How to Use Essential Oils

Essential oils are pure, concentrated extracts derived through distillation from various parts of plants such as fruits, peels, branches, leaves, or flowers. These oils are widely used in aromatherapy to promote both mental and physical well-being. You can apply essential oils directly onto the skin, such as water-based or oil-based varieties, inhale their fragrance through a diffuser, or combine them with other ingredients to create sprayable essential oil blends. Keep reading for a detailed guide on how to use essential oils effectively.

Consider the quality of the essential oil before purchasing. Since you'll be using the oil on your body and around your home, it's important to choose a high-quality essential oil. There are no standardized regulations that manufacturers must adhere to, so you need to consider several factors before making a purchase.

• Have you heard of the brand or used their products before? Only purchase from reputable companies.
• Is the price comparable to other products, or is it unusually cheap? Be cautious of inexpensive oils as they may lack purity.
• Does the product list the Latin names of the plants used to make the oil and/or specify its origin? These details indicate that the company values knowledgeable customers and is more trustworthy.
• Does the product packaging state its purity? Look for 100% pure oils and avoid those that don't clearly indicate their purity percentage.
• What does the product smell like? If it doesn't match your expectations, it might not be a high-quality product.
• Does the packaging claim the oil is made from entirely organic sources or “harvested from natural plants”? If not, the plants used may be mass-produced and/or treated with pesticides, so avoid such products.

Understand the chemotype of essential oils before making a purchase decision. Some essential oil manufacturers offer different products derived from the same essential oil. These may be distinct oils, or different chemotypes of the same oil, exhibiting slight variations in fragrance due to factors like climate, soil, environment, and others. The advantage of choosing a specific chemotype is that it allows you to customize the dilution according to your preference.

• For example, basil comes in two main chemotypes: Sweet Basil and Reunion Basil. Sweet Basil has a sweeter aroma, while Reunion Basil leans more towards a woody scent.

Consider the product's packaging. Essential oils degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight and high temperatures. Make sure the product you purchase is contained in a dark-colored glass bottle (usually brown) and is tightly sealed. Avoid buying oils that have been opened or exposed to sunlight or heat for extended periods.

Do not ingest essential oils. Many essential oils can cause illness or even be fatal if ingested. Therefore, it is important to avoid consuming them. While you can apply essential oils safely to your skin, most oils need to be diluted before topical use.

Identify the best method for using essential oils for your specific needs. Essential oils can be blended with carrier oils, diluted in water for sprays, or mixed with other ingredients such as bath salts. Determine the best method of use before deciding how to dilute the oil.

Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil or water if you plan to apply it to your skin. Almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grape seed oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil are all suitable carriers for essential oils. These carrier oils are odorless, so they won't overpower or compete with the essential oil scent you select. You can also use water as a base. Before mixing your essential oil, make sure you have a clear plan for how you will use it.

• For targeted application on an adult's skin, you can prepare a 3 - 5% essential oil solution. Add 3 - 5 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil or water. This diluted solution is perfect for applying a small amount of oil to the temples or wrists.
• For use on larger areas of an adult's body, prepare a 1% essential oil solution. Add 1 drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil or water. This dilution is ideal for creating a massage oil or body spray.
• If using essential oils on a baby, create a very diluted solution containing 0.25% essential oil. To make this solution, add 1 drop of essential oil to 4 teaspoons of carrier oil or water.
• For use in a bath, you can add 3 - 5 drops of essential oil to bath salts or a teaspoon of carrier oil. Then mix it into the bath water. Diluting the oil with a carrier oil before adding it to the bath helps prevent direct contact with the skin, which could cause irritation.

Applying undiluted essential oils, also known as using "neat" essential oils. Many sources suggest you should never apply essential oils directly to your skin without diluting them with a carrier oil, as this can make the skin more sensitive and cause irritation. However, some studies have shown that applying neat essential oils can be beneficial in certain cases. For instance, one study demonstrated that applying undiluted tea tree oil twice daily was effective in preventing toenail/fingernail fungal infections. Therefore, it’s wise to consult with an aromatherapy professional before deciding to use undiluted essential oils.

Use essential oils to alleviate headaches. Essential oils can be very helpful for easing mild headaches. Dilute the oil as described for targeted use on a specific area of the body. Then, apply the solution to the forehead, temples, and back of the neck. Massage the oil in circular motions on the skin while deeply inhaling the oil. The best essential oils for treating headaches include:

• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Ginger

Treat acne with tea tree oil. Essential oils can be an effective treatment for acne and serve as a natural alternative to the harsh chemicals found in many acne creams or prescription medications. A scientific study has shown that a gel containing 5% tea tree oil is as effective as benzoyl peroxide (a common ingredient in acne creams) for treating acne.

