Maybe you just unpacked a premium starter kit and were given a lot of essential oils this Christmas like we were, or you knew there was something special about essential oils, so you jumped straight into them. Now you're overwhelmed with how the damn thing works.
We were all intimidated by the use of essential oils, asked our friends for essential oil usage charts, and scoured Pinterest for guides on how to use essential oils. With this simple guide and a little practice, you'll be an expert in no time. In fact, you'll be the one who understands all of the "how do I use this essential oil?" lyrics!
To master the use of essential oils, you need to quickly understand a few things. Oil is typically used in one of two ways. This list of essential oil uses will help you become a pro in no time.
How to use essential oils:
1. Aromatically
2. Topically
How to use essential oils aromatically
The aromatic use of essential oils is perhaps the best known. Have you ever walked into a spa and been wowed by the scents of eucalyptus and tea tree oils, or felt the calming tranquillity of lavender scented in one of your favourite household items. Learn how to spread the scent of essential oils and enjoy their benefits.
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If you don’t know how to use an essential oil diffuser, check the instructions specific to your product for water and oil ratios, for instance add 15–25 drops of oil to the water.
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Even without a diffuser, you can enjoy many of the aromatic benefits of essential oils. Add drops of your favourite essential oils to a cotton ball and place it in areas where you want to disperse the scent. You’ll be amazed by how well this simple solution works!
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Freshen a smelly space in minutes by adding a few drops of your favourite citrus oils on a cotton ball, then place it in a gym bag, garbage can, or anywhere else that needs a scent upgrade.
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The easiest way to get the aromatic benefits of an essential oil is by simply taking a few drops from the bottle into the palm of your hands. Cup your hands around your mouth and nose and inhale, breathing deeply for as long as needed—but, you know, take it easy so you don’t hyperventilate or anything.
How to use essential oils topically
The topical use of essential oils is one of the most popular. Once you get the hang of this application, it will probably be one of your favourites! Usually, finding out how to use essential oils on the skin is what turns most people from casual oil users to devotees.
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You can apply essential oils to most parts of your body, but you want to be cautious of your most sensitive skin. To get the most benefit from your essential oils, you’ll find that certain applications are more effective than others.
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Use your head, literally! Essential oils can be applied to the crown of your head, behind the ears, to your neck, and to your temples.
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If the aroma of an oil is too strong, or your skin is sensitive, you can dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil.
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Essential oils are great for massage! For a calming massage, Lavender essential oils can be added to a carrier oil. For rejuvenating muscles after a long workout, experience the cooling effect of Peppermint essential oil’s menthol in a sports massage .
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Essential oils can help improve the appearance of healthy skin! With these tricks in your arsenal, you’ll know how to use essential oils on skin to reduce the appearance of blemishes and to give yourself a healthy glow!
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Another great use for Tea Tree essential oil is reducing the appearance of blemishes. You can use a cotton swab to apply the oil directly to the affected area.
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For an aromatic treat that can also help give your whole body smoother-looking skin, add Lavender Essential Oil to your next bath.
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Essential oil safety
Essential oils are very potent, so you have to be cautious when you use them. Less is more! You can always add another drop, so start slowly, whether you’re using your oils topically or aromatically.
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Due to potency, some oils may be irritating to the skin. If irritation occurs, immediately apply pure vegetable oil to the affected area to dilute.
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Always read label directions for each individual oil before use.
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Do not put essential oils in eyes, ears, nose, or other areas with sensitive skin .
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