Methods of Using Essential Oil

Essential oils are concentrated aromatic compounds that are extracted from plants, most commonly by steam distillation. Essential oils are used around the world in the fields of cosmetology, psychology and alternative medicine. Many essential oils are used in the everyday care of the body and mind, and in a variety of ways from a massage with lavender essential oil to help relieve stress, to an energizing and uplifting body wash with pink grapefruit essential oil.

Massage

• In aromatherapy massage, essential oils are blended with carrier oil. Fractionated coconut oil is favored as a carrier by masseuses because it does not stain clothes. Several essential oils are able to be mixed into the carrier oil, depending on the desired effect. A stress-relieving massage blend, suggested by "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Natural Home Remedies," includes 2 drops of clary sage, 3 drops of lavender and 3 drops of rose to 2 tbsp. carrier oil. Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus, fir, rosemary and lavender spike, are recommended to assist respiration and relieve congestion in a chest rub, according to Katherine Graf and Joni Keim, authors of the "Therapeutic Essential Oil Guide."

Bath, Shower and Body

• Essential oils are used to scent lip balms and gloss, hand salves, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, body oil, body wash and bath salts. Using essential oils in these products has several advantages, including the fact that essential oils are all natural. When used in place of synthetic fragrances, the oils are often aroma-therapeutic as well. Foot-specific baths with essential oils are perfect for soothing aching feet.

Perfume

• Oil perfume and solid perfume are both made with essential oils. This is an alternative to synthetic fragrances, which are often so harsh that they give the wearer and even those around them a headache. Essential oil perfumes are more delicate and pure, but they do not last as long as the synthetic perfumes. The ingredients for essential oil perfume are as simple as a natural carrier oil, such as jojoba or fractionated coconut oil, with several drops of essential oil.

Direct Inhalation

• To inhale, place 3 drops of essential oil on a tissue. This technique is good for meditation. Essential oils have been used to aid meditation for thousands of years, according to the "Therapeutic Essential Oil Guide." Frankincense, patchouli, sandalwood, myrrh and rosewood are particularly well suited for meditation. The oils are also used for this purpose by being diffused in the room, or sprayed in the air in a mist made of 20 to 30 drops essential oil to 8 oz. of water.

Diffusion

• Diffusers disperse essential oils into the air, filling a room with fragrance. There are two kinds of diffusers, one cool and the other warm. Four to 8 drops of essential oil are used on the replaceable cartridges in the cool air diffuser, and 3 to 5 on the warm diffusers. Adding essential oils to the water in a room vaporizer is also a possibility and is useful if in need of moist air.