• To make a 5% tea tree oil gel for acne treatment, add 5 drops of tea tree oil to 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Mix the oil thoroughly with the aloe vera, then use your fingers or a cotton swab to apply the gel directly to acne spots. Store the mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate it to use within one week.

Treat insomnia with lavender, chamomile, and sage essential oils. While essential oils won't cure insomnia, using them in a relaxing, gentle manner before bed can help you fall asleep more quickly and sleep more soundly until you need to wake up. The three oils that can aid in managing insomnia are lavender - for promoting relaxation, chamomile - a natural sedative, and sage - known for its sleep-inducing properties.

• If you have a vaporizer, add a few drops of lavender, chamomile, or sage oil to it before bed.
• You can also add a few drops to your bath, or massage diluted essential oil on your calves and feet before going to sleep.
• Remember, many oils such as rosemary, cypress, grape seed, lemon, and peppermint are energizing and stimulating, so it’s best to avoid them before bedtime.

Reduce stress with essential oils. One of the most popular uses of essential oils is to enhance mental well-being by alleviating stress and encouraging calmness and relaxation. Essential oils positively influence our emotions due to the connection between our sense of smell and the limbic system - the area of the brain responsible for emotions, memories, and sexual responses. Five essential oils particularly effective in stress relief include:

• Lavender, with its soft, floral, mellow, and sweet fragrance, is widely loved for its balancing and relaxing qualities, both physically and mentally.
• Frankincense, with its warm, exotic scent, is frequently used for its soothing stress-relief properties.
• Rose, famous for its ability to reduce stress, also helps with depression and grief.
• Chamomile, particularly Roman chamomile, helps alleviate stress from mental anxiety and also assists in dealing with paranoia and hostility.
• Vanilla, known for its healing properties, is favored by many aromatherapists for its scent that closely resembles mother’s milk. It induces calmness and sharpens mental clarity.

Use thyme essential oil to stop snoring. Thyme essential oil is an effective solution for snoring. To use it as a remedy, dilute the essential oil at the suggested ratio for targeted application (3 - 5 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil). Rub the oil into the soles of your feet before going to sleep. Other oils that can also be used include cedarwood and marjoram.

Repel insects with lemon eucalyptus essential oil. Many commercial insect repellents contain strong synthetic chemicals that can be unpleasantly scented and irritating to the skin. A diluted mixture of lemon eucalyptus essential oil is an excellent (and more pleasant-smelling) alternative for repelling insects. You can mix the essential oil with carrier oil and apply it directly to the skin, or you can add it to a diffuser or oil burner near a window.

• To make your own insect repellent, you can mix 2 tablespoons (about 30 ml) of carrier oil, 2 tablespoons of witch hazel, about 50 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil, 10 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of cedarwood oil, and 10 drops of rosemary oil. Combine all ingredients in a small spray bottle and shake well before use.

Use essential oils to soothe earaches. Some essential oils can help clear ear infections and relieve pain associated with them when applied topically. Do not apply essential oil directly inside the ear; instead, apply it along the neck and behind the infected ear.

• Tea tree oil is one of the best essential oils for easing ear pain. Dilute the oil at the recommended ratio for targeted use (3 - 5 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil) and massage behind the ear and on the neck.

Relieve dizziness with peppermint essential oil. Essential oils can help alleviate symptoms of dizziness, with peppermint being one of the most effective for treating lightheadedness. It's commonly used to treat nausea and head spins due to its menthol, menthyl esters, and menthone content, which contribute to its cooling and invigorating effects. When dizziness strikes, place a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball or handkerchief and inhale its scent. Other oils that can help ease dizziness include:

• Cypress
• Basil
• Sage
• Myrtle
• Lavender
• Ginger
• Rose
• Rosemary
• Tangerine

Use essential oils to soothe sunburn. Some essential oils have been used for thousands of years to treat sunburns due to their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. The best essential oils for easing sunburn include lavender oil, helichrysum (a member of the daisy family), rose oil, and Australian Blue oil (a blend of multiple oils). The most effective way to apply these oils is by mixing them with aloe vera gel (1 drop of essential oil per teaspoon of gel) and directly applying to the sunburned skin.

• You can also create a DIY spray for sunburn relief by mixing the following ingredients:
  • 230 ml + 1 tablespoon Aloe Vera Juice
  • 60 ml Coconut Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil
  • 8 drops Lavender Oil
  • 8 drops Tea Tree Oil
  • 8 drops Roman Chamomile Oil
• Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle and shake well before use.

