You have many options when it comes to aromatherapy application methods and products. You want to use ones that you feel comfortable with, are knowledgeable about, and get you the desired results you are looking for. If you are copying a DIY recipe, understand the do’s and don’ts before making and using it.
Essential oils are wonderful! However, you also need to consider the right carrier and application method that can deliver the best results. Here are the most popular and safe ways to use essential oils and aromatherapy products, and how to apply them for certain health needs.
Inhalation Aromatherapy Application Methods
Inhalation method of aromatherapy inhales a scent from an essential oil, essential oil blend, and aromatherapy product to elicit, shift, inspire, and activate movement within the mind and body. It is absolutely instant, quicker than snapping your fingers. When you inhale a scent through the nose, the scent molecules travel to the brain helping you assess what that scent can do for you.
The remarkable gift scent has is helping your body get exactly what it needs.
Some scents like lavender and roman chamomile are relaxing and calming.
Peppermint and Lemon can be energizing.
Frankincense and cedarwood can be grounding.
So, if you need to calm stress, anxiety, depression, or other psychological distress, inhalation of essential oils is for you.
These types of inhalation methods are good to lift mood, inspire energy, reduce stress and tension, promote concentration and focus, support immune and respiratory health and to make your environment smell good. There are certain scents that can shift negative energy or emotions into positive ones.
- Ultrasonic Diffuser
- Necklace diffuser
- Car diffuser
- Soapstone Diffuser
- Non-electric diffuser:
- nasal inhaler
- pine cones
- terra cotta
- cotton ball or cotton round
- wood shavings
- paper
- smelling salts
- aromatherapy patches
- burlap bows
Safety precautions with essential oil inhalation:
- Do NOT overuse essential oils that are stimulant and drying with certain health conditions such as asthma, COPD, respiratory distress, epilepsy and cognitive deficits. This can overstimulate body processes, more than the mind and body can handle, and can try out membranes too much, causing them to spasm. These would be oils that are camphoraceous (eucalyptus, mints, etc.) and certain trees that are drying like pine and fir. Oregano and Thyme are also very drying. In small dilutions, infrequently for short durations, these are helpful. Just don’t use for a long session numerous times during the day. Remember, one drop goes a long way.
- Limit oils that are contraindicated with medications and health conditions you have. For example, cinnamon and wintergreen have blood thinning properties and she be used with caution if you are taking blood thinners, have thin blood, or are having surgery within the next 4 weeks, or just had surgery within the last 3-4 weeks.
Topical Aromatherapy Application Methods
There are numerous topical applications you can use. How do you choose the right one for you?
First, you need to understand your purpose for using your essential oils. Then you can better match up an appropriate application method that will give you the results you desire. For example, it you need to alleviate sore neck muscles, a bath salt might not necessarily be the best choice. A massage oil, lotion, cream or compress would provide you with better support and relief.
Second, what are you willing to use, and will remember to use consistently to get the results you are looking for?
- room spray – used to make a room smell nice, combat airborne stuff, and make someone feel right at home when they walk in your door
- body spray – can be used as a deodorant, skin hydrator, body perfume/cologne, skin nourisher
- linen spray – can freshen the smell of linens and help you get a restful sleep
- bath salt – add to warm bath water to relax your mind, rejuvenate your body, or as a foot soak
- shower salt scrub – help exfoliate skin & feet
- massage oil (here is a list of nut-free carrier oils) – nourishes and hydrates your skin (need more oil on the skin as you age)
- salve or ointment – help a skin sore or irritation
- foot cream – nourishes your feet and stimulates circulation
- body lotion or cream – nourishes and hydrates your skin
- compress – alleviates muscle and joint soreness, headaches, and body aches
- suppository – helps with hemorrhoids
- pessary – vaginal irritations & issues
Safety precautions with essential oil topical applications:
- Do NOT use undiluted, especially with children, pets, elderly, those with serious health conditions and those with compromised or deficient kidney functions. Too much, especially undiluted can cause irritation and overburden the urinary and hepatic system, which are responsible for eliminating essential oil molecules from your system.
- Use a carrier, small dilution, infrequent, no more than 2-3 times daily.
Want to learn more about aromatherapy and how to use it safely for better physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and energetic health? Visit the JennScents Aromaversity for our elite aromatherapy certification programs. All courses are holistic health focus and discuss essential oils, herbs, flower essences and other natural health modalities for a well-rounded education.
Get my free Application Method Guide Here.
Want to feel more confident in using essential oils safely to take care your family & others? Looking to expand your knowledge and skills using essential oils? Want to add aromatherapy to your client services to enrich your niche? Or start a new career path in aromatherapy? Get training at the JennScents Aromaversity to help you learn and grow!