| updated 2 AUGUST 2024
Content
Life with pure essential oils is not only fragrant but also healthier. However, for effective and safe use - applying and achieving the desired effects of essential oils, we must follow certain rules and principles. In this article, we will tell you how to do it and also what to watch out for!
But let's start with a point about the quality of essential oils. In any way of using an essential oil, it must be remembered that it enters our organism (which it affects) - internally, externally or diffusely. Therefore, we should focus first on quality, thanks to which we will make sure that we provide and treat our body with the best, gentlest and healthiest.
Quality of essential oils
We wrote about how to recognize high-quality essential oils in last year's article: 5 ways to recognize high-quality essential oils.
Our brand evokes cleanliness as its name suggests. (the word " pura " means " pure " in the Spanish language.) We mainly mean the purity of nature. Whatever you choose from the essential oils in our offer, we guarantee you the highest quality and a careful approach. You can only find here essential oils of organic quality (the product does not contain any pesticides or other "admixtures").
Food Grade quality , in turn, refers to the quality of oils that are used in the food industry as a natural flavoring agent . Essential oils with this label can be used internally or orally. However, it should be taken into account that the internal use of essential oils is recommended only under the guidance of a professional aromatherapist or pharmacist , who will recommend the exact amount and dosage. Essential oils are 100% concentrates and can cause health problems if used unprofessionally.
Why it is important to dilute essential oils
(To dilute or not to dilute? That is the question!)
We have a simple answer to this question, dilute! And this applies to all methods of use. Do not even apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin, it is not safe! (There are only two essential oils that are considered safe for short-term topical use without dilution. Read more about them later in the article.) This is because of the strong concentration of the essential oil. If we want to use the effects of essential oils fully and effectively, we have to dilute them.
What are the consequences of not diluting essential oils
- skin irritation (redness)
- building up sensitization (hypersensitivity) - a type of allergic reaction in which intolerance to an essential oil is built up due to improper use (some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction: itching, headache, nausea and others...)
- waste - essential oils are volatile, they evaporate from the skin very quickly (but they don't evaporate in the fat in the carrier oil, on the contrary, the essential oil penetrates directly into the skin more easily, and that's what we want)
- ecology - with the growing demand for essential oils, the period of their unavailability will increase (nature needs time). Thanks to the dilution, we extend the period of use of one bottle, giving nature time for the growth and rest it needs.
Before applying a greater concentration of essential oil than 1% (for acute conditions and pain) or trying a new type of oil or mixture, perform a TOLERANCE TEST . Drop essential oil with a concentration of 1% on the back of the hand (the rest contains the carrier oil). If no sign of an allergic reaction appears within 10 minutes or you do not feel an unwanted effect, you can then gradually increase the concentration of the essential oil.
| Children | legs |
| armpit | |
| full body massage | |
| Adults | head area - temples (the effect will appear earlier), neck and trapezius |
| trunk area - chest, abdomen, back | |
| shoulders, hands - wrist (the effect comes earlier), palms, fingers | |
|
legs - feet |
When and which essential oil do we not need to dilute?
Essential oils are only applied locally to the affected area and only when:
- Tea tree essential oil ( Melaleuca alternifolia ) - insect bites, acne, small wounds and abrasions, disinfection and relief of itching
- Medicinal lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ) - soothes skin irritation, minor burns, acne, small wounds and abrasions
Diluting essential oils for the bath
Essential oils are not soluble in water, and therefore we must use a suitable carrier here as well. When using essential oils in the bath, remember that diluting the oil is very important , as we mentioned earlier in the article.
Warning ➞ If you want to fully enjoy the scented bath (to avoid unnecessary side effects and reactions that undiluted essential oil could cause us), we recommend that you first dilute the essential oil before adding it to the bath water. Free-floating drops of oil could irritate your skin if they come in contact with your body!
What to dilute essential oils for the bath
Add drops of essential oil to foaming bath products (shampoo, bath foam, shower gel), honey, carrier oils (light oils - almond, jojoba, peach...).
Recommended amount | 5-20 drops of essential oil / 1 tbsp of foaming agent. Mix thoroughly and disperse in a bath filled with water.
Warning (applies to children, pregnant women and people with high blood pressure) we do not add the following essential oils to the bath: cinnamon, rosemary and eucalyptus.
How safe internally?
We can also take essential oil in the form of a vegetable capsule after consulting an aromatherapist (dilute the oil here too!), or add a drop of essential oil to honey or vegetable oil. Whichever method you choose, one thing is for sure - always dilute the essential oil!
Warning ➞ Oregano essential oil must not be used orally - internally, if it is undiluted or insufficiently diluted! This is a very strong and intense concentration of the plant, so it could burn the lips, mucous membrane and oral cavity . Oregano can also irritate the mouth, throat and esophagus . In the case of incorrect use (mostly the wrong amount and not diluting) unnecessary complications and health problems can occur, which will negatively affect our aromatherapy journey.
Internal use of essential oils is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women . The recommended daily dose of essential oil used internally is a maximum of 1-3 drops (it depends on the specific type of essential oil and the correct dilution). Believe in the power of nature. A lot is contained in just one drop. Don't forget: "Too much of a good thing is harmful." And this is true for essential oils as well. A single drop can be extremely healing and very effective, don't overdo it. One drop will do more than more. Always consult an aromatherapist.
Did you know that…?
The amount of fruit/plant that is needed to produce a pure organic essential oil can also convince you of the really high concentration of active ingredients in an essential oil.
For example, in the production of 10 milliliters (1 bottle) of liquid essential oil, approximately 30 pieces of lemon are consumed, and up to 250 kg of fresh plant is needed for 1 kg of lavender essential oil.
Fragrant tips
In order to fully utilize the benefits of essential oils and experience their exceptional effects, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines and procedures. Trust nature and its healing power. This article has provided you with the necessary information for the safe use and enjoyment of essential oils. Now it's your turn to discover their potential!
