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How To Use Essential Oils
Essential oils have gained a great deal of popularity in recent years, and it’s no wonder. These compounds smell wonderful and have many benefits that you can take advantage of. If you are wondering how to use essential oils and what you should know before you start your oil journey, you’ve come to the right place. This guide includes information about topics ranging from the terms you might see when shopping for oils to how to use your oils for aromatherapy and much more.
To make it easier to find what you are looking for, you can skip to any of the main topics that you are interested in. You can also read through this entire guide if you are completely new to essential oils and want the most information possible.
Click to go directly to any of the following sections:
What to Know Before Using Oils
When You’re Ready to Buy
Essential Oil Usage
What to Know Before You Use Essential Oils
Before you even start using essential oils, there are some things you should know about these substances. Knowing the basic facts can help you make the best purchasing decisions and get started with a strong foundation of knowledge.
What are Essential Oils
The very first question you may be asking at the start of your oil journey is, what are essential oils, exactly? An essential oil, sometimes called a volatile oil, is a concentrated mixture of chemical compounds that is distilled from a plant. It is the essence of the plant, which is why it is called an essential oil. The specific substances in the oil, called components or constituents, capture the unique scent of the plant while offering various benefits. This essence can be distilled using a variety of essential oil extraction methods, with the most common options being steam distillation and cold pressing.
The word chemical may seem unexpected in the definition of essential oils. If these substances are supposed to be natural, why are there chemicals in them? it's important to understand that everything is made up of chemicals and that some of these occur naturally and can be very beneficial. For example, lavender oil contains the chemical constituents linalool, linalyl acetate, and ocimene. These may sound strange, but all of these are completely natural compounds from the lavender plant. Knowing the specific properties of these compounds helps us understand exactly why and how essential oils are beneficial.
Essential oils are used as ingredients in a wide variety of products. This includes soap, shampoo, candles, and more. Chances are you have used these oils at some point, even if you did not know you were doing so at the time. Although essential oils are becoming more popular, they are nothing new. These substances have been around for a very long time and people are continuing to learn more about them and explore their uses.
Essential Oils vs Extracts and Fragrance Oils
Now that you know what essential oils are, you may be wondering what makes them different from other types of scented substances you can buy. There are two major comparisons to consider: essential oils vs extracts and essential oils vs fragrance oils. Both essential oils and extracts are taken from the plant, but extracts include other substances in addition to the volatile scent compounds. This means that although extracts are not pure, they are natural. Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are synthetic. They are created in laboratories to mimic certain scents.
Both extracts and fragrance oils can be useful for certain applications. Perfume is one example and fragrance oils can create a large variety of scents. You may also see extracts in natural beauty products and they can have many benefits. However, neither extracts nor fragrance oils should be used in a diffuser or confused with pure essential oils. Any tips for how to use essential oils do not apply to these other compounds and using either in your diffuser could break it or cause health problems.
You should also be aware that some plants are not well-suited for essential oil extraction. For example, you may see some products that claim to be or contain vanilla essential oil. However, there is no such thing. Vanilla extracts, such as those you see in any grocery store, are common, as are both natural and artificial vanilla fragrance oils, but there is no way to extract the vanilla bean scent compounds using distillation. It's also possible to make infused oil with vanilla or other compounds, but this is different from actual essential oil. In general, you should be wary of any company that claims to sell pure vanilla essential oil or any fruit essential oil other than citrus. They are likely selling an infused oil, extract, or artificial scent oil instead.
The Truth About Oil Benefits
If you're considering getting into essential oils, you may have seen a lot of different claims about what essential oils do. Understanding the difference between truth and fiction when it comes to oil claims is incredibly important. This can help you set reasonable expectations. It can also help make it easier to determine which companies and individuals are being honest with you about the oils they are selling.
There are many, many benefits to using essential oils. Researchers all over the world are examining how to use essential oils in the context of health and beauty. However, essential oils are not and should never be used as a substitute for proper medical care. Anyone who makes bold claims that oils can be used as a miracle cure for any condition is likely not a trustworthy source. True aromatherapy is used as an addition to other forms of care and is used for general well-being, not for targeting or treating any illnesses.
When You're Ready to Buy Essential Oils
Okay, so you've done your research and understand all the essential oil basics, and now you're ready to get some oils and try them out yourself. Which ones should you get? Where should you buy them? And what other products do you need? You can find the answers to these questions and more below.
Which Essential Oils to Use
There are many different varieties of essential oils out there and it can be difficult to figure out where to start. Although you can always buy as many oils as you're curious about, this isn't always a practical option. If you are just beginning to use essential oils, it can be helpful to start small and find out what you like before you dive in and build a full collection.
