Application Methods

How to Use Essential Oils

The methods and number of drops described below are general guidelines for using essential oils for adults. Individual sensitivities, desired results, and the characteristics of the essential oil(s) and carrier oil(s) used must all be considered. Adjust methods and proportions accordingly.

Add to Products: Essential oils can be added to pre-made, fragrance-free products to enhance their performance. Add 4-8 drops to 2 ounces of facial moisturizer; 6-30 drops to 1 ounce of lotion; 10-20 drops to 8 ounces of shampoo; 15-30 drops to 8 ounces of conditioner.

After Shower: After showering, while your skin is still wet, put 1-3 drops of essential oil in the palm of one of your hands and rub your hands together. Quickly and evenly spread the essential oil over your legs, arms, and torso. Avoid sensitive-skin areas. For maximum skin hydration and to seal in moisture, apply cream, lotion or body oil directly to damp skin.

Anointing Oil: Anointing oils are used for subtle aromatherapy and subtle energy work. The act of anointing is an intentional offering of a “blessing” to another person or to our self.  Mix 1 drop of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of jojoba or fractionated coconut oil. The anointing oil is applied to different areas of the body depending on the intention.

Bath: Mix 4-8 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. (You can also add the essential oil to 1/2 cup of whole milk or heavy cream.) Set aside. If you have muscle or joint aches, add Epsom Salt (pure magnesium sulfate), Magnesium Flakes (pure magnesium chloride) or Dead Sea salts. Fill the tub with warm water and immerse yourself. Add the essential oil mixture and swirl the water around you. Massage your skin and breathe in the aroma. Remain in the tub for 10-15 minutes.

Bath, Foot: Mix 1-3 drops of essential oil in 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. Set aside. Fill a tub (deep enough to cover your feet and ankles) with warm water. Add the essential oil mixture, stir well, and immerse your feet for 10-15 minutes.

Body Lotion: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of fragrance-free, natural moisturizing lotion. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Body Oil: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba or sweet almond oil. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Chest Rub: Mix 5-15 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion; apply to upper chest and upper back.

Compress: Fill a basin with water. (Warm water relaxes and increases circulation. Cool water invigorates and relieves inflammation.) Add 3-5 drops of essential oil and briskly stir. Lay in a washcloth, wring, and apply to the area in need. Dip, wring, and apply 3 more times. Leave the last compress in place for 3 minutes.

Compress, Facial: Fill the sink with warm water. Add 1-3 drops of essential oil in the water and agitate the water to mix well. Lay in a clean washcloth, wring, and apply to face, with eyes closed, holding in place for 5-10 seconds. Repeat dipping, wringing, and applying—3 times. Pat dry.

Diffusion: Follow diffuser manufacturer’s instructions to fill the air with therapeutic aroma.

• Easy alternatives when you don’t have a diffuser:
  Place 2-4 drops of essential oil on several tissues or cotton balls, place around room or on desk (caution: place cotton balls or tissues on a surface that will not be damaged by contact with essential oils) or tuck into the grate of a fan or air vent in your home or car.

Facial Oil: Mix 2-5 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier such as jojoba, calendula, or rose hip seed oil.

Inhalation: Put 1-3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose. Pause and inhale again.
(Avoid touching your nose with the tissue.)

Inhalation, Hot Water: Add 1-2 drops of essential oil in a small bowl of hot water. Keeping your eyes tightly closed, lean over the bowl and breathe in deeply yet gently, pause then exhale. Continue for 30 seconds. Inhale through your nose for respiratory or sinus conditions and through your mouth for throat issues or coughs. Repeat as desired.

• Easy alternative: Heat water, pour into a mug then add a couple drops of your essential oil. Close your eyes and inhale the aroma. (Great for travel or office environment when limited supplies are available. Caution: DO NOT drink liquid. Discard water when cool and wash mug with hot soapy water to remove any essential oil residue.)

Massage: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion.

Perfume: Mix 10-20 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of jojoba or fractionated coconut oil. (Fractionated coconut oil will spritz though an atomizer, other carrier oils are too heavy to be used in an atomizer.) Apply to pulse points, such as inner wrists, behind knees, or backs of ankles.

Room Mist: Mix 30-60 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting the mist into the eyes.

Skin Mist: Mix 10-40 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting the mist into eyes.

Scalp Oil: Mix 12-24 drops of essential oil in 2 ounces of fractionated coconut oil or jojoba, or a blend of both. Store in a glass bottle with a cap. Use approximately 1 teaspoon to massage into scalp at night. Shampoo in the morning.

Spot / Regional Application: Mix 1-4 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or aloe vera and apply to the area in need.

For external use only. Always dilute before use. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid eyes and other sensitive areas. Keep away from direct flame—essential oils are flammable. If pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before using essential oils. Store at room temperature and avoid direct sunlight.

Aromatherapy: The use of natural, aromatic substances, known as essential oils, to enhance the well-being of body, mind, and spirit. (This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. No information provided is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)

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