How Are Essential Oils Used?

Download: NAHA Web How Are Essential Oils Used.pdf updated 2010

Essential oils can be used alone, or combined to create a synergistic blend or fragrance. Essential oils are diluted when used on the body for massage oils, bath and body products, or fragrances and may or may not be diluted for diffusing into the environment.

Direct inhalation of the oils has psychological effects through olfactory links with the limbic system that can then stimulate or sedate body systems or organs. In addition, contact with nasal mucosa and the alveoli in the lungs gives fast access to the bloodstream, making physiological effects possible. Inhalation is very useful for respiratory symptoms and is as easy as sniffing drops on a tissue or more effectively by inhaling near a diffuser with glass nebulizer.

The safest and most pleasant method of delivery is the external use of essential oils (highly diluted) on the skin, usually in the form of massage (self or professional). Local application of diluted oils (in a vegetable oil base) as well as full-body massage is quite effective, providing relaxation as well as a physiological action through the nervous system. Baths are equally as relaxing.

Dilution: Essential oils are diluted before application to the skin to ensure safety, slow their evaporation rate, and increase the surface area to be covered.

The percentage method is the most accurate method of dilution, especially with the irritant oils such clove, cinnamon leaf, or expensive oils such as Roman chamomile, rose absolute, or jasmine. For instance, a 2.5% blend, is suitable for face and body.

2.5% = approximately 50 drops in 100 ml. fixed oil or
15 drops (approx) in one ounce of carrier oil

Carriers or base oils are the fatty acid portions of plant material. Vegetable (vegetal), nut or seed oils provide the perfect lubricant and emollient. Since vegetal oils can oxidize and go rancid rapidly after exposure to oxygen, it is important to use the finest quality available and to make blends in small amounts to be used quickly. (Fractionated or refined coconut or jojoba doesn’t go rancid, so these can be used longer).

There are several ways to dilute the essential oils

Water- Sprays Bath	In a spray bottle (air fresheners, facial spray,compress) (add 5-10 drops to 4 ounces of water) (5 drops essential oil or blend into salts, honey, cream)
Alcohol	rubbing alcohol works but vodka is best (no odor, mixes easier) add 5 drops essential oil to 5 ml of alcohol to dab on spots
Salts: for use in the bath or for salt rubs/glows	Bath salts: equal parts Epsom salts and natural sea salt; dissolve half cup in bath. Salt rubs: add olive oil to salts to make creamier texture
Lotion/salve/cream	unscented, natural ready made cream or lotion; add 2-5% essential oil, stir well.
Base, or carrier oils	vegetable oils almond (sweet), refined coconut, grapeseed, olive, safflower, sesame, sunflower, etc. butters: cocoa, shea Vegetable wax: jojoba (benefit is it doesn’t go rancid like the other carriers)

Aromatherapy Formulations

Massage oil	15 drops of essential oil or blend to one ounce of base carrier (can be oil, cream, lotion, salve)
Bath	5 drops of essential oil or blend put in after the water has filled tub, swished around to disperse
Inhalation- (Use only pure essential oils, single notes or a blend in diffuser- no carrier)	Inhale near the nebulizer of the electric diffuser, or from a drop in the hand or on a tissue/cotton pad; For steam inhalation use bowl of hot water, drop couple drops on surface, inhale
Environmental fragrance	Best method: diffuser; fan type air cleaner filter, tissue in vent; water or alcohol spray
Perfume	Use only skin safe oils. Dilute 10-30% into jojoba oil or refined (fractionated) coconut oil

This information was compiled by Sylla Sheppard Hanger LMT, NAHA Safety Chair.