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.