Essential Oils

So many varieties of aromatic compounds have been identified. The nature of an essential oil varies from plant to plant.

The creation of essential oils will vary as there are a few aspects that need to be taken into account when and after the plant/flower has been harvested, such as the time of day, season, location, method and duration of distillation, and the weather.

Essential oils can be used for a wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications. They can be used as single essential oils or in essential oil blends, depending on user experience and the desired result you are aiming for.

How you use essential oils will depend on what you are using them for.

The 3 main application methods are:

Aromatic – using a diffuser is the most popular way to use essential oils. Most of us have experienced connecting a smell to a memory, or maybe a feeling, at some time. Smell is very powerful and just gently inhaling the aroma from a bottle will also work.

Some essential oils induce uplifting or invigorating effects, while others are more calming. Diffusion is one of the simplest methods for using essential oils aromatically. Diffusers that use cold air or water are ideal as you should never use direct heat on essentials oils. Doing that will significantly (if not totally) reduce the aroma quality.

You can achieve the same benefits by simply placing a few drops of essential oils in the palm of your hand, bring to your nose and inhale.

Topical – This type of application is a very effective method for applying essential oils. Essential oils will stay on your skin – unlike many store bought perfumes that last an hour or so. However, as an aromatherapist I do advise people to use a carrier oil to dilute oils as depending on your skin type etc you need to ensure you don’t react to them. For example, if you can’t eat lemons then you wouldn’t use lemon essential oils on your skin. There are a few different carrier oils to choose from: Apricot Oil, Jojoba Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Almond oil (to name a few).

Ingested – There are some essential oil brands that can be used as food/drink flavours. When used in food or drink, essential oils are concentrated and should be used sparingly – try 1-2 drops, you can always add more but once it’s added you can’t take it away!

Natural remedies can also involve ingestion of essential oils. This can be drops on the tongue or added to capsules and swallowed.

Some doTERRA essential oils can be used for food flavouring and natural remedies and they do meet the requirements of the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code for food additives.
Always check that the essential oils are safe to ingest.