HOW AND WHY TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS

Experiencing the healing scents of essential oils-extracts from flowers and other plant parts- is known to ease minor tension aches, pains and relax the nervous system.

While you could schedule a massage with Massage At Work that incorporates these oils, you can also reap the mind and body benefits of aromatherapy at home. But when you’re using essential oils at home, it’s important to know what’s involved so you can properly—and safely—perform an effective treatment.

Practicing at-home aromatherapy starts with understanding how to handle these powerful oils and which scents you may want to choose.

Essential Oil Safety Guidelines

1. Avoid applying oils to sensitive areas like the nose, ears, eyes, or broken skin. Avoid using “hot oils” on the face.*
2. Always read labels and package instructions before using an essential oil for the first time.
3. Use dilution to minimize skin sensitivity.
4. Be aware of oils with sun sensitivity warnings.
5. Practice safe storage—keep oils out of reach of children.
6. Always supervise young children when applying essential oils.
7. If you have specific health concerns, talk to a healthcare professional before trying essential oils.

Inhalation

Use a diffuser. This device is a helpful way to easily defuse any scent of your choice and help purify and humidify the air. It creates a mist for maximum essential oil diffusion. Diffusers operate differently—some involve water, some involve heat—so be sure to follow the directions, including how much essential oil to use.

Tangerine

Tangerine has a long history of use in Chinese culture and herbal health practices. Tangerine essential oil supports healthy digestion and metabolism when used internally.* Tangerine oil has a sweet, tangy aroma, similar to other citrus oils, that is uplifting. Tangerine oil is known for its cleansing properties, and for supporting a healthy immune and respiratory system when ingested.* A popular and flavorful addition to desserts and drinks—from water to fruit smoothies—Tangerine can be used in any recipe calling for citrus fruits.

Uses

• To energize and uplift mood, place one to two drops of Tangerine oil in the palm of your hand, rub together, and cup over the nose and mouth for 30 seconds or diffuse throughout the room.
• Add one to two drops as a flavoring in cake and cookie recipes.
• Apply to flex points or abdomen.
• Add one to two drops in water, smoothies, teas, or lemonade for flavoring.

Directions for Use

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.

Internal use: Dilute one drop in four fluid ounces of liquid.

Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with a carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.

Tee Tree

Tea Tree essential oil has over 90 different compounds and limitless applications. The leaves of the Tea Tree have been used by the Aboriginal peoples of Australia for centuries. They would apply crushed leaves directly to the skin for a cooling effect. Tea Tree oil is best known for its purifying properties. It can be used to cleanse and purify the skin and nails and to support a healthy looking complexion. Tea Tree oil is used on occasional skin irritations to soothe the skin and diffusing Tea Tree essential oil will help purify and freshen the air.

Uses

• For occasional skin irritations, apply 1–2 drops of Tea Tree essential oil onto affected area.
• Combine 1–2 drops with your facial cleanser for added cleansing properties, or apply to skin after shaving.
• Apply to fingernails and toenails after showering to purify and keep nails looking healthy.
• Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and use on surfaces as a cleansing and purifying agent.

Directions for Use

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.

Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with a carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. See additional precautions below.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang essential oil is derived from the star-shaped flowers of the tropical Ylang Ylang tree and is used extensively in making perfumes and in aromatherapy. Similar to Jasmine, Ylang Ylang has been used for centuries in religious and wedding ceremonies.In aromatherapy, Ylang Ylang is used to lessen tension and stress and to promote a positive outlook. Ylang Ylang is frequently used in luxurious hair and skin products for its scent and nourishing and protective properties. Taken internally, Ylang Ylang provides antioxidant support.* Ylang Ylang blends well with Bergamot, Geranium, Grapefruit, and Vetiver.

Uses

• Put Ylang Ylang into an Epsom Salt bath for relaxation.
• Refresh your skin with an aromatherapy steam facial using Ylang Ylang essential oil.
• Put on your wrists for a sweet, floral perfume.
• Add Ylang Ylang to Fractionated Coconut Oil for a deep hair conditioner.

Directions for Use

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.

Internal use: Dilute one drop in four fluid ounces of liquid.

Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.

*Cautions*

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Avoid sunlight and UV rays for at least 12 hours after applying product.

Information on this topic provided by Doterra.com.

Photos provided by Shutterstock.com