How to Use Essential Oils

There are a variety of ways to use Essential Oils. This makes them versatile for you when you make the wonderful decision to use them. It is because of this variety that I have chosen to use them for a multitude of things within my own home and encourage you to do the same.

This particular article will address the most popular ones. So get ready to imagine all the possibilities as you read about the wonderful ways essential oils can be used.

Use Essential Oils via Inhalation

One of the easiest ways to use essential oils is to inhale them. For best results, I like to inhale the oils after putting a few drops on a cotton ball. You can also use the inhalation method in many other ways. These include:

• On a ring around your lamp’s light bulb. This can be a lot of fun if you want to freshen up a room but do not have access to a diffusing device. The only issue with this method is that some oils are simply not as good warmed up as others so use this inhalation option sparingly. It works best with perfume grade essential oils and not with what is labeled as “therapeutic grade.”
• Inhale the oil straight out of the bottle. Just a few long sniffs of an oil such as lemon or peppermint can be more than enough for the desired effect.
• Put a drop or two of oil in your hands, rub your hands together for a few seconds then take a few good inhales.

Use Essential Oils via Diffusion

This is a popular method of using essential oils. You can easily purchase a diffuser online if you want to try this method; just do a search and I am sure you will find one that fits your needs. Keep in mind that you cannot diffuse the oils without purchasing a diffuser. There are, however, a variety of diffusers available so take a look and see what works well for you.

The diffuser works in a very simple way and is easy to use. All you have to do is put water in the diffuser and it does the work for you. Some require distilled water while you can use plain tap water in others. It’s best to read your diffuser’s directions regarding the type of water to use.

A benefit to this type of use is that many diffusers also act as a small humidifier without the need of a bulky appliance taking up a lot of room on your desk or nightstand. It can add just a bit of humidity to the air while giving a wonderful smell to the room you are diffusing in. Some diffusers come with wonderful light options built in to create an ambiance if you so desire.

Use Essential Oils via Topical Application

Topical use is exactly what it sounds like. You put the oil on your skin for any reason you wish. This is how I started out using essential oils. What you do is put a couple of drops on the area of your body you wish to use the oil on and rub it in.

A note of caution here: not all oils should be used directly on the skin. There are certain oils that are labeled “hot oils” that could cause an adverse reaction on the skin. You will want to test any oil you wish to use on your skin by putting a drop in an area that is hidden on the body and see if there is a reaction.

This is not to say that topical use does not have its own benefits. One of the best times to use oils topically is if you are trying to deal with a particular ailment. I cannot get into a particular ailment, but this is how I started using essential oils. It is truly one of the easiest ways to begin your journey with them.

Use Essential Oils via Internal Consumption

This particular way of using essential oils is a bit controversial. There are different schools of thought that say one should never use them internally while some say that it is not a problem. I personally use some essential oils internally, but this is not to say that all oils can be used internally. In fact, some brands mention directly on the label “not for internal use.”

Now, you may be asking, “Rob, if I decide to use certain oils internally how can I do that?”

I am glad you asked. Let me give you an example.

I have a few bottles of citrus oils such as lemon and orange oil. I use them in my water. You read correctly, I put a few drops in my water and drink my water that way. I have been using these types of oils internally for over two years and have never had an issue. Just make sure you check the oils you use are considered “therapeutic grade”. One of the big things to remember if you want to use oils internally is to read your labels. If it says not to use it internally, please do not do so! Your safety is very important to me.

In the Laundry

Another wonderful way to use essential oils is in the laundry, although I have not used them in this way very much. When I have used them in this way, it is usually a drop or two in the detergent portion of the wash cycle.

If you have a high-efficiency washer, just put a few drops and let the smell infuse your wash. A word of caution, they are oils so do not use them in the dryer as they may deposit spots on your clothes.

Bathing or Showering

A final way to use essential oils is when you bathe. This is another popular way to use oils because it is easy and you do not need much to get the desired effect. Simply run your bath water or warm shower and add a few drops to the bath water or to the bottom of your shower.

If you are going to use it in the shower, I suggest putting the drops close to the drain and not on any spot you are going to stand on in the shower. The reason for that is safety. The oils are slippery and you can hurt yourself if you put it in a spot you will be stepping. If you wish, you can even wait until you get into the shower before you put the drops in. That can help if you step into the shower from the front versus the back.

If you decide to use the oils in the bath, I suggest a warm bath (not too hot). Also, after putting the oil in the water, brush your hands in the water to disburse the oil evenly. Just like with diffusing and the other great options in this article, bathing, and showering with essential oils is a wonderful way to use them.

A Final Note

There are many wonderful and beneficial ways to use essential oils. I’ve described some of the most popular and easy to use ways here. People will find other ways to use essential oils because those of us who use them like to find other fun ways to share our passion for them.

Just remember to read the label when you begin using any oil because it is important to know how the oil is supposed to be used. Also, there are many brands available and the type you choose to use is up to you. I encourage you to look into any oil you wish to use and make an informed decision.