How can I use essential oils?
In the bathroom
Using essential oils in the bath is an extremely effective way to influence our mood. Add the essential oils to a spoon or two of soap solution and add it to the bath water just before you get in - otherwise the oils will evaporate before you have a chance to enjoy them or benefit from inhaling them and absorbing them into your lungs.
Dosage: up to 10 drops in 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of oil or soap solution, or directly into water.
Be careful when using oils in the bath as some can cause a stinging sensation. Lemon, orange, grapefruit, anise, camphor, clove, eucalyptus, ginger, juniper, black pepper, peppermint, sage, thyme, spearmint and thyme should be used in very small doses - no more than 2 drops in a bath. Alternatively, you can apply a combination of oils to massage the body, then sit in a warm bath for a while.
Foot baths
A foot bath is useful when someone is immobile or too sensitive for other methods. A foot bath is an extremely effective stress reliever and tonic at the end of a hard day.
Dosage: use 4 drops in a basin of warm water, immersing the feet for about 20 minutes.
Body massage
Dosage: up to 6 drops in 10-15ml (2-3 teaspoons) of base oil or lotion.
Facial massage
The skin on the face requires special attention, as it tends to be more sensitive than other parts of the body, shows more signs of stress and toxic overload, and is generally more exposed to air, sun, and air pollutants. For facial massage, choose the appropriate base oil and use a lower dose of essential oil than for body massage. Since the face is a small area, 5ml of the total mixture is usually sufficient.
Dosage: 1-3%, or 1-3 drops in 5ml (1 teaspoon) of carrier oil (use even higher dilution for very sensitive skin).
Local massage
It can be applied to small areas, for example to joint stiffness, sprains and cramps (e.g., stomach and period pains). Since the area covered in topical massage usually requires rapid action, the dilution used is often lower than that for the body or face, but always make sure to use a safe dose.
Dosage: 5%, or 10 drops, in 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of carrier oil. Make sure not to exceed the maximum safe dose.
Compress
Some conditions require quick action, so low dilutions are used. Sprains, abrasions, bruises, sunburns, insect bites, rashes, large areas of infected skin, and inflammations respond well to this method.
Dosage: up to 12 drops in 100ml of water, hot or cold as appropriate. Shake the water with the oil and quickly soak a piece of sterile gauze in it, wring it out and apply it to the area that needs treatment. The treatment can be increased by applying cold or hot packs as appropriate.
Direct application
Cuts, insect bites, blemishes, cold sores, warts and athlete's foot can be treated with pure tea tree oil and/or lavender. Apply with a cotton swab. If the area is dry and cracked, apply a barrier cream after 10 minutes. Note: tea tree can cause irritation and dryness, so treat it with respect.
Room fragrance
Essential oils can be diffused into the air through dry heat, steam or with the help of an exhaust fan. This is an effective way to change your mood, clean and freshen the atmosphere of your space or benefit from the properties of essential oils through the respiratory system. Use special devices, essential oil burners by adding water to the surface and a tealight candle in the base or pour a few drops on your fireplace wood or candles to clear the atmosphere of cigarette smoke and scent your space wonderfully depending on your mood.
Inhalations
Use for colds, flu, sinusitis and asthma, or any condition that requires quick relief from respiratory congestion or emotional problems. Use 3-5 drops of the appropriate oil in a cup of warm (not boiling) water and inhale.
Alternatively, fill a bowl with hot water, add the appropriate essential oils, and then sit over the bowl with a towel over your head to form a canopy to keep the fumes in. This can be dangerous and should not be used on children without adult supervision. People with thin, sensitive skin or skin that is prone to spider veins should not use this method.
Note: keep your eyes closed to avoid irritation.
Spray
Fill a plant spray bottle with water. For every 300ml add 8-10 drops of essential oil. Shake the bottle well before each use, as oils do not dissolve in water. Use as an air freshener or insecticide using appropriate oils. Avoid spraying in the eyes as this may cause irritation. Do not spray on painted surfaces, as oils may stain the paint.