OILY EDUCATION
Often, the reason people are hesitant to use their oils is because they simply don't feel they know enough about them. There is so much (mis)information out there, and people are scared to use them and benefit from these great natural resources. There are some safety considerations for some situations, but for the most part, Essential oils are a safe and effective tool to have in your natural wellness arsenal. Essential Oils are one of the most basic and yet amazing gifts God gave us on this earth. They have been used for thousands of years, by cultures across the globe. They are not new, nor are they a fad. By using oils and oil infused, natural products, you are actually going back to a centuries old tradition that has strong biblical roots. We hope you can find what you are looking for here to help you confidently and bravely use your oils in your daily life. If you have questions, you can always contact one of us and we will do our best to answer you in a timely manner.
Favorite Resources
Click HERE for additional educational and natural living resources.
LIFE SCIENCE
Any of the books from Life Science Publishing are amazing reference and educational tools.
We HIGHLY recommend the Desk Reference book.It is available in this bundle for a great price.
GENTLE BABIES
Deborah Rayburn has compiled this insightful and easy to follow guide benefiting both experienced and first-time mothers. The book contains an introduction to Young Living essential oils and provides safety information.
YOUNG LIVING
The Lavender Life is Young Living's official blog site. It is full of DIY recipes, safe usage information and education on various oils and products.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT OILS
How do I choose which oils to use?
Like any product that supports health and well-being, finding the right oils or combination of oils is as individual as the person using them. Because we all have different metabolic make-up, our bodies will react differently to the oils. What works great for one person may not work at all for the next. That is why it is important to educate yourself on what oils work for each body system and narrow it down to what works for your body systems.
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Know your purpose.
One factor to take into consideration is the purpose of using the oils. Are you needing something to elevate your mood or did you burn your finger? There is no single list that specifies which essential oil should be used in each situation that would work for every person. Instead, you need to be proactive about doing your own research and talking with qualified individuals.
A good place to start is to get a book about therapeutic aromatherapy. There are many good sources available and you will be able to find one that matches your needs. (See above list) We use and recommend the Essential Oils Desk Reference or Essential Oils Pocket Guide by Life Science Publishers. Each oil is listed with a compilation of all the body systems it supports.
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The key is consistency.
What we have found to be common among people who can't find anything that works for them is a lack of consistency. More often than not, a person will try an oil or combination of oils one time and when it doesn't work immediately, they say it doesn't work at all. If you were prescribed a product for your health and well-being and only administered it one time, would it work? Probably not. Start gradual and be patient. We suggest that you make a selection and use it consistently for 30 days before saying it doesn't work. Sometimes, you will see immediate results and others may take a while to balance your body systems.
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Oils balance, not force reactions.
Because the oils balance the body systems, we can get a false impression that they are not working because we don't "feel" anything. Unlike synthetic chemicals, because of the organic nature of the oils, they work with our bodies instead of forcing a reaction whether it is needed or not.
HOW DO I USE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Guidelines are important to follow when using essential oils, especially if you are unfamiliar with the oils and their benefits. Be sure to pay attention to cautions for each oil and application method. We provide some examples in this section, but it is important to dilute the oils properly, consider your individual reactions, and watch closely for adverse effects. However, no list of Do's and Don'ts will ever replace common sense.
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Essential oils enter the body primarily in three ways—applied to the skin, inhaled, or ingested. Within each of these, there are many different kinds of application methods. For example, you can apply essential oils topically using compresses, sprays, baths, or massaging them into the skin.
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When using the oils in conjunction with prescription medications, it is best practice to take the prescription first and then wait 2 hours before applying the oils.
WHICH APPLICATION METHOD?
​​Which Application Method Should I Choose?
The application method chosen depends on the desired effect and the essential oil selected. For example, some essential oils such as peppermint may feel hot to the touch because of their chemistry. These might need more dilution for most children and some adults or they might better be used by inhalation.
​Once you have purchased an essential oil, the application method depends on the situation and the desired effect. For example:
Skin issues most often involve topical applications
Mood effects might be addressed by either inhalation or topical application
For fast action, inhalation might be preferred
Baths involve both inhalation and topical absorption
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TOPICAL APPLICATION
Most oils are safe to apply "neat" or directly onto the skin however, with children, except for lavender, we suggest you dilute the oils with a carrier oil such as V-6, coconut, oilve, jojoba, or some other organic cold-pressed oil. 15-30 drops of essential oils to 1oz of carrier is usually sufficient. Three drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier is usually sufficient for adults.
​Before starting a new oil, especially if using neat, you may want to test for skin sensitivity by applying it to the bottoms of the feet using the Vita Flex foot chart for a reference to identify the areas where application would work the best.
​When applying the oils, use 1-2 drops of oil on 2-3 locations at least twice a day and increasing to four times a day if necessary. It is best to allow one oil to absorb for about a minute before applying another oil. When applying new oils, it is best to not aply more than two singles or blends in one application.
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Occasionally, people who begin using 100% therapeutic grade oils may experience a rash or what they would assume is an allergic reaction to the essential oil. It could be due to using an undiluted "hot" oil but more often, it is caused by an interaction of the oil with residues of synthetic, petroleum-based, personal care products that have leached into the skin. Essential oils have been know to actually digest toxins so when they come in contact with them on the skin, the oils start to work against them. Because essential oils rarely cause skin problems, rashes or eruptions on the skin, but rather go after the chemicals and toxins in the skin, don't be quick to blame the oils for causing a rash when they are actually ridding your body of the chemical residue it has encountered. If a skin irritation does occur, wash the area with soap and water and then apply a carrier oil. Reduce the amount of oil you are using, dilute the oils with a carrier or stop using it completely for a couple of days and then start back in again slowly. Often reactions can be caused by toxins in the system so doing a cleanse might be helpful before starting back on the oils. (EODR, 2014)
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​The methods of topical application are massage/layering, compress, cold packs, accupressure, and shower/bath.
