Learning how to use essential oils aromatically is something I am SO grateful for! Not only because they smell heavenly, but because diffusing oils can have so many benefits.
I used to think that essential oils were just about smelling pretty.
When I learned about how beneficial essential oils could be to our well being, I was immediately hooked. And when I discovered what life savers they could be when raising children, there was no going back!
I already knew that harmful compounds, like chemical cleaners or gases, could be absorbed into our blood stream simply by inhaling them. But I hadn’t realized that the opposite can also be true…that POSITIVE properties, like the ones found in essential oil, can also be absorbed into the blood stream through inhalation.
Once inhaled, essential oils are processed by the olfactory bulb and limbic system, which is the part of our brain that processes memories, thoughts and emotions. This is why inhaling certain oils can be so helpful in promoting feelings of calmness, reducing anxious feelings and reducing stress.
Grab my free ebook AROMATIC USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS HERE to learn even more!
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BENEFITS OF USING ESSENTIAL OILS AROMATICALLY
If you are brand new to using essential oils, you might find yourself a little overwhelmed by how many different ones there are, and how many things you can do with them. If that’s you, then I recommend starting by reading about the 10 basic oils for beginners. These are the oils I use the most frequently in my home, and wouldn’t want to be without!
Applying essential oils aromatically can:
- Be supportive to the respiratory system and sinuses.
- Have a supportive affect on moods and the hormonal system.
- Protect against environmental threats by increasing indoor air quality.
- Encourage our immune system response and promote well-being in a multitude of different ways.
The reason using essential oils aromatically is so powerful is because the “aroma” you are breathing is actually a fine mist of tiny oil particles that all contain the same properties of the oil itself. And because the olfactory system (which is what our sense of smell is part of) is so closely connected to the limbic system in the brain, then the oil particles create an extremely positive affect on both the physical and psychological systems of the body.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR AROMATHERAPY
Here’s 8 ways to use essential oils for aromatherapy:
- Diffusing: A good diffuser is invaluable, and I usually have at least one running in my home! Make sure you use one that does not use heat, as that will diminish the quality of the oil.
- Direct Inhalation: Simply inhaling the oil directly from the bottle can be one of the simplest methods to use essential oils aromatically. You can also add a drop to your hands and then cup your hands over your nose and mouth while taking a few deep breaths. Some of the “hot” oils, like cinnamon and oregano should be diluted before inhaling directly.
- Indirect Inhalation: Add a drop to your sheets or pillow case, your shirt collar, hair etc. and inhale throughout your day and night.
- Hot Water Vapor/Steam Tent: Bring a pot of water to a simmer, remove from heat and add 1-3 drops of essential oil. Place a towel over your head and lean over water while inhaling deeply. This is a great method for respiratory challenges, to help promote feelings of easier breathing.
- Humidifier: Just like a withe the diffuser, cool air humidifiers are best. Essential oils can damage plastic over time, so choosing a humidifier made especially for essential oils
is recommended. - Fans and Vents, Etc: Add a few drops of oil to a cloth and place it in a vent or in front of a fan. This also works great in the car! (My husband sometimes puts a few drops on the heater filter and diffuses it throughout the entire house)
- Perfume or Cologne: Not only will you smell lovely, but it is healthier and safer for your body. Simply dab a drop to the wrists and behind the ears, or add about 10 drops to 1-3 teaspoons of water to mist onto yourself.
- Non-Toxic Room Deodorizer: Avoid the harsh chemicals so often found in room deodorizers and use essential oils instead. Mix half a cup of alcohol (such as vodka) with a half cup of distilled water. Add 20-40 drops of your favorite essential oils and pour into a pretty jar or vase. Then place about 10 bamboo skewers into the jar so that they are sticking out of the top. They will soak up the oil and spread the aroma throughout the room. Or, create a room spray using a home mister like this one and mist throughout your home.
How to Use an Essential Oils Diffuser
There are several different kinds of diffusers. I recommend either a nebulizing diffuser or an ultrasonic diffuser. The main differences in the two is that an ultrasonic diffuser uses water, whereas a nebulizing one does not.
I have several different diffusers I use, but the most common one is the Petal Diffuser.
Here’s How to Use the Petal Diffuser:
1. Choose Location for the Diffuser
Any flat location near an outlet will work. If diffusing in a larger room, you may want to start the diffuser a little earlier to allow the oils time to circulate. If I am diffusing in a bedroom at night, I will usually start the diffuser a little bit before bedtime and close the door, so that the aroma fills the room before we head to bed. Avoid placing in direct sunlight or near a fan or blowing heat.
2. Add Water
Fill the diffuser to the red fill mark using tap or distilled water.
*DON’T OVERFILL or the diffuser may not work properly.
3. Add Essential Oils
Add 3-10 drop of your favorite essential oils to the water. You can use a single oil, or a blend of oils. Usually around 6 drops is plenty, but if you’re wanting a stronger mix you can experiment with the amount to see what works for you.
4. Set the Time/Light
The Petal Diffuser has a built in light that you can leave on or off. It gives off a nice soft glow which makes a perfect night light. It also has 1, 2 and 4 hour timer settings. The diffuser will automatically turn itself off after the allocated time, or when the water runs out.
5. Clean Your Diffuser
To clean your diffuser, wipe it out with a soft cloth or paper towel and a drop or two of lemon EO. Don’t run your diffuser through the dishwasher or submerge it under water.
How to Use Essential Oils to Scent a Room
It’s so easy to create a beautiful aroma and set the mood in a room using essential oils! Here are some of my favorite blends for scenting a room:
How to Use Essential Oils on the Skin
Where do you apply essential oils on your body?
The most common places to apply essential oils on your body is:
- Bottoms of the feet
- Along the spine
- On the area of concern
Many oils are safe to use topically. I cover where to apply essential oils on your body in more depth here: How to Use Essential Oils
BEST ESSENTIAL OILS TO USE AROMATICALLY
I personally love and use DoTerra Essential Oils. There are lots of essential oil companies out there, but there’s a reason why doTERRA is the most recommended one – because of their PURITY & INTEGRITY.
For me, it came down to which worked the best. I tried a few different brands but doTERRA was the oil that I could get a result from just 1-2 drops. That spoke volumes to me about their purity.
A few other things that have impressed me about doTERRA:
- doTERRA oils are beyond organic standards. They are sourced all over the world and each batch of oil is tested 7 different ways for purity and potency.
- doTERRA’s Co-Impact Sourcing model enables growers to be paid fair and predictable prices (think fair-trade coffee) and the resulting crops benefit from improved growing practices.
- doTERRA’s company culture is outstanding. They operate with an incredibly high degree of integrity, and I am proud to be associated with them.
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