Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants. Due to their unique aroma, essential oils are most often applied by inhalation. However, their therapeutic properties are often enhanced when used internally and applied directly to the skin.
Before any use, it is important to carefully study the symptoms for which the oil is effective, whether it has any contraindications, and whether it can be used internally or directly on the skin.
Many essential oils are effective against bacteria , viruses and fungi , which makes them an important part of the home medicine cabinet. Their use is known for headaches, sleep and skin problems, but also for flu and digestive problems.
In the next part of this article, we have summarized for you ways to use essential oils safely and effectively.
Methods of use
The small size of essential oil molecules allows the body to absorb them quickly. There are three basic methods of using essential oils – inhalation, internal and external use.
How to apply essential oils directly to the skin
When used externally on the skin, in most cases the essential oil is first diluted with a carrier vegetable oil and then applied to the body. A popular method is to create such a mixture in a bottle with a pipette or rollon for easier application. The oil is then applied to the areas affected by pain or stiffness. Oil diluted in this way can also be gently massaged on the temples, wrists, under the nose or on the middle of the forehead. Essential oils are very popular in various types of relaxing and healing massages.
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We recommend an allergy test before external use Dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil at twice the concentration you plan to use. Rub the mixture into a small area of skin on the inside of the forearm. If there is no allergic reaction within 24 to 48 hours, the oil should be safe for you to use. But be careful, some people report developing allergies to essential oils only after using them multiple times. If a new allergic reaction occurs, you should immediately stop using this oil and avoid inhaling it. |
Bath with essential oils
Many essential oils are added to shampoos, conditioners and shower gels for their properties. In this case, just add a few drops of oil directly to the bottle and enrich the product with effects against hair loss or dry skin.
Before using bath oils, it is important to first dilute them with a carrier oil, honey or shower gel and only then add them to the water.
Inhalation using a diffuser
One of the most popular ways of using essential oils is diffusing, in which the oil is dispersed into the air using a diffuser and the oil is then absorbed into the human body, mainly by inhalation.
Direct inhalation
Definitely the easiest way to use essential oils. Just open the bottle with the essential oil and inhale it with deep breaths. With most oils, care must be taken not to come into direct contact with the skin.
Internal use
The internal use of essential oils is nothing new, these oils are very popular, for example, in the food industry. Essential oils can be added to a drink, used to flavor food, taken in capsules or applied directly under the tongue.
However, not all oils are suitable for internal use, so before use, you should carefully study which oil can also be used internally and give preference to a high-quality organic essential oil.
What to watch out for
Essential oils should be used carefully only after a thorough study of the appropriate use of the given oil. Consultation with a certified aromatherapist is recommended before use. Special care must be taken with children, the elderly and pregnant women.
Use according to symptoms
Individual essential oils have different effects. To make it easier to choose a suitable oil, we have prepared a page for you with the use of essential oils according to their effects .