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MASSAGE
Start with a couple of drops of your choice of essential oil directly on the skin and massage it in. If working on a large area, consider using a carrier oil to make it go further. You can layer the oils by applying multiple oils one at a time. Just be sure to allow time for the first oil to absorb before applying subsequent layers.
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COMPRESS
A warm compress can give deeper penetration after applying essential oils. Simply soak a towel or cloth in hot water, wring it out so that it is not dripping and place it on the location needed. Cover it loosely with a dry towel or cloth to seal in the heat. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. As the oil penetrates the skin, you may feel a warming or burning sensation, especially where the oils are needed the most. Take it off immediately if it becomes uncomfortable.
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COLD PACKS
Apply the oils to area needed and place a cold cloth or ice pack. This is great for inflamed or swollen tissue or nerve/neurological issues. Another alternative is to use bags of frozen vegetables such as corn or peas.
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ACCU-PRESSURE
Apply 1-3 drops of oil to the Vita Flex or accu-pressure point of affected area. Start by pressing firmly and then letting up. Avoid applying pressure for long periods. Once you have stimulated the specific area, finish with a gentle massage of the general area.
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SHOWER / BATH
Water and oil do not mix so adding the oils to a bath can be a challenge. For better dispersion, add your oils (5-10 drops) into about 1/4 cup of Epsom Salts and let the water run into the cup from the faucet as you fill the tub. Because the oils have a natural draw to lipids or fats, you can also mix about 5 drops in a Tbsp. of whole milk or carrier oil before putting them in the water. This will keep them from clinging directly to your skin and allow them to disperse throughout the water more evenly. Don't use more than 10 drops of oil per bath.
You can also use pre-mixed bath gels and shampoos containing essential oils in the shower. Lather down with the gels, let them soak in for several minutes and then rinse.
INHALATION
​Essential oils can be inhaled using a variety of techniques and devices. Inhaling essential oils can be a deep and intensive application method especially when supporting the respitory system. Direct inhalation should not be used more than 10-15 times per day can caution should be taken by those with asthmatic conditions.
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DIFFUSE
Did you know that unlike air fresheners, diffused oils actually alter the structure of odor causing molecules instead of just masking them? Diffusing essential oils is also known to increase oxygen availability, produce negative ions, and release natural ozone. Many oils are very effective in eliminating and destroying airborne germs and bacteria.
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​Cold air diffusing does not break down the oils the way a candle or aroma lamp would. Instead, it puts a microfine mist in to the air where they can remain suspended for several hours.
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​It is best to only use one blended oil at a time but a single oil can be added to a blend if necessary.
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Place the diffuser as high as possible in the room so that the mist falls through the air.
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Start by diffusing for 10-15 minutes at a time until you get used to it and see how it works, the increase the time to up to 2 hours per day.
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​If you don't have a cold air diffuser, you can find other ways to diffuse the oils.
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Add your favorite oil to cedar chips for homemade potpourri.
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Put oils on a cotton ball or tissue and place them in air conditioner vents. This is great for vehicles and hotel rooms.
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Place a few drops on a damp rag and set it over the intake duct of your AC.
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Place a few drops directly on the filter of your AC unit.
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HUMIDIFIER / VAPORIZER
Essential oils are a great addition to a humidifier. Use them the same as in a diffuser. Always make sure your humidifier/vaporizer or other dispenser is BPA free.
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DIRECT INHALATION
Directly inhaling the oils can be very effective. One of the best ways is to simply rub a couple of drops on your hands and then cup them over your nose and breathe deeply being careful to not touch the eyes.
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Another method is to add several drops of the oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steaming vapors that arise. For better results, you can drape a towel over your head and bowl.
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INDIRECT INHALATION
You can indirectly inhale the oils by wearing them as a perfume or cologne. Rub a couple of drops on your chest, neck, upper sternum, wrists, under your nose, or behind your ears.
Diffuser jewelry is gaining popularity. A necklace with a few drops of choice oils can last for several days.
INGESTION
​Many essential oils are GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) or as food additives by the FDA. However, before taking any oils internally, test your reactions by diluting one drop in 1 tsp of an oil-soluble liquid such as Blue Agave, coconut oil, or rice milk. If you plan to ingest more than a few drops of diluted oils per day, we recommend you consult a health professional.
​The essential oils can be added to water for drinking, but be sure you use a stainless steel or glass container, including stainless steel straws.
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Add a few drops to a cup of hot tea
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Place directly under the tongue
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Fill vegetable capsules with the oils and take with a glass of water
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Cook with them instead of dry herbs
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REFERENCES:
Buckle, J. (2003). Clinical aromatherapy: Essential oils in practice, 2nd Ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
England, A. (2000). Aromatherapy and massage for mother and baby. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press.
Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/aromatherapy/how-do-i-choose-and-use-essential-oils, Contributing Editor: Linda Halcon, PhD, MPH, RN, RATC. 2015 Regents of the University of Minnesota and Charlson Meadows.
Life Science Publishers (2014). Essential Oils Desk Reference, 6th Ed. USA: Life Science Publishers
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The information contained in this Website is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It should not be used as a substitution for medical counseling with a health professional. The contributors and authors do not accept responsibility for such use.
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