How to: Apply Essential Oils Topically | Well-being is Home Care

6/5/2019

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Essential Oil Profiles
Therapeutic Self-Care

"Apply an oil (I like tea tree or argan oil) to keep your scalp and skin hydrated."
Melanie T.

~Reality in Consciousness

THE TOPIC(AL) SOLUTION

An interesting aspect of aromatherapy is learning that there is enough room to comfortably explore possible applications for your home care use. Some universal methods in which essential oils are generated by the delivery of the skin, ingestion, inhalation, or in the form of suppositories. Even though essential oils can be assimilated by means of other routes, they are equally effective applied topically to the skin to promote well-being.

Using essential oils are different in ways that pills are warranted due to the physical nature of oils from the often water-soluble and powdery form of most drugs. Applying essential oils topically presents an advantage if the digestive system is compromised or an individual is unable to take oral dosing. Employ essential oils topically for resistant small children, those who find herbal treatment to be unpalatable or have difficulty swallowing. In this way, as essential oils are applied topically, they are immediately absorbed into the bloodstream.

ANCIENT AROMATIC MEDICINE

Aromatic extracts from plants have been used topically for thousands of years and their use can be traced back to all major civilizations (Hoare, 2010). Even the origins of aromatic medicine in Europe and the Western world can be traced back more than six thousand years to Egypt of the pharaohs (Hoare, 2010).

CONSCIOUS WELL-BEING

Topical applications can be used regularly to help with the physical pains and ailments that can be brought on or intensified by daily life. Experimental science was able to establish that essential oil components applied to the skin of a test person did show up in the bloodstream of that person, even after the nose was clipped shut with a nose pin and breathing air was funneled in from an oil-free space (Schnaubelt 2011).

A topical essential oil application can promote well-being in many ways. For instance, peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils may reduce discomfort related to headaches, as stated by researchers in Germany- They’ve discovered that applying the essential oils with a sponge to the forehead and temples decreased the discomfort in half of the cases.

TOPICAL APPLICATIONS w/ ESSENTIAL OILS

*Creams & Lotions:
Essential oils can integrate into cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Select a base that is non-perfumed and produced with pure, natural ingredients.

*Hot Compress:
Alleviate muscular discomfort and arthritic conditions

*Cold Compress:
A great first aid treatment for sprains, swelling, and to relieve inflammation. Also if applied to the feet they can reduce fever.

*Massage:
The purpose is to rapidly absorb the oils through the integumentary system (skin). The circular and smoothing motion is an essential part of topical applications because it warms the skin by increasing the blood supply, stimulate lymph flow, speed up the elimination of toxic waste from the body, to act on the nerve supply, and correct pressure points.

CARRIER OILS for TOPICAL USE

Just as the name implies, carrier oils transport or dilutes, the highly concentrated essential oil for the purposes of application on the body. Essential oils are rarely used undiluted. They blend well with other oils, but can also be diluted in alcohol, vinegar, witch hazel, cream, lotion, ointment, and may even be used with water. The liquid cream, lotion, ointment to which the essential oil is added is called the carrier or simple base.

COMMON CARRIER OILS for TOPICAL USE

Sweet Almond Oil
Apricot Oil
Avocado Oil
Calendula Oil
Coconut Oil
Evening primrose Oil
Grapeseed Oil

Hazelnut Oil
Jojoba wax
Macadamia Oil
Peach Oil
Safflower Oil
Olive Oil
Sesame Oil

APPLY with CAUTION & CARE~
cream, lotion, compresses, & massage oils

Unless otherwise noted, for those who are fragile or for babies and children under age seven, start with a one percent dilution, which is 7-10 drops of essential oil per ounce (2 tablespoons/30ml) of carrier base may be used.

For other individuals, a two percent dilution of 14 to 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier base may be used. Until you are comfortable with the results of the oils, you should always start with less. You can always add additional. If you notice that the mixture is too overpowering, just dilute with more carrier base.

