Methods of Application

There are many ways to easily implement aromatherapy into your life!

Below is a list of several easy ideas to help you get started. Please keep in mind that these guidelines are approximate. Exact recipes depend on the potency and concentration of the essential oil being used. If you want a stronger formula, adding a drop or two is easy, but removing a drop is not possible! Sometimes, LESS IS MORE!

Massage: 5 drops to 1 tsp of oil
15 drops to 1 oz of carrier oil = 2.5% dilution factor (safe for a full body massage)

30 drops to 1 oz carrier oil = 5% dilution factor (highly concentrated and to be used for one targeted area such as a knee, shoulder, lower back, etc.)

In my classes, I generally recommend 10 drops for every ounce of carrier because it is easy to remember. In a tinted glass bottle, measure out essential oil then base oil. Label the bottle with the contents and the date.

Steam Inhalation: 5 - 8 drops
Warms and moistens the membranes as it opens and relaxes the airways. Boil water and pour into a bowl or fill sink with hot water and add essential oils. Cover head with a towel, close eyes and inhale deeply.. For head congestion, try 3 drops eucalyptus, 2 drops peppermint and for sinus infections use 5 drops of tea tree. For tension causing poor breathing, relax the airways with 4 drops lavender and 3 drops frankincense. If you have high blood pressure or asthma, seek medical advice before using steam, and in any case, do not overdo an inhalation.

Inhalation: 1-4 drops
Put drops onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhale. Good in moments of extreme stress, depression and fatigue for a “quick fix”, and for opening blocked nasal passages.

Room Diffusion: 5-10 drops
An aroma diffuser has a small container, usually ceramic, that is filled with water and heated by a tea lite candle. Add 6-10 drops of essential oil to the water. The aromatic vapors of the essential oils will be diffused as the water is heated. A nebuliser type diffuser is an electric device which continuously disperses minute particles of essential oils into the air at high pressure. Follow diffuser manufacturer instructions for adding essential oils.

Room Spray: 10 drops of essential oil to 1 oz of water
Shake well each time and spritz into air for masking unpleasant odors and killing germs. Avoid wood furniture.

Full Bath: 2-4 drops (children) 4-8 drops (adults)
Put drops in water after bath drawn. Gently stir water to disperse oil. Soak for minimum 15 minutes. Relax and breathe deeply.

Footbath: 3-4 drops
Fill a large bowl two-thirds full with hot water and add 3-4 drops of oil. Insert feet and enjoy! Peppermint is cooling and counteracts tiredness. For hot, aching feet or hands, use a mixture of 2 drops peppermint and 2 drops lemon. For tension and stiffness, try 2 drops rosemary and 2 drops lavender.

Shower: 4-8 drops on washcloth
This is not my favorite way to use essential oils, but since so many of us don't take the time for a bath, this may be the only way they can use aromatherapy in the bathroom. To use, simply add your chosen essential oil to a wash cloth and rub briskly over your body after showering. If the oil is very strong, add it to an unscented bodywash first to avoid skin irritation.

Compress: 5-8 drops
Add essential oil to a bowl of hot or cold water. Submerse a cloth in the water, wring it out and place it on the area needing healing. Hot compresses are useful for muscular pain and cramp relief and cold compresses are useful for swelling or headache.

Household Cleaning: 2-5 drops in basin of water
Use your less-costly oils (eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, orange) to wipe down surfaces, avoiding wood furniture. Kills bacteria and makes your space smell wonderful. It almost makes cleaning fun!