Essential oil use will differ vastly depending on the users preference. There are many ways that your oils can be used safely and effectively.
Diffusion
Heat Diffusion
Oils are diffused into the air using some type of heat. Depending on the size of the area you need to cover you might choose one of a number of types of diffuser. The plug in scent ball is perhaps the most popular for a single room. Two or three drops of undiluted oil may be added to the diffuser pads. These pads may be reused for the same oil. Many people keep them in a resealable plastic bag labeled with the name of the oil that was used. Other types of diffusers include those that are pad-free. Oils are added to water in a bowl and heated either with candles or electrically. These bowls should be cleaned between use. You can also simmer a pot of water on the stove and add your favourite oils. We do not recommend the use of lightbulb rings as the oils are flammable and it is too easy to have spillage onto a hot bulb.
Cold Air Diffusion
These diffusers use small fans to blow air across pads to send the diffused oils into the room. These can be portable and battery operated or larger and more effective for large areas.
Misters Ionic misters add a lovely ambience to a room and are very effective in diffusing oils. They are made for this purpose. We do not recommend that you add essential oils to fountains or any device that has rubber parts or gaskets. The oils may damage your apparatus.
Passive Diffusion Oils may be added to bowls of salt, sand or uncooked rice. They will gradually evaporate and subtly scent the area. Tissue can be scented and hung in closets or placed in drawers. Scent your notepaper, envelopes, cheque book – whatever you like can carry your own signature scent.
Personal Scenters There are many types of aroma jewelry available. You can also add a scented tissue to you pocket or bra. A word of caution here, though. If the oil will touch your skin be sure to dilute it first in a carrier.
Baths Baths are a marvelous form of aromatherapy. Remember, though, that essential oils are not soluble in water. You may have read advice to add a few drops of essential oil to the bath water and swish it around. This does not dissolve the oil and you will just get smaller drops of pure oil that can irritate even and damage sensitive tissue. For best results, 3 to 5 drops of essential oil should be blended into at least a tablespoon of carrier before adding to the bath. We like to have the bath about 2/3 full and make sure that the bathroom door is closed so that you concentrate the lovely aroma in the room. Carriers might include sea salt, cold-pressed oils, unscented bubble bath or whole milk. More about carriers will be taught in our level 2 course.
Inhalations 3 drops of essential oil may be added to a bowl or sink full of hot water. Lean over the water with a towel covering your head to trap the steam. Keep your eyes closed and breathe deeply for about 5 minutes. Works well for colds and sinus congestion. A variation of this, and one that is more portable and less intense is to add the oils to coarse sea salt and inhale the aroma.
Compresses Add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil to ¼ cup of whole milk or 1 tablespoon of sea salt. Pour into a bowl of hot water. Soak a cloth in the water and apply to affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. Warm water works well for stiff areas, cool for areas that are swollen and inflamed.
Massage Add up to15 drops of essential oils to 2 tablespoons (30 mls) of vegetable based carrier oils. We recommend grapeseed or fractionated coconut oils but there are many choices and you will see more about them the section on carriers.