EXAMPLE RECIPE

*SAMPLE FORMULA TO MAKE A 2% ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND

2 drops Ginger
2 drops Cardamom
1 drop Lemon
2 drops Peppermint
4 drops Lavender
3 drops German Chamomile

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AT HOME CARE with TOPICAL ESSENTIAL OILS

*Creams & Lotions:
Lotions, creams, and oils are moisturizing and soothing.

Add up to 10 drops of essential oils to each ounce (2tablsepoons/30ml) of light natural cream or lotion, such as apricot oil. The “oil-infusion” is best when kept in a dark glass container. If you have a clear glass container, keep it in a cool, dark space to extend its shelf life. Your oil should be reusable and effective for several months. Yet, you may want to check periodically for any stale or rancid odor, cloudiness indicating microbial contamination-if this occurs, do not use.

~Compresses aids in the relief of pain, inflammation, lethargy, improves circulation, headaches, fluid, and lymphatic congestion. Using cloths made with natural materials only, while instilling just enough water to soak the compress.

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*Hot Compress:

Add a few drops of essential oil into a small bowl of hot water (very hot, not scorching), and wearing protective rubber gloves, dip into a folded cotton, cloth, or flannel. Squeeze out any excess water and place the cloth carefully over the affected area. You may also wrap with plastic and a towel to hold in the heat. Remove after 15min and gently perform a range of motion to its ability to relieve the discomfort, not over-extending the area.

*Cold Compress:

Follow the same instructions as the *hot compress but use 100ml (3-4fl oz) of cold water and six ice cubes. Do not let the cold compress dry out. You may also alternate between cold and hot compresses which can improve circulation in injuries, such as sprain ligaments and bruises.

*Massage:

Some studies show that the therapies thought to be most beneficial are those that include massage. For your continued well-being at home, a massage therapy technique may be performed at your residence by a professional, or you may simply visit a local spa.

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GENERAL SAFETY

*Certain basic rules should be observed when using essential oils topically for well-being at Home:

Keep essential oils out of reach of children
Never exceed the recommended dilution
Never apply essential oils directly to the skin
When working with small children, applying the blend to the feet, lower legs, and back reduces the risk of the oil getting into the mouth and eyes
It is important to purchase reputable brands and be alert to the sale of adulterated

oils.

THERAPEUTIC ABSORPTION

The skin or integumentary system is the body’s largest organ, and its natural ability to absorb essential oils provides the individual with the ability to introduce their therapeutic qualities into the body. Furthermore, the absorption of essential oils via the integumentary system rather than via the digestive system gives the advantage to enter the bloodstream directly. This is why applying essential oils topically are both healing and soothing while promoting well-being at home.

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BALANCE

Aromatherapy treatments alone is not enough to give us health, youth, and happiness. It should be supported by a healthy, balanced lifestyle that includes eating a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in seasonal foods, not over-indulging in food or alcoholic drinks, getting plenty of regular sleep, balancing the emotions, and trying to lead a stress-free existence in which you are not constantly rushing around (Maury, 2004).

About the Author:

Shaw Nee Janelle is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Health & Wellness Consultant, Author of “The Traditional Modalities for Healing”, Blogger & Owner of realitynconsciousness.com. In her blogs, she enjoys writing inspirational tips on Holistic Health, Affirmations, Self-Care, Afrikan Spirituality, Sexual Abuse Awareness and more. She also loves travel, fitness, reading, and creating new vegan recipes.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW:

HOW HAVE YOU'VE APPLIED ESSENTIAL OILS IN PAST OR PRESENT?
DO YOU MIX YOUR OWN OILS?
DO YOU PURCHASE OILS?
WHY DO YOU USE ESSENTIAL OILS?

SOURCES:
The Complete Aromatherapy Tutor, by Hoare, Joanna
Fragrance and Wellbeing, by Rhind, Jennifer
The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, by Schnaubelt, Kurt
Marguerite Maury's Guide to Aromatherapy: The Secret of Life and Youth

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