Essential Oils can be used in a variety of ways. Different methods of use have different results; for example, inhaling essential oils would be best if you sought to relieve your congestion, whereas washing your hair with essential oils wouldn’t. Below are some of the common ways to use essential oils.

Topically

Topical use of essential oils is the application of essential oils to the skin. This includes lotions, scrubs, butter, aloe gels, salves, ointments, and body oil. For best use, essential oils should be diluted to 1-3%, as undiluted oils can cause skin irritation (see Neat or Undiluted below). This method of delivery is excellent for skin conditions and general skin care. Topical use is a great way to soothe irritation and help support the body’s natural healing process. Essential oil blends can be applied over pulse points to augment mediation practices or for their calming and uplifting qualities. Some individuals benefit from applying essential oil blends to the temples of the head to soothe headaches.

Diffused

Diffusers come in two different types: active and passive. Active diffusers use water and essential oils combined with a vibrating disc to create a water vapor containing essential oils. Passive diffusers use reeds or other absorbent wicks to diffuse the oil into the air. Diffusing essential oils and essential oils blends is best done with undiluted oil. Adding a carrier to the diffuser will clog it. A diffuser is a great way to clean the air around you, uplift a room or home, and support the respiratory system. Diffusing oils can aid in relaxation and improve well-being. 

Inhaler

Like diffusing, an inhaler is a more personal, compact, and portable option for inhalation. An inhaler consists of a wick soaked in essential oil in a plastic or glass vessel. The lid is removed, and the user can inhale the essential oils directly without diffusing them into the room around them. Inhalers also use undiluted oils, and the wicks are replaced every 6 weeks. This method is excellent for supporting the respiratory system during illness, gaining mental clarity and focus throughout the day, or receiving a little calm in a hectic environment.

Steam

Steaming is a fantastic way to help support respiratory recovery during illness. Steam can also be used to soothe and support the skin. Undiluted essential oils are placed in a heat-proof bowl containing hot water. The individual then leans over the bowl to inhale the warm vapor. A towel can be placed over the head to contain the steam and improve inhalation. Care must be taken as the vapors can enter the eyes, and the face is more sensitive to direct contact with oils.

Shower and Bath

Essential oil use in the shower is similar to steaming; a few drops in the corner of the shower before starting the water helps create a vapor. Shower steamers, like bath bombs, are small discs that slowly melt while you shower, creating a vapor. These methods are great for respiratory support, skin rejuvenation, and mental well-being. Body scrubs are another way to deliver essential oils to the skin and breathe in their aroma. Bath bombs and salts are another way to deliver essential oils in water without damaging the skin, as the oils are diluted in a carrier and will not float on top of the bath water. These methods are great for soothing the skin, muscles, mind, and body.

Beard and Hair Care

Delivery of essential oils to support hair and beard comes in a variety of different dilutions. Shampoo and conditioner, beard oil and butter, hair masks, and beard salves are a few examples. These products nourish and support the hair and are an excellent option for hair and beard concerns like beard dandruff.

Cleaning Products

Safe and effective essential oils can be combined in carriers to replace common household cleaners. This is an excellent method to use up expired essential oils and keep your environment clean and refreshed.

Oral or Ingestion

Oral use of essential oils is a growing area of use in the essential oil space; however, there is minimal literature and research on the safety, efficacy, and effects of using essential oils orally. Therefore, it is not recommended to ingest any essential oil or product. If accidental ingestion occurs and the person is conscious, call Poison Control or Emergency Services (911). If the person is unconscious, contact Emergency Services (911). Keep the product with you to tell the medical professionals what was ingested.

National Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222

Pets

Using essential oils in and around pets has been gaining popularity, but with little literature surrounding its efficacy and safety, we do not recommend using them on your pets. If you are diffusing in a room with animals, ensure they can leave the area and have appropriate ventilation. Drooling, lethargy, seizures, and vomiting can be signs your pet is reacting poorly to essential oils, and you should seek emergency veterinary care.

At Gaia’s Apothecary, we do not have veterinary training and do not make products for pets. Please seek out the advice of a veterinarian before using essential oils on your pet. For more information on essential oils and pets, see the links below.

ASPCA - https://www.aspca.org/news/essentials-essential-oils-around-pets

24Pet Watch - https://www.24petwatch.com/blog/are-essential-oils-safe-for-dogs-and-cats

 Neat or Undiluted

Using Neat or Undiluted essential oils can lead to sensitization and painful skin reactions. Use of undiluted essential oils is not recommended. It is important to dilute essential oils in a carrier (jojoba oil, coconut oil, etc.) before use. Dilution rates of 1-3% are recommended to reduce adverse skin reactions. Essential oils float on water, so dropping undiluted oils into bath water can also result in skin irritation as the oil floats on top—dilute bath time products into a carrier oil and Epsom salt.

References

Buckle, Jane. (2015). Clinical aromatherapy: Essential oils in healthcare. Elsevier.

Butje, Andrea. (2017). The heart of aromatherapy. Hay House.

Price, S., & Price, L. (Eds.). (2012). Aromatherapy for health professionals. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.