Inhalation	* Put a few drops of the oil or blend on a tissue and keep inhaling the scent until the desired effect is obtained. Two drops of a relaxing oil, e.g. Lavender or Clary sage, on a pillow can promote deeper sleep. * Drop 1-3 drops onto a cotton ball, put it in a ziplock bag and inhale the scent whenever needed; e.g., when travelling, driving, and so on. * Drop 1-2 drops onto a wet washcloth in the shower or bath, cup over your nose and inhale
Steam inhalation	* Drop 2-4 drops into a basin or bowl of hot water, place a thick towel over your head to form a tent and inhale - for sinus, ear and chest issues. This also acts as a facial steam for warming, relaxing and opening the pores prior to cleansing or any facial work in general
Diffusor	* Drop 3-8 drops into the water for any diffusor with a heat source or with the ultrasonic diffusor
Nebulizer	* Fill the nebulizer glass pipe with about 3 ml of oil. Please go to the Nebulizer page for more instructions.

Perfume	* Put 1 drop of the blend or oil in a dab of lotion and apply
Bath	* Dilute 4-8 drops in a bath or carrier oil and swish into a warm running bath. For a foot bath, soak the feet for 10 minutes.
Massage	* Blend a total of 5-10 drops per 10 ml of carrier oil (a 2-4% dilution). A lotion can also be used as a base.
Facial towel	* Put 2-4 drops in a bowl of hot water and stir; soak a washcloth in the water briefly, wring out to remove excess water and apply to the face for a minute or two. This will relax the facial muscles and open the pores. Facial towels are very useful before cleansing or at the beginning of facial work in general.
Liniment	* Use 10-20 drops per 10 ml of vegetable carrier oil (a 4-8% dilution) and massage into the problem area (e.g. the feet, shoulders, nape, forehead, abdomen, low-back, an so on). Apricot kernel, sweet almond and coconut oil are the best carrier oils for liniments and massage as the skin readily absorbs them.

 

Precautions: To prevent skin irritation or sensitization, never use essential oils or blends undiluted on the skin, and avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. The only exception is spot application, e.g. when applying 1 drop topically on sprains, burns, insect bites and such like; or spot application in conjunction with energy work, e.g. with acupressure, reflexology, Shiatsu, and so on.

Never take single or blended essential oils internally. Always keep the bottles out of reach of infants and children. Check with your health-care practitioner about using single or blended essential oils during pregnancy, postpartum and with a specific medical conditions (e.g., epilepsy) present.

 

Keep in mind the two basic types of effects when using essential oils:

Inhalation	* Has mainly a psychological effect through the limbic system and neuroendocrine functions; this helps balance mood, feelings and mental functions, as well as energy levels in general.
Topical applications	* Have a physiological effect on the skin and muscles, and a psychological effect as the evaporating oils are inhaled.