How Are Essential Oils Used?

How are essential oils used?

Essential oils are used in a few different ways depending on need and preference. Probably the best known way to use essential oils is aromatically. Aromatherapy, put simply, is using essential oils or other aromatic compounds to alter your mood, state of mind, or physiology. Aromatherapy has been in use for thousands of years with varying degrees of success and documentation. Many essential oils have qualities that are helpful on the microbial level with bacteria, funguses, and viruses. For example, the simple, soothing, scent of lavender can help one to relax but lavender also has been shown to be an effective antiseptic and is very effective with cuts and burns. Commonly people will rely on simply smelling the oil in undiluted form, using steam to carry the oils, or a diffuser that runs a stream of air over a mixture of water and oils to create a fine mist. But even just cleaning or topical use with the right essential oils can help aromatically. The simple act of smelling the right compound can have a distinct physiological effect on you.

Topical use has become perhaps the most common use of essential oils. Topical use means that the oil is applied directly to the skin. Sometimes the oil might be diluted with a 'carrier oil' but in some cases the oil is placed on in pure form. The beauty of topical use of essential oils is that because they are in essence oil soluble and have a very small molecular structure they can pass directly through the skin and enter the bloodstream. This results in very quick entry by the oils to the problem area. Sometimes the oil is applied directly to a problem area, but often the oil might be applied in other locations. Sometimes oil might be applied to the back of the neck  to stimulate the nervous system. Often, as counterintuitive as is seems, essential oil might be applied to the foot or maybe the ear based on accupressure charts which are easily available. This turns out to be a very effective method. Case in point, many people find that using a drop of doTERRA's Breathe on the feet at bedtime is an effective remedy for snoring.

Finally, ingestion is another method for using essential oils. This can be done in a capsule or by mixing the oil into food or beverage. There has been less clinical research on this method but very strong empirical evidence and mounting research shows essential oils to be very effective in this regard as well. For example, couple of drops of peppermint in your drinking water has a quick and powerful effect on your stomach, headaches, and general energy level. 

It is an important thing to keep in mind that not all essential oils are created equal. Not all are oils are fit for ingestion as designed by nature and not all producers of essential oil have the same high standards. Additionally government regulations leave room for vagaries and marketing can sometimes be misleading. It is highly recommended that you use Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils such as doTERRA essential oils. Certified pure guarantee that there are no fillers or contaminants. Finally the most important thing is to educate yourself by reading and vetting resources and asking the opinions of those whose opinions you value in this area. I am always available if you have questions and would like a bit of guidance. If you wish you may use the contact information on this page for more information.