How to use essential oils ?

How to use essential oils ?

There are 3 main ways to use essential oils :

1. the oral way (by mouth) ;
2. the cutaneous way (by the skin);
3. the respiratory route (through the lungs).

#1. How to use essential oils orally ?

The oral route consists of swallowing essential oils by placing a few drops on a neutral tablet which is then swallowed. The oral way is the major way of aromatherapy because it allows a great effectiveness. The swallowed essential oil allows a fast action on the whole body. Attention, the oral way is disadvised in the child of less than 7 years.

Which supports to use for the oral way ?

Essential oils are not soluble in water. Like oil with water, mixing is not possible. Therefore, it is advisable to count the number of drops to be put on a support before swallowing. Never ingest essential oils directly into the mouth, as this could lead to overdosing. Please always use a support of type :

• the neutral lactose-based tablet : the tablet can be cut in half to limit the size and facilitate the passage by oral route. After chewing the tablet, swallow it quickly with a glass of water;
• Liquid honey : be sure to mix the essential oil well to avoid a strong taste. Honey has the advantage of soothing the throat when taken orally;
• Breadcrumbs : they are easy to swallow and absorb the essential oil like a sponge;
• sugar cube : it easily absorbs the essential oil;
• coconut oil (also called Solubol) : it mixes with the essential oils and then allows mixing with hot or cold water. Mix 7 drops of Solubol for 1 drop of essential oil, add water and drink.

At what age can the oral route be used ?

The oral route can be used for children under 7 years of age or for people who have difficulty swallowing an oral tablet.

#2. How to use essential oils by the skin ?

The cutaneous way consists in massaging an essential oil on the skin. The essential oil can be used pure or diluted in a vegetable oil. The cutaneous way allows a remarkable local action of the aromatherapy to treat many diseases : acne, mycosis, eczema, sprain, ... The cutaneous way also allows an action on the whole body, for that it is necessary to apply essential oils on certain parts of the body : sole of the feet, folds of the elbows and wrists, ?

Which supports to use for the cutaneous way ?

Essential oils that are too concentrated, too strong and poorly tolerated by the skin, difficult to spread on the skin can be mixed in a support such as

• vegetable oils which allow to dilute essential oils with the mixture of 2 drops of vegetable oil for 1 drop of essential oil;
• Aloe Vera gel which also allows a good dilution. The mixture allows to obtain a natural gel-cream ideal for all massages. A small hazelnut of Aloe Vera allows to mix 3 drops of essential oil.

What are the precautions for use by skin ?

• Each essential oil is unique and has its own indications. It is therefore essential to check the conditions of use and the minimum age required before using it (for example, the application of citrus-based essential oils should never be exposed to the risk of burns);
• Always dilute essential oils for children under 7 years old and prefer application on the soles of the feet;
• Always dilute essential oils for injured skin (wound, cut, pimple, burn, ...);
• Always dilute essential oils for people with an allergic tendency. Apply the essential oil on a small part of the body and wait 1 hour to check the absence of an allergic reaction. If tolerance is good, treatment can be started.

#3. How to use essential oils by the respiratory route ?

The respiratory route consists in using essential oils by diffusion in the atmosphere. There are 2 types of diffusion :

• the diffusion intended for the house with an aim of disinfecting the air of the microbes (acarina, virus, bacteria, ?);
• the diffusion intended for the man with an aim of being inhaled by an individual to bring a pleasant odor or to deal with a disease (relaxation, disinfection of the respiratory tracts, ?).

Which support should be used for inhalation ?

There are 2 types of supports for the use of aromatherapy by oral way :

• sprays, also called sprays, which are the main support of essential oils because easy to use;
• diffusers, which use heat, compressed air or ultrasound to diffuse essential oils. Be careful, not all essential oils can be diffused. It is necessary to check the conditions of use before putting them in a diffuser.

What are the contraindications ?

• Aromatherapy is not recommended for people with asthma, allergies or epilepsy;
• Do not use essential oils on pregnant or breastfeeding women;
• Do not use essential oils on infants under 30 months;
• Do not use citrus-based essential oils (lemon, orange, etc.) before exposure to the sun;
• Never apply essential oil on the eyelids, on the eyes or in the ears.

Advice for use

• Use only known essential oils;
• Ask your doctor, your naturopath or your pharmacist for advice;
• Buy your essential oils in pharmacies or specialized stores;
• Respect the age and the indicated doses;
• In case of contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with warm water;
• In case of accidental ingestion and in large quantities, contact emergency services.