Essential oil is a distilled liquid containing volatile (easily evaporated at normal temperatures) chemical compounds from plants. Essential oils are also recognized as volatile oils, ethereal oils or the oil of the plant from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove. Essential oil is “essential” in the sense that it comprises the plant’s fragrance—the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is extracted.
Essential oils are generally used for aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine in which curing properties are attributed to aromatic compounds. Aromatherapy may be beneficial to persuade relaxation, but there is not sufficient research that essential oils can effectively treat any condition. Inaccurate use of essential oils may cause impairment including allergic reactions and skin irritation, and children may be particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of improper use.
Essential oils are an enormous inclusion to your skin care regimen. Study how to produce your own personalized skin serum recipe and explore how easy it is to use. Always mix essential oils with a carrier oil before applying instantly to the skin. Genuine essential oils come with a high risk of a severe allergic reaction. Once you’ve diluted it and done a patch test, you can safely rub it onto your skin. Read on and get ready to relax.
Where to Apply Essential Oils On the Body:
- Soles and top of feet
- Ankles
- Over Vital Organs
- Abdomen
- Upper Back
- Neck
- Behind Ears
- Temples
- Crown of Head
OK! So without a doubt, you can use essential most anywhere on your body!
Ways To Apply Essential Oils to the Skin
There are many ways oils can be applied to the skin, This article describes five of those ways: compresses, baths, topical application, sprays or spritzers, Foot, hand and sitz baths.
Hot or cold compresses
Apply 5-7 drops of the picked essential oil, then swish the oil into the water. Dip a cotton washcloth into the water, swish it around to collect the oils, wring it out, and place the cloth on the body. This is generally left in place for 15 minutes or until the temperature is no longer effective. An example of a cold compress would be to use spearmint drops in cool water and place the compress on the throat for relief of laryngitis. A warm compress, using geranium drops, could give the comfort of menstrual cramps. Be certain to use therapeutic grade medicinal quality essential oils. Recreational grade oils will probably not give the desired therapeutic effect.
In the Bath
Dilute 3-12 drops of essential oil into a tablespoon of carrier oil. This is actually emulsifying the essential oils so that you don’t end up with oil adhering to your skin and creating a problem (and it could be a HUGE problem indeed!)
Oils that would be ideal for this would be lavender or rose. Or use oils such as eucalyptus for respiratory issues. A nice steamy bath with Eucalyptus Oil might is just the thing for your stuffed up little one so he or she can get to sleep.
Apply topically
Just apply the oils to the desired location. If you are just getting started to use essential oils in your daily life, you should start by mixing the oils with a carrier oil. The most frequently used carrier oil is Fractionated Coconut Oil. It has a long shelf life and is odor-free. Anyways, you may use any oil that you have in your home. I personally use olive, but more often coconut.
Many people like to apply the oils to the bottoms of their feet. I do that occasionally, but I personally use essential oils more generally straight on the area that is affected.
Sprays and spritzers
This ways are fun to use. This is one of my preferred ways to use essential oils. Directly fill a small, spray-topped, bottle with distilled water, and include the selected essential oil to the water. A fine standard is 10-15 drops of oil into four ounces of distilled water. Since oil and water do not mix, don’t forget to shake the bottle before spraying. Once prepared, it can be sprayed onto the affected area of the skin three to four times a day.
Foot, hand and sitz baths
These are also very good ways to use essential oils. A good gauge for these smaller amounts of water is 5-7 drops of selected essential oils into the dispersing agent, adding the dispersing agent to about a quart of water. An example of a hand bath could be using an arthritic formula for the relief of pain. Foot baths are good for treating fungus infections on the feet, and sitz baths are great for obtaining relief of hemorrhoid pain. Consult with your aromatherapist for a formula specific for your needs, and for recommendations as to the correct temperature.
Many essential oils are potentially dangerous to children or pregnant women. They can also cause damage to people with a heart, kidney, autoimmune, or lung condition (including asthma), or people at risk of thrombosis. Consult a doctor to find out more about your situation and how it relates to specific essential oils.