How are essential oils used ?

• They are swallowed
• They are inhaled
• The are applied to the skin
• They are put in the bath
• Recommended dosage

They are swallowed

As they do not dissolve in water (they do not disperse in water), they should not be poured directly into a glass of water or a herbal tea but rather mixed into a bit of honey or vegetable oil, or even placed on a lump of sugar or a neutral tablet (from chemists). They can also be poured into a dish - why not? Some are particularly suitable for this use, such as sweet basil or lavender

They are inhaled

We can get the benefit of their positive effects through dry inhalation (on a handkerchief) or wet inhalation (in a bowl of hot water). Or even by pouring a few drops into a diffuser or else into a glass or porcelain saucer placed close to a heat source in order to purify the air in a room (studio, bedroom…) or to create a sweet and fragrant atmosphere. Avoid terracotta saucers or devices which are placed directly on top of a heat source: this method alters essential oils and makes them less active.

The are applied to the skin

Essential oils penetrate the skin surface very quickly in order to enter the bloodstream and from there the “target” organ to be treated. This is why it is not surprising to find massage advice for an affliction which seems to be very far from the area in which the oils are applied. This is also why eucalyptus, applied under the arch of the foot, will give you pleasant-smelling breath a few minutes after the application. Pure essential oils can be applied on small areas of the skin (cuts, spots…) but in general, they are mixed with a "base", usually a vegetable oil, a cream or a gel.

They are put in the bath

Foot baths, hand baths, seat baths, normal baths: these are another excellent way of benefiting from essential oils. They will act in the following manner:
1) By penetrating the epidermis throughout the body.
2) 1)By dispersing into the bathroom’s air and penetrating through the respiratory tracts.
With a moment of relaxation as an added extra. A real plus when you’re not feeling well!
Essential oils should always be diluted in milk or a bath base (recommended, as it is not oily) before diluting them in the bathwater (never too hot: 35 to 37°C maximum)…otherwise, they will remain on the surface of the water and may burn the skin.

Recommended dosage

This small table is for information only. The dosage may vary depending on the essential oil and the affliction to be treated.

Recommended dosage		What shall I use it for?
TO BE SWALLOWED	2 drops 3 times a day in a base: 1 teaspoon of honey, olive oil or ¼ tsp of sugar. Never swallow essential oils straight or mixed with water! Maximum not to be exceeded except under medical prescription) Adult: 2 drops each time, 8 drops a day. Children under 6 years old and the elderly: Contact the chemist	Digestion, elimination Pain (digestive) Fortifying and balance (travel sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea) Stress, sleep, relaxation Temperature, natural defences Respiratory
BATH	10 drops mixed with 1 tablespoon of bath base, vegetable oil or milk.	Skin Pain (joint, muscular) Fortifying and balancing Stress, sleep, relaxation Respiratory
FOOT BATH	4 drops for children, 6 for adults, mixed with one teaspoon of bath base, vegetable oil or milk	Stress, sleep, relaxation Skin Circulation
DIFFUSER	In accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If you do not have diffuser, 4 to 5 drops on a saucer placed on a heat source.	Skin (citronnelle) Stress, sleep, relaxation Temperature, natural defences Respiratory
INHALATIONS	Dry: 2 pure drops on the handkerchief or pillow. Wet: 6 drops in boiling water, in a bowl. Inhale for 10 minutes. To repeat 3 times a day maximum. Do not go outdoors immediately afterwards	Fortifying and balancing Stress, sleep, relaxation Temperature, natural defences Respiratory
MASSAGES APPLICATIONS	4 drops (children) to 6 drops (adults) mixed with 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil.	Skin/hair Douleurs (articulaires, musculaires, maux de tête) Digestion, elimination Fortifying and balancing Stress, sleep, relaxation Circulation Slimming Temperature, natural defences Respiratory

Caution! Do not use estimates! 1 teaspoon= 5 ml = 100 to 150 drops. So don’t go pouring that sort of amount into the bath, for example!