Using essential oils

Essential oils have been used by humans for thousands of years and have long been said to have a multitude of benefits. Everything from anxiety to loss of memory to difficulty sleeping is treatable by essential oils, which are natural aromatic substances extracted from plants. The oils provide plants with protection against predators and disease and play a role in plant pollination, and they have plenty of benefits for humans too. But essential oils need to be used safely to be effective. Essential oils can be used in a number of ways, but direct application onto the skin is unsuitable for many oils. Lavender and tea tree are the only two which should be applied in an undiluted form, but others can be worn on the skin if around 2-6 drops of essential oil are mixed with each tablespoon of carrier oil or water. Direct application may be used in the case of Tea Tree to banish spots and acne or lavender on the temples to get rid of a headache. Other oils can be diluted with water or a carrier oil, such as Sweet Almond which makes a good massage oil. Inhalation is another way which essential oils can be used. 2 drops of camomile or lavender oil on your pillow or on the front of your bed clothes will help you to sleep. You can also put a couple of drops of eucalyptus, cedarwood or peppermint onto a handkerchief or tissue for help to clear sinus congestion, or have a cotton wool ball with some drops of essential oil in the near vicinity. Another method of inhaling essential oils is through steam inhalation. This is when some drops of essential oil are added to a bowl of steaming water which vaporises the oil. Placing a towel over your head and over the steaming bowl allows a stronger inhalation, but it can be very potent and you must be careful with eyes. Wearing swimming goggles prevents eyes from stinging. Diffusers allow for the safe inhalation of essential oils but again they must be diluted, and this can be done by placing a couple of drops of oil in some water. It is important not to burn the oil as this changes the chemical composition, making them less efficient. The water prevents this from happening. A room spray can be produced by diluting drops of essential oils in water which can then be sprayed for fragrance or set a mood. A solution based on ginger, cinnamon and citrus will create a Christmas fragrance ideal for the holiday season. All room sprays must be shaken thoroughly before using to prevent spraying just the water, as the oils will float on top. Bathing in essential oils will apply them through both skin application and steam inhalation. Because oil floats on water and we are attempting to prevent direct contact with skin, blending 4-10 drops of essential oil with a tablespoon of milk helps aid dispersion. Essential oils must never be taken internally. They are unsafe to consume so should not be drank, diluted or not. Care should also be taken when using essential oils on children. Children under 7 should not inhale the oils through steam inhalation, and children over 7 must wear goggles. Additionally, when using any of these methods for children under ten, quantities of the oils should be cut in half. If you are pregnant or suffering from serious medical conditions then seek the advice of a qualified Aromatherapist. Essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place with the cap firmly in place. Keep out of the reach of children.