The first thing to consider is how you plan to use your essential oils. If you're focused on skincare, you would want to start with a different set of essential oils compared to someone who is focused on spirituality or someone who is focused on aromatherapy. The best way to find the oils that will be a good match for your desires is by consulting an essential oil guide. You can read the whole guide or search for certain key terms related to what you are interested in to narrow down your own personalized essential oil starter kit.
Where to Buy Your Essential Oils
The next step after choosing which scents to purchase is deciding where to buy essential oils. Because of the growing popularity of oils, many companies offer these products. It might be tempting to simply choose the cheapest option, but you may compromise on quality by doing this. Depending on how you are using your oils, this could even be dangerous for your health.
So, how do you find the best essential oils? A good first step is to understand the terms that are often used within the essential oil world.
100% pure is a good example. You would probably assume that this means that the product with this label contains only the essential oil indicated, with no fillers or additives. However, this may not always be the case, so you should check whether or not the company you are considering mentions how and why they call their essential oils 100% pure.
Another term to know is therapeutic-grade. This sounds like an official designation, but there's no standard for who can and cannot claim to have therapeutic-grade essential oils. You shouldn't dismiss a company because they use this term, as it has become very common in the industry and companies often feel that using it prevents confusion. Similar to the term 100% pure, you should see if the company has any statements available about why they use the term therapeutic-grade.
At the end of the day, one of the best ways to verify oil quality is to simply try out the oils you are interested in. Do they smell the way you think they should, given what you know about the plant they come from? Are there any strange scents that you notice when you try the oil? Your own judgment can be incredibly helpful. You should also be able to request more information about the oils constituents and any third-party testing that has been conducted for the oils you are purchasing.
Accessories to Consider
In addition to buying the oils themselves, there are some essential oil supplies you may want to consider purchasing. Which accessories you will need depends on how you plan to use your essential oils.
If you are using essential oils for aromatherapy, you should purchase a diffuser if you don't have one already. These devices release a mist of water and your chosen oils and are the easiest and safest way to enjoy your favorite scents. Since some oils can help you focus and boost your creativity, you may want to consider having a separate diffuser in your office if this is an option for your situation.
If you are using essential oils topically, you need to use a carrier oil with them, so you should have one or more options available. The ideal carrier oil is scent-free so the only aroma is that of your oils. Coconut oil and jojoba oil are two excellent choices. More information about dilution is available later in this article.
Essential Oil Safety
Once you've selected your favorite essential oils and are ready to start using them, its important to take some time to research safety. Many people think that because essential oils are natural they are completely safe under all circumstances. Although oils are safe when used properly, you do need to exercise reasonable caution. The information here can help you understand how to use essential oils safely.
Essential Oils and Pets
If you have any animals in your household, then pet-safe essential oil use is important for their wellbeing. You should be aware of which oils can be dangerous for your specific species of pet. For example, tea tree oil is potentially toxic to both dogs and cats.
Recommendations for pet-safe essential oil diffusion vary based on the type of animal you have. For dogs and cats, it is generally safe to use a diffuser as long as you take some basic precautions and avoid potentially toxic oils. If you have birds, experts recommend that you do not diffuse at all. Birds have very sensitive respiratory tracts and even the small amounts of oil that enter the air during diffusion can cause health issues. Research is more limited for other animals. The best option if you are unsure is to ask your veterinarian. They will be able to consider your pet's unique circumstances and health and can recommend how/if you can diffuse safely.
When diffusing with cats or dogs in your house, you should make sure to provide adequate ventilation. If you can, open up some windows or a screen door. It's also a good idea to ensure that your pets can leave the area where you are diffusing. This means you shouldn't use a diffuser in a closed room with your animals. Watch for any adverse reaction and seek veterinary care immediately if you notice your pet acting strangely.
What about using essential oils directly on/for pets? In general, most experts do not recommend this. Your pet cannot communicate clearly if they are having a bad reaction and the situation can become serious very quickly before you notice their symptoms. There is little evidence of the benefits of using essential oils for your pet's and it usually does not outweigh the risk. The exception is if your pet's veterinarian has recommended a specific essential oil for them. In this case, the vet should give you clear instructions for how to use the essential oil in your pets' specific case. If you have heard of a particular oil being used for pets and think it could be beneficial, always ask your veterinarian first.
Essential Oils and Children
Another common question for those who are new to oils is whether it is safe to use essential oils for babies or young children. In the case of babies, this is generally not recommended. Babies have limited ways to communicate discomfort and both their skin and respiratory tracts are more sensitive than adults. A negative reaction can quickly become a serious problem, even if you are carefully watching your child. However, the first step should always be to talk with your pediatrician. Let them know how you would like to use oils in your household or for your child. They can help you determine how/if it is possible to do so safely
For young children who are able to talk, you can generally diffuse oils in your home more safely because your children can let you know if they don't like the scent or are feeling any discomfort. Applying essential oils topically for young children is still risky due to their sensitive skin, even if you dilute them. In general, you should ask your pediatrician for their advice and recommendations, and always proceed with caution.
