Aromatherapy & Skin Care

How to use essential oils

Essential oils are absorbed through the nasal cavity (smell), or absorbed through the skin - after absorption they are directed around the body to affect various organs according to the properties of the individual essential oil.

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Essential oils must be treated with respect, although a natural extract from plants, they are potent and should always be mixed in a vegetable carrier oil when used topically.  You should always run a skin sensitivity test 24 hours prior to using essential oils on a small area of your skin to ensure they are safe, For small children and babies use only lavender oil, and burn the oil in a diffuser rather than apply to the skin.

Topical Use:  Chose a cold pressed carrier oil, e.g. avocado oil, almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil and add your chosen essential oil as follows:

• 10ml carrier oil = 5 drops essential oil

• 20ml carrier oil = 10 drops essential oil

• 50ml carrier oil = 25 drops essential oil

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As an alternative, you can add the oils in the same proportion to unperfumed cleansing preparations, moisture creams and lotions, shampoos and conditioners.

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Baths:  Add 6 drops of essential oil mixed into a teaspoon of full cream milk to a both full of warm water.  Remain in the water for 15-20 mins to get the full effect

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Footbath: use 3 drops of essential oil using the same method as for baths

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Air fresheners: Fill a plant spray with warm water.  Add essential oils and spray into the air - avoid polished surfaces

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Burning oils: You can use undiluted oils if you are burning essential oils in a diffuser.

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There are many essential oils, but I give a small selection which you may find beneficial to try yourself