Using Essential Oils
By Wendy McCallum
Essential oils are often used in an aromatherapy massage as there is a double benefit: the oils are quickly absorbed through the skin into the capillaries and bloodstream, and at the same time the massage movements themselves are stimulating the circulation and the lymph system to eliminate toxins and waste from the body.
However, if you want to use essential oils at home it can be difficult to massage yourself, so it is worth considering other ways of using them to gain the physical, psychological and spiritual benefits. Here are some ways you could use essential oils at home:
Baths
If you are going to use essential oils in the bath, put the oil in after you have run the bath so the effects stay in the water and around you (not evaporating all around the room). Whilst an adult can use essential oils in the bath undiluted, it is often beneficial to dilute them into a carrier oil (although this can make the bath slippery), alcohol or milk to allow the oil to be dispersed in the water. Up to a maximum of 10 drops of essential oil can be used per bath for adults.
For a baby or small child, always dilute essential oils with a little carrier oil or milk (as they invariably rub their eyes or splash). Make sure you agitate the water so the oil is well mixed in. For babies use a maximum of 1 drop of essential oil in the bath and for a toddler 2 drops.
Foot or Hand Baths
Good for people who find it hard to get in and out of baths, or for problems with hands or feet. Put 4-5 drops of essential oil into hand-hot water and soak for at least 10 minutes. It is even better if you can massage it in afterwards too.
Inhalation
To aid sleep you could put a couple of drops of a relaxing essential oil (such as Lavender) on the pillow at night-time, or on a cotton wool pad between the pillow and the pillowcase. Do not use more than a few drops or you will reverse the effect of the oil and it will become stimulating.
Alternatively you could put 4-5 drops of essential oil into a bowl of hot water to inhale – just be sure to shut your eyes. Then massage the oils in afterwards (for example, Eucalyptus is useful for sinusitis). Never leave vulnerable people or children unattended when using hot water, and do not use this method for asthmatics.
Do not keep sniffing the bottle, as the oil will lose its benefits if over-exposed.
Sitz or Hip Baths
Very useful for conditions such as haemorrhoids, cystitis, vaginal discharges etc. You can use a baby bath if you have one – sit in it for at least 10 minutes in hand hot water, with 5 drops of essential oil in it.
Compresses
Useful for localised problems such as muscular aches and pains, sprains, bruises, burns, period pains, arthritis and headaches. Use it cold where there is swelling or inflammation; warm where there is dull aching or a headache. Fill a small bowl or dish with water, put in 5-6 drops of essential oil and agitate thoroughly to mix. Put in a flannel or any absorbent material and squeeze out gently. Wrap round or over the area being treated and cover with cling-film or a bandage to retain the heat if hot. Leave as long as possible – ideally a couple of hours or overnight.
Burning
A diffuser, vaporiser or oil burner is useful – follow manufacturers’ instructions. Using this method has the double benefit of fragrancing your home without artificial chemicals, and you can choose oils to help existing conditions or to help prevent infections such as coughs and colds. For small, clay oil burners, use 2 teaspoons of water and a few drops of essential oil.
If you don’t have a burner, you can also use a few drops neat on cotton wool on the radiator, or use a plant spray to spray a mixture of oil and water around your home, or put a small bowl of water on the radiator with a few drops of oil in it.
Ointments and Creams
Ointments and creams are useful for localised application, and for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc. Essential oils can be added to fragrance-free products or home-made creams and lotions, which are sometimes more suitable than carrier oils.
Internally
Do not try it – it can be very dangerous as the oils have to go through the digestive system and can become chemically altered in the body’s own digestive chemical processes. Only doctors and professionals are qualified to prescribe internal application to avoid the hazards.