You should also be cautious when using certain essential oils for prepubescent boys. Some oils have been linked to gynecomastia (abnormal breast growth) when used topically for long periods of time by young boys. Some examples include lavender and tea tree oil. For more information, you should consult with your child's pediatrician or, when in doubt, avoid topical application and use essential oils for diffusion only.
Safe Storage
One of the major dangers when using essential oils around children or pets is the risk of ingestion. Certain oils can be toxic or even deadly if swallowed. (This applies to both humans and animals.) Additionally, any oil, even safer varieties, can cause an adverse reaction if too much is ingested. Safe essential oil storage is a must if you have children or pets. Keep your essential oils in an inaccessible location. A high shelf or a locked cabinet are two options. Storing the oils in a cool, dark place is the best choice for their longevity, so cabinets work well for both safety and preserving the oils.
Talking to Your Doctor About Oils
If you have any medical conditions or are taking medication, it's important to talk to your physician before using essential oils. The compounds in oils can interact with certain medications or can make some conditions worse. Let your doctor know exactly which oils you are interested in and how you would like to use them. Some oils may be okay to diffuse, but could cause problems if you use them topically, or vice versa. In general, oils are stronger when used topically as these are absorbed into your body more directly. (Ingestion is the most potentially problematic form of use, which is another reason many health professionals advise against it.)
Another important topic to be aware of is essential oils and pregnancy. Many oils can be dangerous to use while pregnant or nursing. There's also the issue of dosage, as some oils can be absorbed into your body and cause issues for your baby if you use too much. Diffusion can be safe depending on the circumstances. However, you should always consult with a doctor before using essential oils while pregnant, no matter how you are using them, just to be safe.
Ingesting Essential Oils
Can you ingest essential oils? Although some companies or individuals may suggest ingesting essential oils, most experts advise against this practice. This is because even essential oils that are made from edible plants (such as citrus oils or herb oils) are much more concentrated than the compounds found in the plants themselves. As a result, a smaller amount of these oils can cause an adverse reaction compared to the plants they come from. Other oils, such as rose or tea tree, are toxic at any dose. the safest course of action is to only use essential oils externally. There is very limited evidence to support the potential benefits of consuming essential oils, so it is not worth the risk in most cases. If you have questions about this, asking your doctor can help clarify the best option for your case.
Essential Oil Dilution
Many methods for using essential oils require dilution, but what is this exactly? Essential oil dilution is the process of adding pure essential oils to a carrier oil. This makes them safer for topical application. There are many different carrier oils for essential oils that you can choose from, so you can experiment to find your favorites.
A general recommendation for dilution is to use three drops of pure oil in one teaspoon of carrier oil. If you are using the diluted oil on your face, then three drops in four teaspoons of carrier oil is a more appropriate dilution. Those with sensitive skin may wish to start with a lower concentration and work their way up.
Another important step for safety is testing your diluted oils before using them more widely. Pick a small area of skin (the inside of your wrist is a good choice) and use a cotton swab to apply a little bit of the diluted oil. If you notice any irritation, wash the oil off and contact your doctor immediately. After 48 hours, you can use the diluted oil more widely if you do not have any adverse reaction.
Phototoxicity
If you plan to use essential oils topically, you should be aware that some oils are phototoxic. This means that if you use that oil on your skin and then expose your skin to sunlight, you could burn more easily or develop other adverse reactions. As a general precaution, you should either cover areas you have recently used any oils on or stay out of direct sunlight, even if the oils you used arent known to be phototoxic. The following oils are known to be phototoxic and should not be applied within 48 hours of going outdoors:
• Bergamot • Grapefruit • Lemon • Lime • Orange
Please note that the above list is not complete and that some other oils can be phototoxic. If you are not sure, avoid sunlight and always seek medical attention for any adverse reactions. Inform any medical professional you see of which oils you were using and how you were using them.
The Many Options for How to Use Essential Oils
At this point, you have your oils, you're aware of all the safety-related factors to consider, and you're ready to learn how to use essential oils. There are many, many potential essential oil uses. The two most common are aromatherapy and topical application.
Aromatherapy
What is aromatherapy? The most basic definition is that aromatherapy is the use of scents from aromatic plants to promote well-being. You can diffuse or otherwise spread the scent of essential oils for relaxation, focus, or other goals. All of these fall under the umbrella of aromatherapy.
