steam inhalation Archives -

There are many different ways you can use essential oils. Here are four of them.
Inhalation
Direct Inhalation – This is one of the easiest ways to experience essential oils. Simply open the bottle and sniff. You can also put one or two drops on a handkerchief or tissue. Alternatively put a few cotton balls into a small bottle such as a used essential oil or tablet bottle add 2 or 3 drops of essential oil, close the bottle. When you need to smell the essential oil simply open the bottle and sniff. The aroma will last a long time. This is useful for people with anxiety who may use a particular oil to calm them down. Or add up to 15 drops of your favourite blend to a personal inhaler.

Steam Inhalation – Fill a bowl with hot water; add 3 or 4 drops of essential oil. Place a towel over your head, close your eyes and with your head above the water breathe in the steam. Be careful to have the bowl on a flat surface. Also make sure there aren’t any young children nearby. This is very effective for treating colds and flu.

Bath
Add 6 to 8 drops to half a cup of full fat milk and then add that to the bath water and swish the water around before getting in. By adding the milk you help the oils disperse through the water instead of sitting on top. Be careful which oils you use. Oils like lavender, geranium, chamomile and ylang ylang are fine but you may regret adding ginger, nutmeg or any of the hot stimulating oils.

Massage
Woman having an aromatherapy massage Massage is a very enjoyable way to experience the essential oils. Use 10 to 12 drops in 25 mls of cold pressed vegetable oil. For sensitive skin 5 to 7 drops is enough. Massage is wonderful for relieving muscle aches and pains, stress, and nervous tension. It can also help to ease the muscle cramps of PMS.

Perfume
Make your own unique perfume by adding up to 7 drops of essential oil to 10mls of jojoba or a cold pressed vegetable oil. Alternatively rose, jasmine or neroli essential oils in 2 or 3% jojoba can be applied straight to the skin.

Here are some simple guidelines for diluting essential oils.

MASSAGE
For a 0.5% dilution use 2-3 drops in 20mls of vegetable oil or 5-6 drops in 50 mls.
Use for children under 10, eczema, psoriasis, sensitive skin, facial, pregnancy, emotional and spiritual blends.
For children less than 18 months of age use 1-2 drops of essential oil in 20 mls cold pressed vegetable oil.

For a 2 or 2.5% dilution use 8-10 drops in 20mls of vegetable oil or 20-25 drops in 50 mls.
This is a blend for everyday use.

For a 5% dilution use 20-30 drops in 20mls of vegetable oil or 50-60 drops in 50 mls.
Use for short term or localized treatment. For example colds/flu, localised pain, bruising and infection.

LOTIONS, CREAMS AND OINTMENTS
For a 0.5% dilution use 3-4 drops in 30mls/grams of oil/cream or 5-6 drops in 50 mls/grams.
Use for children under 10, eczema, psoriasis, sensitive skin blends.
For children less than 18 months of age use 1-2 drops of essential oil in 20 mls/grams vegetable oil/cream.

For a 2 or 2.5% dilution use 12-15 drops in 30mls/grams of vegetable oil/cream or 20-25 drops in 50 mls/grams.
This is a blend for everyday use.

For a 5% dilution use 30-40 drops in 30mls/grams of vegetable oil/cream or 50-60 drops in 50 mls/grams.
Use for short term or localized treatment. For example colds/flu, bruising and infection.

BATHS
Dilute the essential oil in half a cup of full fat milk, a teaspoon of honey, sobuliser or bubble bath before adding to the bath. This helps to disperse the essential oil through the bathwater rather than sitting on top of it. This is especially important in the case of babies and young children. Swish the water vigorously before getting in. Remember to keep the bathroom door closed.

Use 3-4 drops of essential oil for young children, eczema, psoriasis, pregnancy and sensitive skin. 1 or 2 drops is sufficient for children less than 12 months of age.
Use 6-8 drops for relaxation or revitalization.
Use 10-12 drops for infections, acne, boils, colds and flu.

FOOTBATH
Use between 2 and 6 drops of essential oil to a bowl of warm water. Dilute in milk etc. as above and/or swish the water very well.

STEAM INHALATION
Add 3 or 4 drops of essential oil to a bowl of warm water.

DIRECT INHALATION
Put one or two drops on a handkerchief or tissue.
Add 2 or 3 drops of essential oil to a few cotton balls inside a small bottle and close the lid. Use as necessary.

DIFFUSER / VAPORISER
Add 4-8 drops to the diffuser or vaporiser depending on room size.

COMPRESS
Add 2-6 drops to a 500ml bowl of warm or cool water.

MOUTH WASH
Add 1 or 2 drops of essential oil to a glass of water.

ROOM OR BODY SPRAY
Add up to 15 – 20 drops of a single oil or blend to 50 mls of water.

PERFUME
Make your own unique perfume by adding up to 10 drops of essential oil to 10mls of jojoba or a cold pressed vegetable oil.