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How Essential Oils Work
How Essential Oils Work
Essential oils can help alter our physical, mental and emotional well-being by triggering and strengthening our bodies’ own natural processes. They are made up of tiny molecules that can deliver healing properties to the systems that control our physiological state. The best way for the body to absorb the therapeutic components of essential oils is a combination of inhalation through the olfactory system of the nose and absorption through the surface of the skin.
100% Pure Undiluted Oils, but should not be taken internally. Use for aromatherapy and topical application (as long as diluted with a carrier oil)
Two Types of Applications for Essential Oils
Inhalation
Topical Application
Topical Application
When essential oils are inhaled through the nose, tiny nerves send an instant signal to the brain and go directly to work on the systems that regulates our minds and bodies. Inhalation can be the most direct delivery process of these incredibly nurturing components in essential oils, since the chemical messengers in the nasal cavity have direct access to the brain
Topical Application
Topical Application
Topical Application
When essential oils are applied to the skin, their healing components are absorbed into the bloodstream by the pores and hair follicles. Once inside the bloodstream, they disperse to the specific organs and systems on which they work. Pulse points are the areas of the body where blood vessels are closest to the skin’s surface. Applying essential oils to these areas allows for quicker absorption and help them get to work faster. We suggest applying to the wrists, temples and back of the neck. Think about it like watering a plant: you hydrate the soil because that’s where the roots are to absorb the nutrients. You wouldn’t get the same effect if you just watered the leaves or flowers.
Methods of Application for Essential Oils
Massage
Skin Oils and Lotions
Skin Oils and Lotions
Massage is a relaxing and nourishing experience in itself and it ensures that the oils are effectively absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Twenty drops of essential oils is roughly equivalent to one milliliter (1/4 tsp),
Skin Oils and Lotions
Skin Oils and Lotions
Skin Oils and Lotions
The emphasis is on treating the skin itself and dealing with particular problems. Rose and neroli are good for dry or mature complexions; geranium, bergamot and lemon can help combat acne and greasy skin. A few drops of essential oils can also be mixed into a bland cream or lotion.
Douche
Skin Oils and Lotions
Hair Care
In the case of candida or thrush, add between 5 and 10 drops of tea tree to a litre (1 3/4 pt) of warm water and shake well. this mixture can either be used in a sitz bath, or into a enema/douche pot.
Hair Care
Flower Waters
Hair Care
The hair can also be enhanced by the use of a few drops of essential oils in the final hair rinse or added straight to a mild shampoo.
Flower Waters
Flower Waters
Flower Waters
It is possible to make toilet or flower water at home by adding about 20 to 30 drops of essential oils to a 100ml (3 1/2 fl oz) bottle of spring or de-ionized water, leaving if for a few days in the dark and then filtering it using a coffee filter paper.
Baths
Flower Waters
Flower Waters
Add 5 to 10 drops of oil to the bath water when the tub is full. Chamomile or lavender can help to relieve stress-related complaints such as anxiety or insomnia; rosemary or pine can help soothe aching limbs.
Vaporization
Hot and Cold Compress
Hot and Cold Compress
A few drops of oil can be placed on a light bulb ring or added to a small bowl of water. Specific essential oils can be chosen to create different atmospheres: frankincense and cedarwood have been used to create a peaceful and relaxed mood. Citronella or lemongrass also provide an excellent way of keeping insects at bay. A few drops may also be put on the pillow or onto a handkerchief for the use throughout the day.
Hot and Cold Compress
Hot and Cold Compress
Hot and Cold Compress
This is a very effective way of using essential oils to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. A hot compress can be made by filling a bowl with very hot water, then adding 4 or 5 drops of essential oil. Dip a folded piece of cotton cloth, cotton wool or a face cloth into the bowl, squeeze out the excess water and place the cloth on the affected area until it has cooled, then repeat. Hot compresses are useful for backache, abscesses, earache and toothache. Cold compresses are made in a similar way, using ice cold rather than hot water. This kind of compress is useful for headaches, sprains, strains, and other hot, swollen conditions.
Neat Application
Hot and Cold Compress
Neat Application
Generally speaking, essential oils are not applied to the skin in an undiluted form. Certain essential oils such as sandalwood, jasmine or rose make excellent perfumes, dabbed neat on the skin. *Beware of those oils that are known to be photo toxic (discolor the skin when exposed to direct sunlight) such as bergamot.