Essential Oils
How To Use Young Living Essential Oils - Basics
We’ve all wondered how to use essential oils, quizzing friends for advice or scouring the web for the latest tips. There’s no trick to using essential oils, though. You don’t need training or a degree. With a little practice and the suggestions you’ll find here, you’ll become the go-to expert on using essential oils in no time!
Essential oils are highly concentrated, natural extracts located in a plant’s seed, leaves, bark, flowers, roots, stems, rinds, and other parts. Distillers of essential oils use various methods to extract these oils that render them even more potent than they were in their respective plants. In such a concentrated form, it’s important to know how to use oils safely and which precautions to take. There are three primary ways to use essential oils: aromatically, topically, or internally. However you use your oils, we recommend you always check the label on how to best apply them.
We’ll explore how to use essential oils and what steps you can take to enjoy their natural benefits while also handling them safely.
How To Apply Essential Oils - Three Main Methods
Stumped on how to apply your essential oils?
How you apply an oil depends on the benefit you want to get out of it. Different oils offer different benefits, depending on how and where you apply them. So, before using any new essential oil, be sure to check that oil’s uses and benefits and read any labels and instructions that come with it. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.
Aromatically
Let’s start with the hallmark way to use essential oils: aromatically.
All essential oils feature a signature aroma you can smell and inhale for various effects. One oil’s crisp fragrance can invigorate you when you need a midday pick-me-up. Another’s soothing aroma can help you unwind after a tough day. You can use essential oils aromatically by simply opening the bottle and inhaling its aroma.
They can also be applied topically as a personal fragrance, but always dilute them with a carrier oil - a plant-derived oil like coconut or almond oil. Dilute a few drops of essential oil with your carrier oil and then rub it into your palms and inhale, or dab some behind your ear or on your neck. You can also use a diffuser to disperse the essential oil into the air.
Topically
Another favorite way to apply essential oils is topically, allowing the oil to absorb into your skin.
As mentioned above, always dilute oils with a carrier oil - a plant-derived oil like coconut or almond - before you apply them topically. Topical oils can be part of a massage or added to your preferred lotion, moisturizer, or other personal care product. Some oils, particularly those from the citrus family, can cause photosensitivity, making you sensitive to direct sunlight.
Internally
If you think an oil smells terrific, wait until you taste it!
You can season your favorite dish or a drink with certain grades of essential oils. Ingesting oil lets you enjoy all of its savory, herbaceous, spicy, and/or fruity potential. The simplest way to take essential oils internally is to add them to a glass of water, take them in a capsule, or use them as seasoning. Start off with a small amount - a little goes a long way and even a single drop might overpower your recipe! One recommendation is to dip a toothpick in the oil and stir that little bit in as a starting point.
As always, before you use any oils internally, make sure the oil is safe to ingest. If the label does not specifically say the oil is safe to ingest, assume it’s safe for external use only!
Basic Tenets of Essential Oil Safety
When learning how to use essential oils safely, remember that these oils are extremely potent and should always be handled carefully. With that in mind, here are a few basics on how to handle essential oils safely.
Always check the label - Before using any new oil, be sure to check the label for directions and warnings.
A little goes a long way - Less is more when it comes to these concentrated oils. You can always add more, so whether you’re using oils aromatically, topically, or internally with a carrier oil, start slow. use the smallest recommended amount and then work your way up as needed.
Watch for a reaction - Everyone is different, so start with small amounts of these oils and watch for any reactions to the essential oils you use. If your skin becomes irritated, apply a carrier or fatty oil to the affected area to dilute the essential oil.
Use one oil at a time - Only use one new oil at a time to see how your body will react to it. After applying the new oil, wait at least 30 minutes before applying another new one.
Avoid applying oils to certain parts of the body - Don’t apply essential oils to your eyes, ears, nose, or other areas with sensitive skin.
Consult your healthcare provider - If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before trying any oils.
Be aware of oils that cause photosensitivity - Some oils, mostly those from the citrus family, can cause sensitivity to direct sunlight for at least 12 hours after application. Make sure you stay out of direct sunlight after applying these undiluted oils to your skin.
