The Essential Oil Company : Using Oils

Aromatherapy

APPLICATION GUIDE

The dosages apply for adults and children aged 14 and over.

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Baths: 3-6 drops of essential oil - or a mixture of essential oils
Add to a full warm bath, agitate water to disperse oil. Can also be added to a mild bubble bath to aid dispersal. To prevent skin sensitivity or to moisturise skin, dilute in a teaspoon (5ml) of a nut or seed carrier oil such as almond or coconut or in a dispersible bath oil base. Avoid citrus oils and black pepper oil if skin is sensitive. Avoid splashing in eyes. Keep door closed to contain the aroma and enjoy a relaxing soak for 10 minutes.

"The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day." Hippocrates (AKA Father of Medicine)

Hand/foot baths: 2-4 drops of essential oil
Add to a bowl of warm water and soak hands for a maximum 10 minutes and feet for a maximum 20 minutes.

Massage:
Blend 2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil. 5ml is usually enough for a back massage for a full body massage use 6 drops per 15ml of carrier oil.

Inhalations:
Vapourised essential oils are useful for clearing the head.
Method 1. Add 2-3 drops to a tissue or handkerchief, hold to nose and inhale at intervals

Method 2. Add 3-10 drops of essential oil to 2 pints of boiled water and agitate. Place towel over head, close eyes and inhale vapours for a few minutes at a time for up to 10 minutes or as long as is comfortable. Steaming is excellent for facial cleansing. Use with appropriate skin care oils but not if skin is delicate or if thread veins are present. Inhalations are unsuitable for asthmatics. Allergy sufferers use with caution.

Room Fragrancing:
There are several ways to produce a fragrant atmosphere which diffuses a wonderful aroma and gets rid of unwanted smells. Some oils actually inhibit airborne bacteria, thus purifying the air in a sickroom.

1. Burners:
Light nightlight candle and place in base of burner. Add water to the bowl and up to 5 drops of essential oil. Ensure that bowl does not burn dry.

2. Vapourisers:
Convenient in home or office, just plug in, add essential oils to pads or cartridges and the unit will gently heat and diffuse the aroma into the atmosphere.

3. Radiators:
Add 3-8 drops of essential oil to dampened cotton wool and lodge where it can come into contact with the heat.

4. Humidifiers:
Add up to 5 drops to a saucer of hot water and place on the radiator, this will also humidify the air.

5. Room Spray:
Add 4 drops per 300ml to a plant spray kept solely for this purpose. Spray into the air taking care to avoid furniture, particularly polished surfaces.

6. Light bulbs:
A ceramic ring can be bought to fit over a cold bulb. Add the essential oils, switch on and the bulb will diffuse the aroma. Use for up to 60 watt bulbs, do not remove until bulb is cooled.
With normal light bulbs 1-2 drops of essential oil can be added to a cold bulb - the aroma will be diffused as the light bulb heats up.

Once you begin to discover some of the many benefits of essential oils, you might like to read one of the variety of Aromatherapy books available to increase your knowledge of their therapeutic properties, learn about many other oils available and provide you with a background to develop many delightful recipes for home treatment of ailments.

Essential Oils can be applied in many other ways including compresses, saunas, jacuzzis, log fires and can be used as perfumes and insect repellents.

When using essential oils, let your body be your guide.

Oils that you find attractive are more likely to work in harmony with your body. If, for example, you find the smell of an oil unpleasant, you might be best advised to use an alternative which has similar properties, many of which overlap. Strangely, we are often "drawn" to the aroma of the essential oil that our body requires at that time. Although the majority of people tolerate essential oils if used in the correct amounts, you should use the minimum dosage when trying new oils to test for sensitivity, and remember "less is more" when using essential oils.

Care must be taken when using any oil, particularly those where specific warnings have been given. We would recommend that advice is sought from a qualified aromatherapist before using any essential oil in the following circumstances: epileptics, young children, asthmatics, during pregnancy, those suffering from high blood pressure or varicose veins.

The use of essential oils is complementary to professional help and is not intended as a substitute - always seek medical advice if symptoms persist. Do not attempt self-diagnosis or self-treatment for serious or long term problems without consulting a medical professional or qualified practitioner. Do not undertake any self-treatment while you are undergoing a prescribed course of medical treatment without first seeking advice from your doctor.

Some oils may be harmful in certain circumstances and occasional allergic reactions may occur. The Essential Oil Company Ltd. cannot take responsibility for any adverse reactions resulting from the use or misuse of essential oils.

• Do not use undiluted on the skin.

• Do not take internally.

• Keep away from eyes.

• Keep out of reach of children.

• Store essential oils in a cool, dark place.

• Keep cap tightly closed.