Essential oils can be used through various methods: baths, massage, compresses, inhalations and vaporisation. The method you choose depends on why you wish to use the oils and what effects you hope to achieve. For example, for muscular aches and pains, a bath or massage may seem like the most obvious treatments. However, hot or cold compresses are also beneficial for sore and tired muscles, and minor injuries such as sprains.
How To Use Inhalations
Inhalations are a traditional method of using essential oils to treat respiratory complaints such as coughs, colds, flu or sinusitis. Approximately three drops of essential oil are used in a bowl of hot water. As the oil evaporates in the steam it is inhaled, which helps to clear the respiratory tract, soothe sore throats and unblock stuffy noses.
Helpful oils to use for colds, blocked noses and sinusitis are eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and ravensara.
Inhalations are helpful for skin conditions such as acne or eczema. However, if either of these conditions are chronic with soreness or weeping, you should consult your doctor before attempting a steam treatment.
Certain precautions should be taken if inhalations are used for the elderly, disabled or children due to the risks involved in using hot water. Make sure that the bowl containing hot water is carried with supervision and that it is rested on a stable surface. Do not leave the person or child to carry out the inhalation unsupervised. Inhalations may be contraindicated for asthma sufferers; seek professional medical advice.
How To Use Vaporisations
Vaporisation is one of the oldest and most common methods of use. Essential oils are evaporated in the air for therapeutic purposes, for practical use or simply as room fragrances. Vaporisers can be bought from aromatherapy suppliers or health stores. You can choose from electric or candle-lit vaporisers. Electric vaporisers may be safest to use in a house with children or animals. Both have a basin which you fill with a little water and then add between two to four drops of essential oil, depending on the oil you select.
For therapeutic use (i.e. stress relief, anxiety or insomnia) choose an oil with relaxing properties such as lavender, chamomile or one of the orange oils. Two drops of ylang ylang is particularly helpful for anxiety that is causing shortness of breath and heart palpitations.
For practical use, such as repelling insects, use oils like eucalyptus globulus (hated by wasps), citronella (mosquitos and gnats) and peppermint (spiders and mice, which of course are not strictly insects but peppermint acts as an effective deterrent nonetheless).
For a room fragrance think of the mood you wish to create. For warmth, try burning rose and vanilla, for romance burn jasmine, and for inspiration and contemplation, burn frankincense.
How To Use Compresses
For hot or cold compresses you'll need:
- A shallow bowl filled with boiled water (hot) or iced water (cold)
- A cloth
- Towels
- Essential oils
For hot compresses, follow the same safety advice as inhalations for the elderly, disabled and children. The method of use for both types of compress is the same. Add four to five drops essential oil to the surface of the water. Lower the cloth, holding it taut, so that it just skims the surface. Raise and wring out any excess water then carefully lower onto the area of the body you are treating. Cover the area with a towel and leave for five to 10 minutes. Repeat twice.
Hot compresses can be used to treat muscle injuries, chronic pain such as backache, or to draw out infection (e.g. Spanish marjoram).
Cold compresses are helpful for muscle injuries like strains and sprains, minor burns and irritated skin conditions (e.g. chamomile).
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