The Different Ways to Use Essential OilsEssential oils are wonderful. They are a natural alternative or addition to modern day medicine. Remember to always consult your doctor before switching to or using essential oils. If you are pregnant or nursing always, ALWAYS talk to your doctor before using essential oils. Essential oils can be used in three ways: 1. Dermal Application (Applied to the skin) 2. Inhalation 3. Ingestion Each method contains it's own health risks and I encourage you to do more research than just this post. I am covering just the basics, so there is bound to be information that I've missed. Dermal ApplicationApplying essential oils to the skin is one of the most popular ways to treat ailments and injuries. However, when applying these oils to the skin, certain precautions must be taken. First, know your oil. Are you allergic to it? Is it safe to use neat (directly on the skin without dilution)? If you have children and are planning on using oils on them topically, is it safe for use on kids? Not all oils are created equal and not all of them can be used on the sensitive skin of children. Make sure you do some research on the oils you are planning to use. Just because it's natural, it doesn't mean that it's safe and can be used without caution. Second, dilution is important. For example, one drop of peppermint essential oil is equal to 26-28 cups of peppermint tea. With an oil this potent, it is essential to dilute it to prevent skin irritation or future health problems. If you aren't sure whether or not to dilute it, dilute it anyway and check later. Better safe than sorry. Personally, I don't think it's too safe to use essential oils neat and I usually dilute mine. Remember that a safe dilution is a 2% dilution. This means that the essential oil will be mixed with a carrier oil (almond oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, etc.) to a 2% dilution. That means that the essential oil should make up 2% of the entire mixture. Even though it might not seem like it is, it is potent enough. Make sure to do your own research and see what works best for yourself and your family. Here are a few example of carrier oils that can be used: InhalationThere aren't many health risks associated with the inhalation method of using essential oils, and the ones that have been found are rare. It's rare, but damage can be caused to the lungs due to the prolonged exposure of chemicals found in certain essential oils. Remember to do additional research to see if this method is the right one for you and your family. This is the safest method for the use of essential oils. IngestionThis is perhaps the most controversial method of use for essential oils. Not a lot of research has been conducted regarding the safety issues associated with ingesting essential oils. If you choose to ingest essential oils, it is best to do this with the assistance of a certified aromatherapist. Remember that essential oils are EXTREMELY potent and, while they can be helpful, they can be harmful if not used with caution. Once again, dilution is key. Not only does it help to prevent irritation, it also helps for a slower entry into the blood stream. Remember, oil and water do NOT mix. There are a ton of advocates out there who wholeheartedly support adding a few drops of essential oil to your water for added benefits...this is NOT SAFE. While it may seem like the essential oil is diluted, oil and water don't mix. This means that there will be tiny droplets of extremely concentrated essential oil MIXED with water, not DILUTED IN water. The safest methods for ingestion of essential oils are: 1. A gelatin capsule with 20% essential oil and 80% carrier oil. 2. Honey. You can mix 1-2 drops of your essential oil with a teaspoon of honey and then dissolve it in a glass of warm water. This will help to dilute the oils if you wish to mix them into your drink. Essential oils can produce great results when taken internally, just remember to practice safety and consult a certified aromatherapist. Remember, just because it's natural, doesn't mean it's safe. Personally, I do not consume essential oils. I think that more research needs to be done on the safety risks before I decide to ingest them. That is just my personal opinion, do your own research and talk to a certified aromatherapist if you think that this method could be right for you! Are you more of a visual learner like myself? Check out this awesome diagram that I found!
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Kate MurphyI love all things natural. I love finding alternative methods. I love to write. Put it all together and you get this blog. Categories
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