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I hear it all the time. “I bought a starter pack or was given some oils as a gift. What do I do with them now?” Welcome to Essential Oils 101! Try these 11 every day ways to use essential oils in your life! I promise, it’s easy.
Essential Oils 101
“What are all the various easy ways to use essential oils?” With the growing popularity of essential oils, this might be THE most common question I get from people in recent months. The answer is, possibilities are endless.
One thing you’ll notice right off the bat when you start using essential oils. A 15ml bottle will last you FOREVER. The good news is if you store them properly they will keep for several years.
Essential oils are the strongest form of any plant you can get. The good quality essential oils are very concentrated and not mixed with any carrier (unless otherwise specified on the bottle). You get 100% plant extracts and oils this way.
They smell amazing and are also very healing…one of natures original medicines dating back to biblical times. Cool huh? So you can make blends and slaves and other potions based on how they smell or what they can do for your health.
*The author, Ashley Tukiainen, is a certified aromatherapist. All information found on this site is well researched and trustworthy. However, it should not be taken as medical advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your doctor.
11 Ways To Use Essential Oils
Diffuse into the air
There are quite a few ways to diffuse oils. Right now the most popular way is with a mist diffuser. You mix 5-10 drops of essential oil with water and the diffuser mists the mixture into the air.
Room Spray
Get an amber glass spray bottle and mix your favorite blend of oils into a few ounces of water. Close with a spray lid and give it all a good shake before every use.
Terracotta Pendant
You can freshen any area you like with a Terracotta Pendant. These are often very inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes and designs. You simply add a couple of drops and let them hang wherever you like.
Roll Ons
This way is particularly great if you are using essential oils to help with physical ailments. Issues such as arthritis, muscle aches, pains, and spasms, skin issues, and various issues that are treated with aromatherapy such as sleep issues, benefit from this method. Using a roll on blend is also the safest way to use essential oils with babies and young children
*Note – if you want to use essential oils with children be sure that they are heavily diluted and that you use oils that are recommended for children. Many oils are not safe for young children and babies.
This method is small and you can carry it with you anywhere. Take it out whenever you need to use it. All you need is a roller bottle, a carrier oil, and the essential oils you would like to use. Shake before every use and store in a dark, cool place.
Try one of our favorites – Lavender Dreams Sleepy Time Roller Blend. Safe for even little babies.
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Face Steam
This is a fabulous method if you have sinus or respiratory issues. No fancy equipment needed. Just boil some water, add it to a large heat safe bowl. Drop in 5-6 drops of your essential oils. Then lean over the bowl and then drape a large towel over your head so that it encloses the bowl too. Close your eyes (essential oils can burn!! Trust me on this.) and breathe deep for 10 minutes. Bonus: Your skin thanks you for this too.
Sugar Scrubs
You probably already have everything you need for this one. You just need a sealable container, sugar, your essential oils, and a carrier oil. Personally I like coconut oil for this but some may find coconut oil a little drying. Olive oil works just as well but is better for those that have this reaction to coconut oil.
Lotions, Shampoos, and Soaps
If you’ve been looking into DIYing your own bath products, this could not be easier. All you need is the unscented base for lotion or soap and add the essential oils to your product.
If you have issues with alopecia or dandruff or have eczema that is triggered by chemicals in conventional bath products, this is an excellent alternative.
Bath Salts
This might be one of the easiest and most affordable ways to use essential oils. All you need is 1-2 cups of epsom salt, a warm bath and 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils. Let the relaxation begin!
Healing Salves
Salves are a very traditional healing method and can be safe to use even on broken skin depending on the ingredients (you have to research your ingredients a bit).
This generally involves melting a thicker base such as beeswax or shea butter, adding in some carrier oil and then topping it off with either fresh herbs or essential oils. I know many herbalists who actually prefer using a combinations of fresh herbs and essential oils for maximum effect.
Check out this tutorial from one of my favorite companies (I’m not paid to endorse them, I just wholeheartedly love and support this company)
Household Cleaning Products
Yep! Among all the ways to use essential oils, you can clean your house with them too! More and more studies are coming out every month showing how harmful the chemicals in store bought cleaners can be. Truthfully i
t’s much safer, better smelling, and cheaper to make your own!
My favorite way is to mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water in a spray bottle and then add a blend of 20-30 drops (maybe 40 if it’s a bigger bottle) of my favorite oils.
Ingestion
This one comes with a BIG warning label
I know this is a hot topic right now, and frankly, one that not even certified professionals agree on. In certain situations for adults, it can be beneficial to your health to ingest small doses of essential oils. This method is not safe for children!!!
However, it is not safe to self diagnose and decide to treat your issues with essential oils. I have personally seen many a person who had damaged their internal organs by going overboard or gotten their issues wrong, all the while thinking, “it’s natural, so it can’t hurt”.
It is very important to consult with a certified professional or Naturopathic Doctor before ingesting oils. They will be able to guide you to a correct oil and what amount should be taken.
Please note, the vast majority of sales representatives are not certified or professionally trained. Unless your sales representative is formally trained in essential oils and holds a certification, they are not the person to consult with about ingesting oils.
It is also imperative that if you do decide to try ingesting, that the brand claims it is safe. Not all brands are safe for ingestion.
Your Every Day Life
I once had a fortune cookie that told me “You can’t ride in all directions at once”. That is certainly true of just about everything in life including essential oils. Pick a couple favorites you want to try and gradually add others in as you grow in confidence.
I have no doubt that you will find essential oils to be a wonderful way to help you achieve your healthy living and natural health goals. Use these 11 ways to use essential oils to replace toxic hygienic products and household products and improve your health in a gentle, natural way.
Stay tune for more in the Essential Oils 101 series!
What are your favorite ways to use essential oils? Leave me a comment and tell me all about it!