Treat minor wounds with essential oils. Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, and many others can be used to treat minor wounds, such as cuts, burns, or insect bites, thanks to their antibiotic properties. To use essential oils for treating minor injuries, first clean the wound and ensure it’s not bleeding. Then, apply a small amount of diluted essential oil (2-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil).

• Apply the oil 2 to 5 times daily until the wound heals. After applying, you may apply a cold compress to the wound to reduce bleeding and swelling, allowing the oil to absorb into the skin.

Use peppermint oil to relieve digestive disorders. You’ve probably heard that peppermint tea can help reduce symptoms of digestive disorders. Similarly, peppermint essential oil can also be used to relieve nausea and digestive issues. Simply dilute the oil to a ratio for broader use (3-5 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil) and rub the mixture onto your stomach to alleviate abdominal pain.

• Other oils that can help with similar issues include ginger, nutmeg, and spearmint.
• Applying a warm compress to your stomach after applying the oil can also help soothe pain and discomfort.
• Many studies have found that ingesting or consuming spearmint oil can be effective in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Relieve nasal congestion with eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil can be used to relieve nasal congestion. It clears the sinuses and cools the nasal passages. Many people use eucalyptus oil to tackle nasal congestion related to colds and allergies.

• To use eucalyptus oil as an external decongestant, you can mix it with a carrier oil (3-5 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil). Apply a small amount of the mixture under the nose and also rub it on your chest.
• If you are experiencing severe congestion, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a humidifier or diffuser to disperse the scent.

Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser to fill your home with fragrance. Pour a few teaspoons of water into the bowl above the diffuser. Light the candle underneath, and add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to the water. The fragrance will gently spread throughout your room.

• You can also use reed diffusers to release the scent into the air.

Drop some essential oil into the wax of a candle. Light the candle and wait a few minutes for the wax to melt. Blow out the candle, then add a few drops of essential oil to the melted wax before relighting it. Be cautious not to drop the oil onto the wick as essential oils are highly flammable.

Place a few drops of essential oil in hot water. If you don't have a diffuser or candles available, simply pour hot water into a bowl or small plate, then add a few drops of essential oil. The steam will carry the fragrance throughout your home. Make sure to keep the bowl out of reach of children and pets.

Create a room spray with essential oils. Add about 60 ml of distilled water and 60 ml of vodka or witch hazel to a small spray bottle. Then, add 30-40 drops of your favorite essential oil (or mix different oils together) and shake well. Spray this mixture into the air, onto household items, and onto fabrics, but avoid spraying on polished surfaces.

Spray essential oil on your cushions and pillows. Spritz a few drops of essential oil onto your throw pillows and headrest pillows. This way, you'll enjoy the fragrance of the essential oil every time you sit or lay down. If you're concerned about the oil damaging the fabric, you can soak the essential oil onto a cotton ball and place it inside the pillowcase.

Create a DIY cleaning spray with essential oils. Due to their antibacterial properties, essential oils can be used to create an all-purpose cleaning spray. It's perfect for cleaning non-porous surfaces such as tiles, glass, and plastic. Combine the following ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well:

• 100 ml white vinegar or witch hazel
• 100 ml water
• 15-20 drops of your preferred essential oils (tea tree, lavender, lemon, and spearmint work well)
• A few drops of dish soap (optional)

Make your own scented dryer sheets with essential oils. Cut an old t-shirt into small square pieces around 2.5 cm in size. Every time you do laundry, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to one of these pieces and toss it in with a load of wet clothes. Start the dryer as usual. Wash the fabric after a few uses.

Explore other ways to freshen your home with essential oils. There are plenty of methods to keep your home smelling fresh with essential oils. Here are a few ideas:

• Add essential oil to incense or dried herb bundles. Place 3 drops of essential oil on the incense or dried herb bundle, and burn as usual.
• Add essential oil to fragrance-free products. Add a few drops to unscented lotion, soap, or bubble bath to enjoy your favorite essential oil fragrance every day.
• Drop a few essential oil drops into the dust collection bag of your vacuum cleaner before use. When you vacuum, the scent will spread through the air, leaving your home smelling fresh and fragrant.

• If you're interested in learning more about how to use essential oils and aromatherapy techniques, consider enrolling in a course on the subject. Thanh Ngoc Vocational Beauty School offers high-quality aromatherapy classes.

• Be cautious when using diffusers, candles, matches, and lighters.
• It's important to note that many essential oils should not be ingested, as they can become toxic and potentially fatal if consumed, although they are perfectly safe when applied topically.
• Handle essential oils with care, as they are highly flammable and may cause skin irritation.
• Ensure that you consult with a certified aromatherapist or herbalist before using essential oils.