How to Use Aromatherapy Essential Oils

Essential oils should never be put near the eyes or in the ear canal. Aromatherapy massage is a very effective way of using the oils, combining their properties with the therapeutic power of touch. Diffusing the oils through a cool air system is the finest method for direct inhalation. The pure essential oil remains with all of its properties intact and escapes into the air where it may be of benefit after the aromatherapy diffusing is complete.

• Aromatherapy Bath Bags: Put your choice of fresh herbs and/or aromatic flowers into a muslin bag with 5 or 6 drops of essential oil and tie closed with string or ribbon. Place string or ribbon around the faucets and let it hang in the flow of hot water while the bathtub is filling.
• Aromatherapy Bath Salts: Add 5 drops of essential oil to every handful of Epsom or Dead Sea salts. Pour this mixture into your bath after it is full, otherwise you will lose a lot of the beneficial effects of bathing with essential oils. (Two handfuls is plenty for a full bath.)
• Aromatherapy Moisturizing Bath: Add 6 to 8 drops of essential oil to a teaspoonful of a moisturizing oil. The oil helps ensure an even distribution of oils in your bath.
• Aromatherapy Foot and Hand Baths: Add 4 to 6 drops of essential oil diluted in moisturizing oil to a basin of warm or hot water. Soak hands or feet for about 10 minutes.
• The Aromatherapy Sauna: Add 2 or 3 drops to 17 fl oz (500ml) of warm water and throw it on the heat source. The fresh-scented oils such as Pine, Juniper, Myrtle, Eucalyptus or Cedarwood are the best to use in a sauna. The rich floral-scented oils such as Lavender, Ylang Ylang or Patchouli will go to your head and should not be used in the sauna.
• Aromatherapy Massage: The best time for essential oils to be applied in a massage is right after a warm bath when your pores are still open and will absorb the essential oils quickly. Always make sure to use a good base oil. A standard dilution for massage oil is: 5 ml base oil with 2 to 3 drops of essential oil; 15 ml base oil with 6 to 7 drops of essential oils; 25 ml base oil with 12 to 13 drops of essential oils; 50 ml base oil with 25 drops of essential oils; 100 ml base oil with 50 drops of essential oils. Please remember that you need to store your oil in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Amber or blue colored glass containers work best. (25 ml of carrier oil with 12 to 13 drops of essential oils is the maximum for a full body massage.) DO NOT exceed the maximum of 1 full body massage with essential oils per 24 hours.
• Aromatherapy Vaporizer: Add a few drops of essential oils to the bowl of a vaporizer, place a small candle underneath and when the essential oils heat up they will release their therapeutic qualities. If you find your essential oils evaporating too quickly, mix a little water with them to slow the evaporization rate. Due to the open flame needed with this type of vaporizer, be sure to place out of the reach of children and pets.
• Aromatherapy Electric Diffuser/Aromatherapy Vaporizer: These are particularly good to use around children as there is no open flame. Follow the instructions enclosed with your diffuser.
• Aromatherapy Steam Inhalation: Vaporization is a good way to help keep stable humidity levels in any room. Add a few drops of essential oils to a bowl of hot water and place the bowl on the radiator, a vent or any other source of heat. Direct steam inhalation is very good for congestions (sinus, chest, etc.). Add 5 to 6 drops of essential oils to a bowl or basin of steaming hot water and lean over it until you can breath in the steam. For a more concentrated effect, place a towel over both your head and the bowl while inhaling the steam.
• Aromatherapy Scented Fabrics: A good way to fight coughs and colds is to sprinkle a few drops of essential oil onto a piece of cloth (handkerchief, pillow, pajamas, etc.). Note: essential oils are volatile (evaporate easily) and will generally not stain your clothing.
• Aromatherapy Hot/Cold Compresses: Add 5 to 6 drops of essential oils into 500 ml of steaming water. Stir and then dip a clean cloth into the steaming water, squeeze the excess back into the bowl and then apply as needed.
• Aromatherapy Disinfectant: To disinfect clothes or diapers add 50 drops of essential oils to a bowl of warm water or add the same amount of essential oils to your machine's rinse water. You can also add 50 drops of essential oils to a bucket of warm water to use for general household cleaning and disinfecting.
• Aromatherapy Furniture and Wood: Add a few drops of essential oils to a carrier oil before using to scent your furniture or other wooden items.
• Aromatherapy Sachets and Aromatherapy Pillows: Add a few drops of essential oils to some dried herbs and fill a small linen or lace sachet. These can be used to protect clothes or to simply scent whatever area they are put in.
• Aromatherapy Scented Paper and Ink: Add a few drops of essential oils to a cotton ball and place in a box with the paper you want scented. Keep box closed for at least 10 days. You can also add a couple of drops to your ink.

Sharon