Using an essential oil diffuser is the most popular way to use oils for aromatherapy and it is one of the easiest methods for this. The first step to diffusing essential oils is to find the best diffuser for your needs. Ultrasonic diffusers, which use vibration to vaporize aromatherapy oils and water, are the most common. To use an ultrasonic aroma diffuser, simply fill it with water and add a few drops of oil, following the instructions for your specific model. This will fill the room you're in with your chosen scents. It's a good idea to limit your diffusion time to a few hours at a maximum to avoid overexposure. Additionally, only use pure, natural oils and never add extracts or artificial fragrance oils to your diffuser.
There are many essential oil diffuser benefits. diffusing your oils can help you relax, improve your focus, and boost your mood. Since they don't produce smoke or heat, they are also safer than candles or incense when used properly.
Some people also enjoy burning essential oils. This has more potential hazards than diffusion because aromatherapy oils are highly flammable. However, you can burn oils safely as long as you take proper precautions. Using a traditional oil burner is usually the easiest option. To do this, add some water to the top, then a few drops of your preferred oil(s). Place a small tealight candle below this and light it. Limit burning time to 30-60 minutes and never leave the burner unattended. If you have any concerns about the safety of burning essential oils, use a diffuser instead.
Topical Essential Oil Use
In addition to using oils for their scent, many oils have benefits when used topically. To do this, always dilute the essential oil first. Again, the recommended dilution is three drops of pure essential oil in one teaspoon of carrier oil for most applications, or three drops if four teaspoons for sensitive areas.
You can use essential oils on many different parts of your body. One popular choice is the soles of your feet, which are less sensitive and can absorb the oils without irritation. Depending on what your goals are, you can also use the essential oils for skin care. There are many essential oils for face skin care applications, so you can check out the different options to find the best one for you. Remember that essential oils you use on your face should be more diluted than those you use elsewhere. You also need to be careful to avoid sensitive areas around your eyes, ears, or nose.
Another option is to make a massage oil. Certain oils, such as peppermint oil, are naturally soothing and work well for massages when properly diluted. You can also use whichever oils you like the scent of, so long as you do so safely and test the oil on a small area of your skin first.
Beyond using oils on your skin, you can also use essential oil for hair care. This can include rubbing an oil or a combination of oils into your scalp, which in some cases can encourage hair growth. Certain oils can help tame curly hair, boost shine, and offer other benefits. Just as you would for use on your skin, you should dilute pure essential oils before putting them in your hair. It's also a good idea to test on your skin since any oil you use on your hair will likely come into contact with your scalp or other skin as well.
Bathing with Oils
Another option to use your favorite oils is bathing with essential oils. The heat from the bathwater releases the scent compounds from the oils and can create a delightfully relaxing experience. This is a combination of aromatherapy and topical use and allows you to enjoy both types of benefits at once. As with any other method for how to use essential oils, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. Always dilute oils before putting them in your bath. Additionally, some oils can damage your sensitive areas of skin and should not be used in your bath at all. One example is cinnamon oil. Read more information about the oil you are interested in using to see if it is a good idea to add to your bath.
If you don't have a bathtub or you just don't like baths, you can also shower with essential oils. One way to do this is by placing a cup of water with a few drops of your preferred oil(s) in your shower. This will slowly release the aromas as the temperature rises. Be sure to pour the water and oils down the drain when you are done, especially if you have pets in the house who may try to drink the water. Another way to enjoy essential oils in your shower is by applying a massage oil on your skin beforehand.
Other Methods for How to Use Essential Oils
Although aromatherapy and topical applications are what you are likely going to hear the most about, there are many other ways to use your oils.
One example is cleaning with essential oils. In some cases, you may run out of a cleaning product right when you need it, and your oil collection can save you a trip to the store. There are also situations where oils could become your new preferred method of cleaning. They are more natural than most cleaning solutions you can buy at the store and they have the added benefit of smelling lovely. You can try cleaning your mattress with essential oils and baking soda, polishing wood with lemon essential oil, or making a general purpose cleaning spray.
Essential oils also have a strong association with spirituality. Some, like frankincense, were even mentioned in the Bible. Other New Age practices incorporate oils to support meditation or for other specific purposes depending on the plant the oil comes from. You can use essential oils for chakras, for spiritual cleansing of your home or yourself, or for forms of herbal magic. Because many forms of using herbs for spirituality require burning, essential oils can be a great alternative to harness the power of these plants in a way that is safer for those with asthma or who prefer not to use smoke cleansing for any other reason.
You can also experiment and find your own favorite ways to use oils. If you are DIY-inclined, you can try making your own essential oil candles or find other projects such as this. As long as you understand the safety precautions you need to take, there are many different options out there to try.
Pyurvana Essential Oils
At Pyurvana, it has always been our goal to provide high-quality essential oil at a fair and transparent price. We aim to be entirely clear about the terminology we use and what goes into the destillation of our oils. This helps you as the customer make the most informed decisions and find the best oils to use for diffusion, topical application, and more.
If you have any questions about our oils, please reach out and we will be happy to help.
* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
