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Ways to Use Oils
- Massage – this is the most popular method used by aromatherapists
as it disperses the oil over a maximum area of the body. Blend your choice of oil with a base oil.
| Essential Oil | Base Oil |
| 20 - 60 drops | 100ml (3 ˝ fluid oz) |
| 7- 25 drops | 25ml (1 fluid oz) |
| 3 - 5 drops | 5 ml (1 teaspoon) |
- Skin Oils and Lotions – the essential oils are prepared as
a massage oil. The emphasis is on treating the skin itself. Use a gentle circular motion of the fingers
for absorption, without dragging on the skin. A few drops of essential oil can also be added to a bland cream,
lotion or face mask.
- Hot or Cold Compresses – this is a very good way to
use essential oils to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
A hot compress
is made by filling a bowl with very hot water and adding 4-5 drops of oil.
Then dip a folded piece of soft cotton cloth into the water, squeeze out and
place on the affected area until cooled to body heat then repeat. These are very
good for backache, rheumatism, arthritis, abscesses, earache and toothache.
Cold compresses are made using ice water and are good for headaches
(use on the forehead or the back of the neck), sprains, strains and other hot or swollen conditions.
- Flower Waters – to make a refreshing and cleansing flower water, add 20 to 30 drops
of essential oil to a 100ml bottle of spring or de-ionized water and leave in the dark
for a few days. Then filter through a coffee filter. The oil will not dissolve in the water but they
will leave their aroma to it as well as their properties. Flower waters can be used in the prevention
and treatment of acne, dermatitis, eczema and to tone and clean the skin. The most often used oils
are rose, orange and lavender.
- Bath Oils – this is one of the easiest ways of using oils.
Add 5 to 10 drops to the bath water when the bath is full. It has been a method
used since ancient times to relieve skin conditions, muscular aches, and for
relaxation and sensual purposes. Be careful not to use oils which can cause skin irritation.
- Vapourization – this is a good way to scent or purify
a room. Use an oil burner, diffuser, light bulb ring or a few drops of oil in a bowl of water
placed on a radiator.
Specific oils are used for specific purposes:
- Cedarwood has traditionally been used in a ritual context to create peace and harmony.
- Lemon is a good oil as an insect repellent or cleansing the air of cooking or smoking smells.
- Pine Needle, rosemary and eucalyptus can be used to keep the environment free of germs and inhibit
the development of flu or cold infections.
- Eucalyptus is especially good at night to relieve
breathing difficulties or children’s coughs. Always make sure that the burner is in a safe
place out of the reach of children.
- Steam Inhalation – this is very helpful for sinus,
throat and chest infections. It can also be used as a face sauna to unclog pores.
Add 5 drops of oil to a bowl of hot water, cover the head and bowl with a
towel and breathe deeply for one minute. Sitting in a steaming bath is another way to inhale an oil, but is not as concentrated.
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