A Beginners Guide to using Essential Oils

Facial massage

Facial skin requires special care as it tends to be delicate, show more signs of stress and toxic overload, and is generally more exposed to the wind, sun and atmospheric pollutants. For facial massage, select an appropriate carrier oil and use a lower dosage of essential oil than that for body massage. As the face is a small area, 5ml of total mix are usually sufficient.
Dosage: 1-3%, or 1-3 drops, in 5ml (1 teaspoon) of carrier oil (use an even higher dilution for very sensitive skin).
• Ensure that you do not exceed the maximum safe dosage.

In the bath

Using essential oils in the bath is an extremely effective way of influencing mood.
Add essential oils to a spoon or two of oil or soap solution and add it to the bathwater just before you get in – otherwise the oils will evaporate before you have a chance to enjoy them or benefit from absorption via the lungs and nose.
Dosage: up to 10 drops in 10ml (2 teaspoons) oil or soap solution, or directly to the water.
• Take care when using oils in the bath as some can sting. Lemon, orange, grapefruit, aniseed, camphor, clove, eucalyptus, ginger, juniper, black pepper, peppermint, sage, savory, spearmint, and thyme should be used in very small dosages – no more than 2 drops to a bath.Alternatively, you can apply a massage blend to the body, then sit in a warm bath for a while.

Water compresses

Certain situations require fast action, so low dilutions are used. Conditions like sprains, cuts, bruises, sunburn, insect bites, rashes, large areas of skin infection and inflammation respond well to this method.

Footbaths

A footbath is an extremely effective stress-relief and energy booster at the end of a hard day or in hot weather.
Dosage: use 4 drops in a bowl or foot spa of warm water and soak feet for about 20 minutes.

Body massage

Dosage: up to 6 drops in 10-15ml (2-3 teaspoons) of carrier oil or lotion.

Localised massage

Can be applied to small areas, for example stiff joints, sprains and cramps (e.g., stomach and period pains). As the area to be covered usually requires fast action the dilution used is often lower than that for body or facial massage, but always make sure that you are using a safe dosage.
Dosage: 5%, or 10 drops, in 5ml (1 teaspoon) carrier oil.
• Ensure that you do not exceed the maximum safe dosage. (Dosage: up to 12 drops in 100ml water, hot or cold depending upon the situation.)
• Agitate the water and quickly soak a piece of sterile gauze in it, wring it out and apply to the affected area. The treatment can be augmented by the application of ice packs or heat pads as appropriate.

Direct application

Cuts, insect bites, spots, cold sores, verrucae, warts and athlete’s foot can be treated with neat tea-tree and/or lavender oil. Apply with a cotton bud. If the area is cracked and dry cover with a barrier cream after 10 minutes.
• Note: tea-tree may cause irritation and dryness, so treat with respect.

Suggested uses with Diffusers and Humidifiers

Essential oils can be diffused into the air through dry heat, steam or mist or by fan-assisted evaporation. This is an effective way of changing mood, purifying the atmosphere or getting essential oils into the respiratory and olfactory systems.

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