Essential oils are highly concentrated and must be diluted before use. They are not to be taken and nor should they be put directly onto the skin. The methods of use are many and varied. Below are the most commonly practiced applications in Aromatherapy.
In Essence recommends choosing 3 essential oils to create a harmonious blend.
Vaporising
Fill the top of the vaporiser with water, choose 3 essential oils and add 2 drops of each essential oil to the water, light the candle or switch on the electric vaporizer. In Essence vaporizers are specially baked to prevent delicate essential oil molecules from being damaged.
Massage
To make up a massage blend, choose 3 essential oils and add 2 drops of each essential oil to 12mls of Massage Base Oil.
Spritz
Choose three essential oils. Add 2 drops of each essential oil to a 100 ml spritz bottle filled with water. Shake well before spritzing the surrounding air. Keep away from eyes.
Bathing
Add 3 drops in total of chosen oils to one teaspoon of Sweet Almond Massage Base Oil before dispersing into bath water. Agitate the surface of the bath and then immerse body and relax for 10 minutes. Remember not all oils are suitable for use in the bath. Avoid herbs and citrus as they may over stimulate the nerve endings in the skin.
Inhalation
Add 3 drops in total of your chosen essential oils to a bowl of hot steamy water. Place a towel over your head and inhale deeply for 10 minutes. The essential oils molecules are absorbed via your respiratory system into your body.
Compress
Choose 3 essential oils and add 2 drops of each essential oil to a basin of warm water. Agitate the water thoroughly. Soak a face cloth in the water, wring out slightly, press the cloth to the face, holding for 5 seconds. Release and repeat.
Direct Method
There are some specific cases where essential oils may be used neat on the skin. When a very small area of the skin is to be treated, the Direct Method can be applied. Add 1 drop of pure essential oil to the tip of a cotton bud. Apply directly to the small affected area. Choose 1 oil only.
Hair Rinse
Choose three essential oils. Add 2 drops of each essential oil to a 100 ml blending bottle filled with warm water. Shake well. Rinse through the hair, massaging the scalp well to add shine and luster to the hair. Do not rinse out. Dry and style as usual.
Foot Bath
Choose three essential oils. Add 2 drops of each essential oil to a large bowl of water. Agitate the water well to disperse the oil molecules. Soak your feet for 15 minutes
Tissue Method
Add 1 – 3 drops of pure essential oil to a tissue. Inhale deeply.
Body Rub
Choose 3 essential oils and add 2 drops of each essential oil to 12mls of Massage Base Oil. Apply to the body, starting at the feet and working up toward the neck with a vigorous circular motion.
Hot Oil Mask
Simply warm 12ml of Jojoba and add 6 drops of pure essential oil and using a pastry brush apply a thin layer to skin or scalp with long flowing strokes. Leave on for 30 minutes and wash off with shampoo.
Swab
Choose 3 essential oils and add 2 drops of each essential oil to a basin of warm water. Agitate the water thoroughly. Bathe the affected area with the aromatic water and a cotton wool pad.
