There are three ways that you can use essential oils:
AROMATICALLY
When you inhale essential oils it heightens the senses and can trigger numerous desired responses in the body. Below are some ways that you can use the essential oils aromatically:
• Direct inhalation-simply smell them. You can place a drop in the palm of your hand and then cup your hands over your nose and breathe them in.
• Diffuse the oils using a Young Living diffuser which disperses the oil in a micro-fine vapor into the air. The Young Living diffuser will not heat the oils, thus ensuring full benefits, as extreme heat can damage important constituents in the oil. All of the family can benefit this way and it’s so simple to do!
•Fill a humidifier with water. Put a tissue or small cloth, sprinkled with a few drops of oil, in front of the escaping steam. ( Do not put oil in your humidifier. It will float on top of the water instead of rising with the water vapor and may cause damage to your humidifier.)
• Carefully pour hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of oil. Cover your head and bowl in a tent-like fashion with a towel. Breathe deeply and slowly.
TOPICALLY
Apply essential oils directly onto the skin where needed. This method allows you to pin point different areas on your body that you want to support with the oils. You can dilute them with a carrier oil of your choice before applying if dilution is necessary. Diluting the oil may protect against possible skin sensitivities. It’s always a good bet to dilute, especially when you are new to the essential oils.
Key points of application on the body are:
- Crown of head
- Temples
- Behind ears
- Neck
- Upper back
- Abdomen
- Over vital organs
- Soles and top of feet
- Ankles
To apply topically on any of these areas, follow these simple steps:
1. Carefully tip the oil bottle and drop 2-3 drops in the palm of the hand or directly on the desired application area.
2. If dropping oil in your hand, rub palms together in a circular motion and then massage oil onto the desired point of application. If applying directly to the desired area, use your hand to massage the oil in a circular motion into the skin. Repeat if desired.
DIETARY
Ingesting the Vitality oils are another way that you can use your essential oils.
Here are some ways you can ingest the oiks:
• Put several drops of oil into an empty capsule and swallow with water.
• Add 1-2 drops to a glass of water or rice milk.
• Add 1-2 drops to your meals when you are cooking or to the deserts that you are baking.
• Add 1-2 drops onto a teaspoon of honey and swallow.
• Drop directly onto the tongue and swallow. Exercise extreme caution when using this method. Many oils are very strong and some could be a bit too spicy for you.
*Young Living essential oils are pure, which makes them powerful and effective. For the responsible use of essential oils, read the complete label on each bottle and follow the safety guidelines and tips.
SOME SIMPLE SAFETY TIPS
• Dilute oils with a carrier oil. Using a carrier oil will not dilute the effect of the essential oils, but it will ensure that the oils that you are applying topically aren’t irritating or overpowering. It’ll also extend the use of the oil by making it go further and you will not have to use as much.
• If you get any essential oil in your eye, do NOT use water to rinse it out. Instead, use a carrier oil to alleviate the discomfort.
• Be sure to not apply essential oils to sensitive areas. It’s recommended that you avoid applying essential oils to sensitive areas such as eyes, ears and mucous membranes.
• Some essential oils, especially citrus oils, contain natural molecules that react with sunlight (UV light) and cause a sensitivity reaction. Young Living labels the essential oils and oil blends that contain these compounds with a warning to avoid sun/UV light for 12–48 hours after applying. Always use caution when starting to use a new oil. Young Living formulates its beauty and cosmetic products to remove sun-sensitizing agents to reduce the risk of sun sensitivity.
• With kids, we always say to start “low and slow” and be sure to dilute! Applying a small amount of an oil on the bottoms of a child’s feet is a great place to start.
• If you are nursing or pregnant, (as with any medical condition), we strongly recommended that prior to using essential oils, you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained health care advisor who is experienced in essential oil usage. Some people choose to avoid overuse and excessive use of Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Idaho Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), as well as the blends and supplements that contain these oils.