The Essential 5 - Most Common Applications of Essential Oils
- Nitzan Arad
- Jun 14, 2023
- 5 min read
I like to think of essential oils like nature's own medicine cabinet.
And we humans are blessed to be able to use it too.
Aromatic, powerful, and packed with healing properties, these plant-derived medicines have been used for centuries in various cultures around the world to promote overall health and well-being.
With their diverse benefits ranging from relaxation and stress relief to sleep improvement and energy boosting, essential oils can be powerful tools in our daily lives.
More about the essential oil background can be read in the previous post.
In this article, we will explore a variety of practical and somewhat creative techniques to make use of the full potential of aromatherapy through essential oils.
But first, let's talk about the two main mechanisms that allow the facilitation of the therapeutic benefits of essential oils -
Inhalation
Inhalation is the quickest and most direct route of essential oil administration to the body.
As I've explained also in the previous post, I will again describe the process of smelling -
When you inhale any fragrance - aromatic molecules are drawn into the nose where they interact with the olfactory system.
These aromatic molecules bind to receptor cells within the nose, sending signals up to the olfactory bulb in the brain. This region is directly connected to the limbic system, an area of the brain that's responsible for emotions, memory, and certain regulatory functions.
For example, the scent of lavender oil is known to stimulate activity in the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation. On the other hand, citrus oils, like orange or lemon, can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, promoting alertness and energy.
Absorption
When essential oils are applied to the skin, they are absorbed into the body through the epidermis (the outer layer of skin). Tiny molecules that make up the essential oils pass through the hair follicles and sweat glands and eventually into the bloodstream.
Once in the bloodstream, these molecules can circulate throughout the body and interact with various tissues and organs, delivering their therapeutic properties.
After circulating throughout the body, the essential oil molecules are eventually metabolized by the liver and excreted from the body via urine and sweat.
For instance, some essential oils, like rosemary and peppermint, are known to have analgesic properties, helping to relieve muscle tension and pain when absorbed through the skin.
So how to use this powerful tool at home?
Using essential oils as an integral part of our daily routine can be very beneficial, creating a holistic healing experience for both the physical and psychological aspects of life.
The choice of essential oils depends on your desired outcomes - Some oils and their combinations may foster relaxation, stress relief, and sleep promotions, while others can have uplifting effects, refreshing or focusing.
In this post I will give some examples for the various desired outcomes, and more about the oils will be discussed in future posts, I promise you won't be left alone.
And just a sec before we dive even deeper, here is a disclaimer - This information is not medical advice, and It is important to note that not every essential oil works for everyone all the time:
Pregnant or nursing women, children, and individuals with certain health conditions (like high blood pressure or epilepsy for example) - should consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils to make sure it is safe for them.
Certain oils are photosensitive and can cause skin pigmentation - therefore it's better to avoid applying them before exposure to the sun. Most of these oils are from the citrus family, such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit.
1. Massage Therapy
Who, if not I - will recommend getting a good aromatic massage? Infusing massage oils with essential oils can significantly enhance your massage therapy experience.
By including essential oils in the massage treatment, both the absorption and inhalation routes, allow the therapeutic properties of the oils to take effect.
For example - lavender and ylang-ylang can soothe stress and anxiety, while eucalyptus and rosemary can ease muscle tension and pain.
Remember that the skin is a protective barrier of the body, so it's crucial to use essential oils that are of a high quality and to (almost) Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before topical application to avoid skin irritation or sensitization.
Recommended ratios: Generally, you should dilute 15-20 drops of essential oil in 30ml of carrier oil such as almond, jojoba, or coconut oil.
2. Aromatherapy Diffusers
Perhaps the most well-known method of essential oil application is through diffusers that disperse the oils into the air, creating a calming, fragrant atmosphere in your home or workspace.
These devices can be:
Ultrasonic/Humidifying Diffusers: These diffusers use water and ultrasonic waves to create a fine mist of essential oils. They serve as both a humidifier and a diffuser.
Heat Diffusers: Usually candle diffusers that gently heat the oil to promote the evaporation of the aroma in the air.
Reed Diffusers: Use wooden sticks to naturally spread the oil into the room without electricity. They are decorative and ideal for small spaces. It is important to note - the products available in 'normal' stores use perfume extracts, which, as you know, are industrial chemicals without any health benefits.
Evaporative Diffusers: The oil is typically applied to a filter or pad, and here is a fan that evaporates the essential oil and blows it into the room.
Nebulization Diffusers: They use an atomizer to create airborne particles of essential oils. They do not need water or heat and are often more effective, albeit louder and pricier.
For example - diffusing essential oils like lavender and chamomile can aid in relaxation and stress relief, while peppermint or citrus oils can stimulate alertness and uplift your mood.
Recommended ratios: A standard guideline for diffusing essential oils is usually 5-10 drops per 100ml of water. However, this can vary depending on the oil and the diffuser’s capacity.
3. Bath Rituals
If you are lucky to have a bath at home, you are welcome to spoil yourself with a spa-like rejuvenating experience.
Combining the soothing properties of warm water with the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, bath rituals can provide an array of physical and mental health benefits.
Soak in the bath for at least 15-20 minutes, taking slow, deep breaths to inhale the aromatic vapors.
For example - Lavender and chamomile can promote a good night's sleep, while eucalyptus, rosemary and mint can help you prepare for the day.
Recommended ratios: Mix 5-10 drops of essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil or full-fat milk before adding to the bathwater to ensure proper dispersion, as they do not mix with water directly.
4. Direct Inhalation
Inhalation is a fast-acting method that is particularly effective for respiratory issues, to enhance mood, or boost cognitive performance.
One common method is to add 1-2 drops of essential oil to a cotton ball or napkin and take a few deep breaths. You can also place a few drops of oil in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, cup them over your nose, and inhale deeply.
For example - Oils like peppermint and rosemary can help with focus and energy, and oils like eucalyptus and tea tree are beneficial for respiratory health.
Recommended ratios: apply 1-2 drops of essential oil to the a cotton ball or your palms and inhale slowly.
5. DIY Skincare
Another nice and easy way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy, is to combine essential oils to your skincare routine. By Adding a few drops of essential oils to your skincare products, like face masks, serums, or body moisturizers - you can achieve hydration, balance the skin tone, reduce signs of aging, and even improve specific skin issues, such as acne and sensitivity.
For example - tea tree and lavender oils have strong antibacterial properties and are beneficial for acne-prone skin. Chamomile and rose are great for sensitive skin, while frankincense and geranium have some anti-aging effects.
Recommended ratios: Dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 5ml (a teaspoon) of carrier oil or lotion.
By adopting the use of essential oils in your daily routine, you can easily enjoy the many benefits that aromatherapy has to offer.
I hope you enjoy it all!
Main Scientific Resources used for this blog post -
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