Essential Oils are very powerful components of plants – they have the capability of being harmful if improperly used. Essential oils are very concentrated and potent. Even small amounts can cause harm if used improperly. When it comes to how to use essential oils, people often have a limited view they think mainly in terms of the appealing fragrance that an essential oil can provide. There are three basic ways to use essential oils: inhalation, topical application, and internal consumption.

The Most Effective Ways To Use Essential Oils

1. Essential oils are absorbed in minute quantities through the skin, depending on the oil, dilution, and application (carrier oil, compress, etc). Many of the indications for specific oils include various skin conditions.
2. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a cotton ball and place it in closets and drawers to scent linens and repel moths and insects.
3. For tired aching muscles or arthritis aches, mix 3 drops eucalyptus, 2 drops rosemary and 3 drops lavender oil to one ounce Sweet Almond or other vegetable oil and use as a massage oil.
4. For tired, aching muscles or arthritis, mix 1-drop Cajuput, Sage, and Basil oil to 30 drops vegetable oil and use as a massage oil.
5. Carefully pour hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of oil. Cover your head and bowl in a tent-like fashion with a towel. Breathe deeply and slowly.
6. Caution: This method of use should only be done with oils that can be safely applied to the skin. Apply 1-2 drops of oil to the palms, rub together gently and inhale deeply. This is an excellent method of use for a quick and easy exposure to the anti-microbial and other therapeutic uses of essential oils.
7. Add 10 to 15 drops of lemon essential oil to a gallon of carpet cleaning solution to help pull out stains, brighten carpet and rugs, and leave a fresh smell in the room.
8. Add 10 drops of essential oil to a box of cornstarch or baking soda, mix very well, let set for a day or two and then sprinkle over the carpets on your home. Let set for an hour or more, then vacuum.
9. For a wonderfully scented wood fire, use EOs of Vetivert, Cypress, Atlas Cedarwood, Frankincense and Myrrh. Drop approximately 2-3 drops of oil or blend of your choice on a dried log and allow time for the oil to soak in before putting the log on the fire.
10. Apply essential oils directly onto the skin where indicated. Dilute with V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex or a pure vegetable oil before applying if dilution is indicated in the Application Chart. Dilution may protect against possible skin sensitivities.
11. A system that uses air pressure generated by a compressing unit to vaporize the essential oils. A glass nebulizing bulb serves as a condenser, allowing only the finest particles of the essential oil to escape into the air.
12. Massage several drops of peppermint essential oil on the abdomen, place a drop on wrists, or inhale to soothe the minor stomach discomfort associated with travel.

Finally, some essential oils are ingested, usually either in water or in capsules. Do not use essential oils on infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with serious health problems, without advanced medical study.