Where and How to Use Essential Oils

Diffusing

Diffusing oils in your home or office is a perfect way to help you relieve tension, dispel odors, and create an atmosphere of peace and harmony. When diffused, essential oils have been reported to improve the immune system and create a feeling of balance and well-being. Start by diffusing oils for only 15 to 30 minutes per day. As you become accustomed to the oils and recognize their effects, you may increase the time.

Diffusing essential oils releases oxygenating molecules as well as negative ions, which reduce bacteria in the air. Young Living's diffuser uses a special air pump custom-designed to disperse the oils in a microfine vapor so they stay suspended for several hours and freshen the air with natural fragrances. The diffuser disperses oils without the heating or burning that can render the oil therapeutically less beneficial.

How Much Oil Is Used in Diffusing?

• Thicker oils, such as Sandalwood or Valor, will diffuse more slowly than thinner ones, such as lavender or lemon. One 15 ml bottle of Valor will completely diffuse within 8 hours.
• You may leave a bottle of thicker oil upside down on the well because if diffuses slowly. Thinner oils should be poured directly into the well because they diffuse quickly, and you can have greater control of the amount of oil used.

• Note: Never add water to essential oils or thin them with another substance. This could clog the jet and may alter the oil’s effects.

Research shows that cold-air diffusing certain oils may:

• Reduce bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors.
• Promote relaxation, relieve tension, and clear the mind.
• Help in weight management.
• Improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity.

Use in Humidifier/Vaporizer

Some essential oils, like peppermint, lemon, or frankincense, make ideal additions to humidifiers or vaporizers. Begin by adding honey, sea salt, or bath salt to the water to emulsify the oils. Next add one to two drops of essential oil directly to the water, increasing the amount as needed.

Note: Because essential oils can damage machine parts, be careful not to apply the oils directly on any part of the machine or plastic covering.

Direct Inhalation

Direct inhalation of the oils is easy and brings many of the same benefits as distillation. Put several drops into the palms of your hands, cup over your nose and mouth, and breathe deeply. You may also apply oils to a handkerchief or tissue and inhale.

Direct Application

Essential oils give healing benefits when applied directly to the skin. Because they are soluble with the lipid membranes of cell walls, essential oils have an unmatched ability to penetrate cells and disperse within minutes throughout the body when applied topically. The longer essential oils stay in contact with the skin, the more likely they are to be absorbed.

Rose Ointment, a mixture of beeswax, vitamin E, and other natural ingredients, is designed to be layered on top of essential oils to reduce their evaporation and enhance penetration. It also helps seal and protect cuts and wounds.

In direct application, follow these two tips for safety:

• Always skin test an essential oil before using it. Each person's body is different, so apply oils to a small area first.
• Apply one oil or blend at a time. When layering oils that are new to you, allow enough time (15 to 30 minutes) for the body to respond before applying a second oil.

What the Leading Authority on the Medical Application of Essential Oils Says About Young Living’s Quality

"I found Young Living’s essential oils to be top quality, definitely deserving the term, 'therapeutic grade'. Young Living is constantly adding new oils, but their currently available selection – whether freshly cultivated and steam distilled or imported – is ample for all types of therapy." -Daniel Penoel, M.D. International authority on the clinical use of essential oils

Caution

Exercise caution when applying essential oils to skin that has been exposed to cosmetics, personal care products, soaps, and cleaners containing synthetic chemicals. Some of these products – especially ones with petroleum-based chemicals – may penetrate and remain in the skin and fatty tissues for days or even weeks. Essential oils may react with such chemicals and cause skin irritation, nausea, headaches, or other uncomfortable effects. Visit our Safe use Guidelines

Mixing Oils

You may mix or layer a single oil with a blend or mix a single oil with another single oil. However, mixing oil blends together may alter the benefits as well as the aroma.

Wearing as a Perfume or Cologne

As a healthy alternative to synthetic fragrances, therapeutic-grade essential oils are all-natural and have long-lasting, distinctive aromas. More and more people are wearing essential oils and enjoying the benefits oil can provide.

Creating a Compress

A compress is ideal for soothing tired muscles or reducing inflammation. Begin by rubbing one to three drops on desired location-diluted or neat-depending on the oil and the skin sensitivity at that location. Cover with a damp towel. (The damp towel should be hot if you are hoping to soothe muscles. To reduce inflammation, use a cold, damp towel.) Next cover the moist towel with a dry towel and leave in place for 10 to 60 minutes. As the oil penetrates, you may experience a warming or even a burning sensation, especially in areas where the greatest benefits occur. If burning becomes uncomfortable, apply V-6 Mixing Oil or any pure vegetable oil.

Massage

To create your own custom massage oil, mix three to four drops of essential oil with ˝ teaspoon of a massage oil base, such as V-6 Mixing Oil. You may also use our pre mixed massage oils, such as Ortho Ease, Ortho Sport, or Sensation, for a soothing massage.

Bath or Shower

Add two to three drops of an essential oil to our special Bath Gel Base for an even dispersion and to prevent stronger oils from stinging sensitive areas. Our essential-oil-enhanced shampoos, conditioners, and bath and shower gels provide all-natural cleansing and moisturizing for hair and skin. For maximum penetration, leave them on the skin or scalp for several minutes.

Raindrop Technique

Raindrop Technique is a kit of powerful essential oils designed specifically for topical application during massage. Raindrop Technique was developed as a result of research on spinal mis alignments.

Vita Flex Technique

Vita Flex is a specialized form of hand and foot massage that is exceptionally effective in delivering the benefits of essential oils throughout the body. Apply a drop or two of oil to the areas of the feet that correspond to the system of the body you wish to support.

Dietary Supplements

Oils that are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA may be taken internally as dietary supplements. Essential oils should always be diluted before being used as a dietary supplement. You may dilute one drop of essential oil in any oil-soluble liquid, such as a teaspoon of honey or 4 ounces of soy or rice milk.

Cooking

Many essential oils make excellent food flavorings-they are much more potent than dried herbs. You may want to experiment in your recipes, but some have found that dipping a toothpick in a bottle of oil and stirring it in the recipe provides sufficient flavor. To maximize the benefits of the oils, add them after cooking to avoid undue heat.

Cleaning

A few drops of oil may be added to the washing machine, the dishwasher, or dishwater to help disinfect and purify. Favorites are lemon, peppermint, Melrose, and Purification.

IMPORTANT - The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition of the body; and the author, publisher, printer, and distributor(s) of it accept no responsibility for such use. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult with a physician.