Sunday, January 23, 2011

How To Use Essential Oils

Essential Oils are quickly gaining in popularity in bodywork and for personal/home use.  You don't have to be an expert to use these therapeutic and beautiful smelling oils.   Here a few of my answers when someone asks me, "How do I use essential oils?":

  • Add 4-6 drops per 4 ounces of unscented lotion and stir well.  Use in massage cream, lotion, or oil or body lotions (the purer the ingredients, the more you will be able to smell and enjoy the therapeutic qualities of the essential oil).  Favorite scents are lavender, citrus, patchouli, and rose for a lovely smelling lubricant.  Try essential oils like rosemary or tea tree for toning the skin.
  • Add 4-6 drops to a 4 oz. cobalt glass spray bottle filled with distilled or filtered water and 1/8 teaspoon of witch hazel, rubbing alcohol or vodka (vodka has the least smell) for a great room or linen spray.
  • Add a few drops to a nebulizer or humidifier to disperse the aroma throughout your room.
  • Put about 6 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a pot of boiling water to steam clogged sinuses (extra caution must be used to prevent steam burns or spilling the hot water).
Precautions and contra-indications are listed on the individual pages of the Wyndmere Essential Oils that are available on the MassageMarket.com website.  Always ask your client or friends if they are allergic to anything before using essential oils.  (Note that a lot of people think that they are allergic or sensitive to certain scents because they have experienced the synthetic or "perfumy" version of the oils; honor this first and then, if the person is willing, allow them to try the essential oil with a short exposure to it (smelling the oil in the bottle or the lubricant with which it is blended.)  Never apply essential oils directly to the skin or mucous membranes.  Always dilute in a carrier oil, cream or lotion to apply oils topically. Test on a small patch of skin first, if you/your client chooses to try a new oil.

Essential oils are FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY.  Call the Poison Control Center if ingested.    Keep oils tightly closed and away from children and pets.  Essential oils are not to be used without seeking medical advice if pregnant, epileptic, or if you have high or low blood pressure.  Always keep away from the eyes.  Should oil get into the eyes, wash thoroughly with water for 15 minutes. 

No advice on this blog should serve as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed physician. If you have any questions or concerns about using essential oils for medical or health purposes, always consult your physician before use.

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