How to use essential oils: 4 easy applications to try today
You’ve heard about the benefits of essential oils, you’ve picked a few based on their properties and aroma, and you’re all set to try them out…but how? In this post, we’ll show you four easy essential oil uses you can try today.
We know you’re keen to get started, but before you open the bottles and begin, let’s go over a couple of safety notes (don’t skip this – you need it to reap the benefits!).
What?
Massage is the classic application for essential oils. If you visit an Aromatherapist, they will take a detailed consultation, prepare a bespoke blend of essential oils and blending oil for you, and use it in a massage treatment.
But you don’t need to see an Aromatherapist to benefit from a massage; you can always try a self-massage or pair up with your partner.
Why?
You can use a massage blend for muscular aches and pains, soothe digestive discomfort, or ease menstrual pain. This application is also nourishing and healing for the skin, so you can make it part of your skincare routine.
Massage in itself is relaxing and beneficial for anxiety. With the addition of essential oils, you have a powerful combination.
How?
We advise that you add up to 5 drops to 10ml of blending oil for a massage blend. If you want to make a blend for your face, add 1 drop per 5ml of blending oil, as the skin on your face can be more sensitive.
Alternatively, you can try a pre-made massage oil blend for the body.
Apply in long slow strokes, taking time to mould your hands to the contours of your body.
Read more:
What?
Taking a bath with an essential oil blend is a wonderful way to relax and may be best suited for an end-of-day ‘wind down’ ritual.
Why?
A bath is perfect for encouraging a good night’s sleep or soothing aches and pains. It may also be helpful if you feel you are coming down with a cold.
How?
You can try our Nature’s Spa Bath & Body collection for indulgent pre-made bath products. If you’d like to make your own blend, add 6-8 drops in total to 20ml of blending oil. This should last for at least three to four baths.
Run your water, gather all you need (a hot drink, music, maybe a book?), then, just before getting in, add approx. 5-10ml of your blend and swirl it around. You’re all set to enjoy the heat and aroma.
Read more:
What?
Inhalation with essential oils is a concentrated application and is best used for respiratory concerns.
Why?
This method can help relieve the symptoms of coughs, colds, and blocked sinuses. It’s not recommended for Asthma sufferers or young children.
How?
Add 3-5 drops of essential oil (we recommend eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils) to a heat-proof bowl.
Add ‘just off’ boiled water and carefully put the bowl on a heat-proof and sturdy surface. Place a towel over your head to create a tent, close your eyes, and inhale deeply.
Read more:
Why?
Depending on your essential oils, diffusing a blend in your space can help you find motivation, sedation, encouragement, or nourishment.
They’re also helpful for supporting you when you are feeling under the weather with a cough or cold. Adding essential oils to your diffuser that have clearing or sedative properties, like Lavender, may relieve your symptoms.
How?
Add up to 6-8 drops of your chosen essential oils to your Aroma Spa.
Read more:
Final thoughts
Whether you are creating your own blend or using one of our wellbeing pre-prepared blends, there is an application that will be best suited for your needs.
Let us know how you use your essential oils!
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
Safety first
We know you’re keen to get started, but before you open the bottles and begin, let’s go over a couple of safety notes (don’t skip this – you need it to reap the benefits!).
- Topical applications - all applications that are topical (applied to the skin), like massages and baths, need to be applied in dilution. This means adding your essential oil to a blending oil like sweet almond oil or jojoba oil.
- Concentrated methods - inhalation is a concentrated method and is not recommended for Asthma sufferers.
- Symptoms - It’s always important to check with your GP if you are experiencing new or unusual symptoms after using an essential oil.
How to use essential oils
1. Aromatherapy massage
What?
Massage is the classic application for essential oils. If you visit an Aromatherapist, they will take a detailed consultation, prepare a bespoke blend of essential oils and blending oil for you, and use it in a massage treatment.
But you don’t need to see an Aromatherapist to benefit from a massage; you can always try a self-massage or pair up with your partner.
Why?
You can use a massage blend for muscular aches and pains, soothe digestive discomfort, or ease menstrual pain. This application is also nourishing and healing for the skin, so you can make it part of your skincare routine.
Massage in itself is relaxing and beneficial for anxiety. With the addition of essential oils, you have a powerful combination.
How?
We advise that you add up to 5 drops to 10ml of blending oil for a massage blend. If you want to make a blend for your face, add 1 drop per 5ml of blending oil, as the skin on your face can be more sensitive.
Alternatively, you can try a pre-made massage oil blend for the body.
Apply in long slow strokes, taking time to mould your hands to the contours of your body.
Read more:
2. Aromatherapy bath
What?
Taking a bath with an essential oil blend is a wonderful way to relax and may be best suited for an end-of-day ‘wind down’ ritual.
Why?
A bath is perfect for encouraging a good night’s sleep or soothing aches and pains. It may also be helpful if you feel you are coming down with a cold.
How?
You can try our Nature’s Spa Bath & Body collection for indulgent pre-made bath products. If you’d like to make your own blend, add 6-8 drops in total to 20ml of blending oil. This should last for at least three to four baths.
Run your water, gather all you need (a hot drink, music, maybe a book?), then, just before getting in, add approx. 5-10ml of your blend and swirl it around. You’re all set to enjoy the heat and aroma.
Read more:
3. Inhalation
What?
Inhalation with essential oils is a concentrated application and is best used for respiratory concerns.
Why?
This method can help relieve the symptoms of coughs, colds, and blocked sinuses. It’s not recommended for Asthma sufferers or young children.
How?
Add 3-5 drops of essential oil (we recommend eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils) to a heat-proof bowl.
Add ‘just off’ boiled water and carefully put the bowl on a heat-proof and sturdy surface. Place a towel over your head to create a tent, close your eyes, and inhale deeply.
Read more:
4. Diffusers
Why?
Depending on your essential oils, diffusing a blend in your space can help you find motivation, sedation, encouragement, or nourishment.
They’re also helpful for supporting you when you are feeling under the weather with a cough or cold. Adding essential oils to your diffuser that have clearing or sedative properties, like Lavender, may relieve your symptoms.
How?
Add up to 6-8 drops of your chosen essential oils to your Aroma Spa.
Read more:
Final thoughts
Whether you are creating your own blend or using one of our wellbeing pre-prepared blends, there is an application that will be best suited for your needs.
Let us know how you use your essential oils!
About Jo KellettOur essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
