There are three main ways to use essential oils: Aromatically, Topically, Internally.
Aromatic Use:
This is the most popular way to use your essential oils. Here are a few ways to do so:
- With an essential oil diffuser. To use a diffuser, fill it with water, add in 2-4 drops of your chosen essential oil and turn it on. Every diffuser has different settings, but generally there are options for different running times, and different light settings. DoTERRA’s diffusers all automatically turn off, either when the water is low or when the time is up.
- Put a drop of essential oil in the palm of your hands, rub your hands together and cup them over your face, inhaling deeply a few times.
- Put a few drops of a calming oil on a cotton ball next to your pillow.
- Make a DIY room spray to eliminate odours in your home.
Diffusing oils in your home does more than just make it smell nice. Diffusing can help promote a good mood, support your immune system, or calm your mind.
Topical Use:
Topical application is a very effective method for applying essential oils. Because essential oils have low molecular weights and are lipid soluble, they easily penetrate the skin. Once absorbed, they stay in the applied area for a localized benefit.
Common areas to apply essential oils:
- Neck
- Forehead and temples
- Chest and stomach
- Bottom of feet
You can generally apply essential oils to any area on the body that needs support. If you have a headache, apply peppermint to your temples. If you suffer from muscle pain, apply deep blue to the affected area. Keep in mind, we do not use essential oils inside of our eyes, ears or nose.
When using essential oils on small children or people with sensitive skin, always dilute. To dilute an oil, add your chosen essential oil to a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil.
If you happen to get an oil somewhere that is uncomfortable, or if your skin reacts to an oil, use a carrier oil to wash it off. Any popular household oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, etc will do the trick. Pour the carrier oil on, wipe it off and continue until skin sensitivity stops. Do not use water and soap as water will actually intensify the problem.
Internal Use:
This is a HUGE reason why I chose doTERRA. Many of our essential oils can be safely used internally which is very rare with essential oil companies. As a general rule of thumb, if a doTERRA oil has “supplement facts” on it’s label, it is safe for internal use. If bottles just says “ingredients” it should only be used topically or aromatically.
- Add 1-2 drops of lemon to flavour your water
- Add peppermint oil to your Christmas baking
- Use a toothpick of oregano, thyme, ginger, cinnamon to replace dried spices in cooking
When adding oils to your water, only use glass or metal containers. Do not use plastic water bottles with essential oils. You can also purchase empty pills called veggie caps from dōTERRA which allow you to swallow essential oils like a pill. This is how I take “hot” oils such as oregano.
Disclaimer: I only recommend the use of dōTERRA oils internally because I know with certainty that each bottle is 100% pure. Please do not apply any of my tips to other brands as I cannot guarantee the quality or safety of other essential oils.