In, On, and Around You
What's the best way to use my essential oils?
One of the questions I am often asked is “What is the best way to use my essential oil?
There are benefits associated with the three ways we use essential oils so let's talk about these different application methods.
Aromatic (nose)
With aromatic use, the main reasons for this application method are to clear the air, whether in you or around you, support the respiratory system and easy breathing, and create a certain atmosphere.
Through a process called olfaction (a fancy way to say smell), oil molecules pass right into the limbic system in as little as 30 seconds. The limbic system is responsible for memory, mood, and emotion and so I love diffusing when I want to quickly change the mood in the room! When you breathe in an essential oil, you immediately experience these fast-acting, mood uplifting benefits. You are literally informing your body…hey, life is good!!
Diffusing allows the entire family or other people in the room to also reap the benefits of the oils. Some of my favorite ways to create an aromatic experience are to breathe an oil straight from the bottle, inhale from my palms, spray into the air, wear as a perfume, or use in a diffuser.
Try the Pumpkin Pie diffuser blend for a refreshing fall aroma in your home: 4 drops of Cardamom, 2 drops of Cinnamon or Cassia, and one drop of each Wild Orange and Clove essential oils.
Topical (skin)
Topical application is a well-founded, well studied method of applying essential oils. We typically apply essential oils directly on the skin intending to target a specific area of concern. For example, we can apply Peppermint or Wintergreen essential oil to relieve or soothe tired muscles or apply Lavender and Peppermint essential oils to the temples or forehead for cooling, soothing relief from tension.
Besides applying oils to a specific area of concern, usage tips often mention applying oils to the bottom of the feet or the back of the neck.
Why the bottom of the feet?
“Foot reflexology is an effective method to bring the body systems into balance by applying pressure to specific places on the feet. The nerves in the feet correspond with various parts of the body; thus, the entire body is mapped on the feet, telling a story of emotional and physical well-being.” ~The Essential Life, 7th Edition
Why the back of the neck?
There is a concentration of neurotransmitter receptor sites that spiral around the spine. Oils applied to the back of the neck is an ideal way to encourage these aromatic messenger molecules to communicate directly with the nervous system. When life events are stormy, apply a drop of Frankincense or Vetiver essential oil to the back of the neck to ground the nervous system and enjoy a sense of calm.
Other great application points include the wrists, abdomen, ears, shoulders, back, etc. Applying heat or massaging the oil in will increase blood flow and absorption.
When it comes to the little ones or those with sensitive skin or health issues, dilute the oils with a carrier oil, like fractionated coconut oil. Note: Dilution does NOT change the effectiveness; it intentionally slows the absorption for longer lasting effects.
Internal (mouth)
Ingesting essential oils is the third way we make them part of our wellness plan. Essential oils are food…in another form. The oils are distilled or cold pressed from substances we ingest all the time: Citrus fruits, spices, flowers, leaves, and yes, even trees!
What are the benefits of taking an essential oil internally?
Essential oils are messenger molecules, and this method sends these messages to the cells in your gut, endocrine, or other systems to help them learn some new behavior. We uplevel the conversation to optimize function.
Science continues to evolve, showing us that taking oils internally is a powerful delivery system. They affect virtually every body system, organ, and cell in unique ways. Some favorite things to target are the gut, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive health and working with the skin from the inside out.
While it is important to use only the highest quality essential oils, this commitment to quality is paramount when taking oils internally. Inferior products have possible unwanted effects from synthetic or highly concentrated contaminants or pesticides.
How can you be sure your oil is safe for consumption?
Look for the FDA Supplement Facts label to indicate it is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for internal use.
With high quality and purity offered from pharmaceutical grade essential oils, you can put them in your mouth, under your tongue, add to water and drink them, or put them in veggie caps.
These fat-soluble essential oils are readily delivered to all body organs and are easily metabolized. It is the most potent method of use. Given this potency, follow proper dosing recommendations as labeled.
IN, On, and Around You
Here’s a summary of when to choose which method based on the outcomes you seek:
Choose Aromatic application method when you want to:
® Clean the air
® Uplift the mood
® Breathe easier
® Share an aromatic experience with others
Choose Topical application method when you want to:
® Target support to a particular area of concern
® Dilute or layer essential oils
® To optimize efficacy through reflex points
Choose Internal application method when you want to:
® Enjoy the quickest absorption method
® Use more precise dosing
® Influence internal organs and systems
What’s the best way? Work within the limits of your own knowledge (education or experiential) and simply use the method you feel most comfortable with!
What’s next?
Success is yours with a simple routine, consistently performed each day. Enjoy the progress you experience until habit makes it unchangingly automatic! Add these essential oils and oil-infused products to support your efforts and discover how simple it can be to achieve YOUR health and wellness goals!
Want to learn more? https://oils.link/TerriPace is a great resource of educational and fun opportunities to connect with our community!
You are invited…
Join us each month for a variety of free online and in person workshops which focus on simple, natural ways to create a foundation for the health you seek!
We also invite you to join us for lunch and enjoy being with other likeminded, like-hearted individuals who share a passion for using essential oils and living a natural solutions lifestyle! For those who want to dine with us, $20 Price Fixe lunch is available, or you can order off the normal luncheon menu if you prefer. NOTE: Purchasing lunch is optional! We share many stories, oil usage tips, and raffle off a FREE lunch! Mention this article to receive a free gift!
I invite you to watch and learn about many different health topics on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/simplynatural including how to manage pain, increase energy, breathe easier, reduce stress, and conquer the blues…naturally!
Please contact me directly to schedule your free lifestyle overview and enjoy some free samples! I am excited to help you create success with simply natural solutions for your unique health and wellness priorities.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.