Essential oils can be incorporated into literally any part of life, from bathing to medicinal uses. For those new to using essential oils, the methods can be confusing. Below are 5 common uses for essential oils.
Massage Oils and Lotions
Massage oils are created by selecting an essential oil that is best for a specific ailment, mood, or other desired effect. Please see, "11 Common Essential Oils" for more information on selecting an essential oil. For massage, essential oils are mixed with base or carrier oils, at the following ratio: 20 drops (¼ tsp.) essential oil for 3.5 ounces (approximately 5 Tablespoons) of carrier oil.
There are many varieties of carrier oils including almond, apricot kernel, coconut, jojoba, grapeseed, sesame, sunflower, and olive oil. You can use standard oils such as olive and sunflower oil purchased from a grocery store as they are usually more economical. However, oils applied to the skin are absorbed into your body and blood stream, so it is best to use high quality oil.
To create a lotion, a few drops of essential oil can be added to any unscented lotion, or can be made using the following recipe:
- 6 oz water
- 1/2 oz Cocoa or Shea Butter)
- 1/2 oz Beeswax
- 1 oz Carrier Oil of Choice (from list above)
- 1/8 tsp Citric Acid
- 6 ml Essential Oil of Choice
Heat the beeswax, butter and carrier oil over low heat, stirring frequently. In another container, heat the water over low heat. When the beeswax, butter and oil are mixed, add them very slowly to the water. When they are well mixed turn off the heat. Add the citric acid to the mixture. Allow the mixture to cool stirring each half an hour. When it is completely cooled add the essential oils.
Compresses
When someone has a fever, headache, swelling, or other type of localized pain a hot or cold compress can frequently help. Adding essential oils to the compress can further the benefit. Hot compresses are typically used for aches or arthritis. Cold compresses are helpful for headaches or swelling. Use a cotton cloth and dip it in hot or cold water with a few drops of added essential oil. Wring the excess water from the cloth and apply as needed.
Hair, Skin and Personal Care
Essential oils can be added to shampoos and conditioners to enhance the hair’s health and shine. People with fine hair may benefit from adding the oils to the ends of hair rather than directly to the scalp, as the oils tend to leave hair a little greasy. The book "
Baths & Vaporizers
Adding 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to bath water is one of the most enjoyable ways to use essential oils. The fragrance from the oils is carried by the steam from the bath water allowing it to be inhaled as well as well dispersed over the skin. Another type of steam inhalation is to add a few drops of essential oil to a pan of steaming water. Inhale the steam for maximum benefit. Finally, essential oils can be added directly to the water of a vaporizer to assist breathing during times of colds and flu.
Direct Application
Direct application of essential oils is called "neat" application. Most essential oils are too potent to be applied this way. There are some exceptions, but beginners should avoid this type of application.
"How to Grow Hair Fast" by Riquette Hofstein, has essential oil recipes for growing hair for those suffering from thinning hair or baldness. Essential oils can also be added to many homemade personal care items, such as bath salt, powder, lip gloss, perfume and toothpaste.
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