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Methods of Essential Oils
Methods of Essential Oil Application
Pure Essential Oils have a wide range of therapeutic benefits. The method applied can affect the results you receive. First of all, please remember that almost no Essential Oil should be applied neat (undiluted) to the skin. "Normal dilution" is 2.5%, i.e. 15 drops of the Essential Oil or synergistic blend to one ounce of carrier oil. Less is more when we speak of these powerful healing essences.
The most popular or common way that the oils are usually administered, in the USA at least, is through an Aromatherapy Massage. Blend your chosen blend or single oil into your choice of carrier.
Please bear in mind that from a scientific standpoint the path the oils take to affect our bodies is through the olfactory system. It is by inhaling the aromatic chemicals that comprise these natural oils that they affect our central nervous system, and cross the "blood-brain" barrier. The issue of whether the oils are absorbed through the skin is often hotly contested. Traditionally, aroma therapists have believed and taught that the oils did enter the skin during massage, but modern testing indicates that this may well be wrong. So many other methods of delivery that allow you to inhale the volatile aromatics may be at least as effective.
The choice of delivery method often depends on the intended goal.
FOR SKIN CARE:
Facial Steam For skin care, part of a deep cleansing routine: 5 or 6 drops in a pint of warm water or in facial streamer.
Facial Masque Add 3 to 5 drops to moistened clay, honey, mashed avocado, egg white, etc.
Facial Oil Blend Use up to 15 drops of Essential Oil to your chosen carrier oil or unscented cream or lotion.
Dry Bushing Brush with 2 or 3 drops of a stimulating Essential Oil (rosemary or pink grapefruit are good choices if not contraindicated) to the bristles and brush your skin, from the toes up to the heart, from the fingers to the heart, always working from the extremities toward the heart. Brush lightly but cover your whole body. This is effective either before or after your morning shower. I would omit the face and neck from this process.
FOR SINUS OR BRONCHIAL PROBLEMS:
Inhalation Add 5 to 7 drops to a bowl of steaming hot water; put a "towel tent" over the head to capture the steam. Close your eyes and inhale until water cools or until you stop smelling the oil. Repeat, if necessary, every four or five hours.
Humidifier Add from 3 to 9 drops of your chosen Essential Oil to the water of the humidifier (cool mist). Run overnight, or add the Essential Oils two or three times a day if running continuously. Please note; the Essential Oils can conceivably damage a humidifier. I've never had this happen, but it is a slight risk. This is an effective method is using the Essential Oils with a sick child, since there is no risk of danger from hot water, etc.
GENERAL USE FOR COLDS, FLU, SORE MUSCLES, AND RELATION
Bath Add from 5 to 12 drops in a tub of warm water. Fill tub, add oils, swish to disperse in the water. You might try adding the oils to a spoonful of honey, a small cup of milk or cream, or to your favorite carrier oil, and then adding to the water.
Compress Excellent for topical application to ease pain from strained muscles, menstrual cramps, etc. Add 4 to 7 drops of Essential Oil to a bowl of warm water. Swish the surface of the water with a cloth, wiring out, apply to area, repeat when cloth cools. You may cover the warm cloth with a sheet of plastic and a towel to keep the warmth in longer. This is an excellent method for treating painful menstrual cramps.
Jacuzzi Add 3 drops of Essential Oil per person. This may be repeated every 30 minutes. Be aware that some sources warn that the oils may do damage to plastic plumbing.
Shower After a shower, apply 5 to 7 drops to a damp washcloth. Rub briskly all over the body. Preferably allow to air dry.
Bath Salts Use a blend of Epsom Salts (good for sore, aching muscles), Sea Salt, and Baking Soda. Add 6 to 10 drops of your chosen oil blend. Either add to warm bath, or use as a "salt glow" rub before the bath. Adding a spoonful of your favorite carrier oil to the salt glow leaves your skin feeling soft and silky, but makes the tub harder to clean.
HOUSEHOLD USE
Laundry
General Cleaning Use Lemon or Grapefruit Essential Oil, possibly with a touch of Tea Tree oil added, in the water you clean with. Wipe down kitchen counters and your bathroom with these cleaning, germicidal oils. I find that Lemon Oil in water does a wonderful job cleaning the bathroom mirror, as well as all the fixtures.
Washing Dishes Lemon oil is a great grease cutter; I add a few drops to the dish pan.
Flavoring Either add a drop or two of a citrus, spice, or floral Essential Oil to a cup of honey, mix well and let stand OR put a couple of drops of the same Essential Oil on a scrap of paper towel, lay on top of a jar of sugar, seal tightly and let stand for a week. Add the flavor of the fresh plant to sugar for tea, baking, etc.
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