Essential Oils Topical Application Method

**Caution for the hot oils such as oregano and others and for use on small children you will want to dilute with a carrier oil.

Essential oils will enter your circulatory system within seconds of being applied to your skin this works wonders for things such as aches and pains, bruises, bug bites and stings etc. The oils pass right into your blood stream and circulate throughout the body. While rubbing the oils into the skin you are also inhaling them so it’s a double whammy effect. Usually you would apply them right on the effective area. For headaches apply to your temples, depending on the headache maybe the forehead or base of the skull on the back of the neck area and the cupping of your hand over the nose. You should also get a copy of the reflexology or acupressure charts showing which areas of your hands and feet to pinpoint for your body parts these come in very handy when applying oils.

Direct application is also good for pain relief, fighting or protecting from infection for burns, rashes cuts and scrapes, upset stomachs or digestive problems.

Message Method

Who doesn’t like a good body message? If you have never had an aromatherapy massage you need to try one. You can feel the stress leaving your body the oils are so relaxing on so many levels and if you layer the oils, one over the other, it is fabulous!

Compresses

Depending on the situation a little first aid knowledge may come in handy here on when to use hot or cold compresses. You fill a bowl with your water and add 5 or 6 drops of oil, mix well, soak a towel in the water gently squeeze out some of the water and place over the area. Leave in place until the towel comes to body temperature and then reapply.

Hot compresses are typically used for things such as backaches, earache, abscesses, arthritis, menstrual cramps etc.

Cold compresses are used for headaches, neck tension, swelling, bruises, sprains and muscle strains

Baths and Soaks

A long soak in a hot tub is so relaxing; try adding up to 6 drops of your favorite oil to your bath be sure to agitate the water occasionally to break up the oils droplets. Enjoy!

Jacuzzi Many essential oils are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal adding them to your Jacuzzi will kill the bacteria or fungus and you also experience the pleasant aroma.

Suana same as above for the Jacuzzi you can add only 1 or 2 drops to the sauna water for a pleasant experience.

Shower a similar experience can be had by applying a few drops, up to 6, of oil to your washcloth and turning your water on as hot as you can stand it. You might want to plug the drain briefly. It works like a steam room.

This also works for a hand soak, foot soak, or sitz bath depending on the size of the bowl use 2 to 6 drops of your oil of choice and soak the body part as long as is comfortable.