FAQ about using Essential Oils

FAQ about using Essential Oils

How do I use essential oils?

Topically – Essential oils can be applied directly on your skin, either neat (without diluting) or diluted in a carrier oil.

Internally – Certain high quality essential oils are safe for internal use.

Aromatically – Diffusing essential oils in the air is a great way to get the benefits of essential oils.

What is a carrier oil?

A carrier oil is an oil that is used as a base to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin. Diluting essential oils is ideal when they’re being used on children, pregnant women or with particularly strong oils like oregano. My favorite is coconut oil.

Can I consume essential oils?

Generally, the answer is no. However, some high quality essential oil companies like Young Living, recommend using their oils internally. If they have usage instructions that include internal use, then it has been deemed safe.

If you are using Young Living Essential oils for consumption, you can try taking them:

In a capsule – Empty capsules are available online or in your local health food store. Capsules are great for taking essential oils that will normally feel hot on your mouth if you take them undiluted or in water.

Under the tongue – Some essential oils, like digestive essential oil blends, can be taken under the tongue. Start with one drop, see how you feel in a few minutes and do another drop if you feel you need it. You should experience relief pretty quickly.

In water – Some essential oils, like lemon, wild orange or peppermint, are great in water. The typical dilution is one drop per 4 oz. water.

How often should I use essential oils?

Consistency is key when using essential oils.  Use often and consistently to see results!

There is one blend of oils I apply, diluted, to the bottoms of my feet on a daily basis.  The mixture contains frankincense, lavender, Thieves & Lemon. This helps prevent illness and keeps me from stressing out too much.

How do I use essential oils on children?

When I use them on my kids, I’m sure to:

Dilute – I either dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil or in the bath.

Apply to the bottoms of their feet – Most oils, I apply to the bottoms of their feet. The oils still enter the bloodstream quickly, but the tough skin on the bottoms of their feet isn’t as prone to irritation like other areas of the body may be.

Let them apply themselves – When possible, I let them put on their oils. I’ve found roller bottles online that make this super easy. I just dilute the essential oil(s) with a liquid carrier oil in these little bottles and pop on the lid. They can roll the oils across the bottoms of their feet themselves, which they love.

Which essential oils are safe for pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a special time that requires more caution with any remedy. Here are some extra precautions for essential oil use during pregnancy.

Take extra caution during the first trimester – The first three months, even the first three weeks, are a precious time of rapid development for your baby. Even herbs, foods and essential oils considered safe for pregnancy should be used with caution during this time.

Dilute – Rather than applying an oil directly to your body, dilute it first in a carrier oil. You can then apply it to the problem area. Or, you can also apply oils to the bottoms of your feet.

Use aromatherapy – Diffusing oils aromatically is a safe way to use essential oils during pregnancy. Most concern is over the topical and internal use of essential oils.

***Please consult your physician. ***

Can I use essential oils when breastfeeding?

Yes! Using essential oils during breastfeeding can be done, just with some extra precautions.

*Peppermint can decrease milk supply. It can be used sparingly.

 ***Please consult your physician. ***

What precautions should I take when using essential oils?

Though essential oils are a natural remedy, they are very potent. Use precaution:

Do a skin test before using essential oils topically.

In case of skin irritation, stop using the oil. If you’re using it neat, try diluting it before using it again.

Keep them out of your eyes. Ouch.

Use only high quality oils (like Young Living) that you know are pure.

If in doubt, dilute.

Listen to your body. If you don’t feel right after using an essential oil, stop using it, or if you feel like you need to use a certain one, try it. Your body is a great guide.

How much should I use?

A little bit goes a long way. I suggest starting with just one drop and working up from there, unless you have a recipe or suggested protocol that recommends doing otherwise.

What all should I have on hand in order to use essential oils?

No special equipment is needed to use essential oils, however the following can be helpful:

Diffuser – This is a special machine that allows you to diffuse essential oils in the air for aromatherapy.

Empty capsules – Can be used to take oils internally.

Carrier oil – A good carrier oil, like coconut oil, is essential for diluting your oils.

Guidebook – I highly recommend buying a guide for using essential oils. While this post addresses common questions, I invite you to empower yourself by researching essential oils further, especially for specific situations.

Get started on your wellness journey today!!