on the area to be treated. Allow the
compress to cool/heat to body temperature before
removing it. |
When inhaled:
the essential oil molecules travel
through the nose to the olfactory bulb, where olfactory nerves
carry messages to the limbic system (the part of the brain which
controls vital body functions). Messages are then sent
throughout the brain and body, stimulating the parts of the body
that are responsible for organ functions, secretions of
hormones, antibodies and other immunological defenses.
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Steam
Inhalation – Bring 2 cups of
water to a boil, remove from heat and let the water cool
for 5-10 minutes (or amount of time necessary to prevent
burns, be sure and test before using). Add 2-5 drops of
essential oil to the water immediately before inhaling.
Place a towel over your head and the pan of water and
inhale the vapors for 5-10 minutes. This method can be
used 2-3 times a day to treat respiratory congestion.
NOTE: ALWAYS keep eyes closed while inhaling vapors
and when your face is over the steam.
Diffuser
– There are many types of diffusers, ranging from clay
pots to nebulizers with air pumps for aerial dispersion
of essential oil molecules. These work well for
fragrancing a room, and for killing airborne viruses and
bacteria.
Handkerchief
- Place 2-4 drops of essential
oils on a handkerchief or other cloth. Hold the
handkerchief or cloth in the palm of your hand and
inhale deeply 2-3 times through the nose |
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Are there any essential oils that
should not be used? |
Yes, not all essential oils are beneficial to the human body.
The following essential oils should not be used: bitter almond,
boldo leaf, buchu, cade, calamus, yellow or brown camphor,
costus, elecampane, horseradish, jaborandi leaf, mugwort,
mustard, pennyroyal, rue, sassafras, savin, southernwood, tansy,
thuja, wintergreen, wormseed, and wormwood.
In addition to the above, during pregnancy, the following
essential oils are not advised: aniseed, basil, bay laurel,
birch, camphor, citronella, cistus, clary sage, clove,
cedarwood, chamomile (until second trimester), cinnamon, cumin,
cypress, eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, geranium (until third
trimester), hyssop, Indian ginger, jasmine, juniper, lavender
(until second trimester), lemongrass, marjoram, myrrh, nutmeg,
oregano, peppermint, rose (until third trimester), rosemary,
sage, star anise, tarragon, and thyme.
For more information on essential oils, check out
these sources:
Lawless, Julia. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils.
Element Books, Inc., 1995.
Tisserand, Robert B. The Art of Aromatherapy. Healing Arts
Press, 1977.
Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils &
Aromatherapy. New World Library, 1991.
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