Essential oils can be used in various ways:

• Use of a diffuser which disperses essential oils into the air, either in a cool mist or by gently warming the oils.

• Absorption through the skin (eg. in a massage, through use of body oils directly on the skin or through diluting them in a bath or foot bath).

• Direct inhalation where 2 or 3 drops of essential oil are put onto a tissue and inhaled through the nose.

• Use of a compress by adding 2-5 drops of oil to water (warm or cool) in a bowl or basin. This is stirred and then a cloth is soaked in the water, wrung out and applied to the skin.

• Misting is a convenient way to impart the aroma of an essential oil into the air. 20-30 drops of oil are added to 8 ounces of water in a mister bottle.

Note

Basic precautions: Essential plant oils are relatively safe if certain precautions are followed. If you have a question or a concern about the proper or safe use of any aromatherapy product, please do consult a recognised aromatherapist.

Some general guidelines to follow:

• If you, or the person for whom you are considering aromatherapy, is under the care of a physician, consult that physician before introducing essential oil therapy.

• Never put an undiluted essential oil in direct contact with the skin. There are exceptions to this directive, but only under direct supervision of a trained aromatherapist. (Dilute with a carrier oil.)

• If there is an allergic reaction to any essential oil, discontinue the use of that oil immediately.

• Every essential oil has its own unique properties. Precautions for particular oils are listed with that oil in the store.

• If you are using a candle diffuser that was purchase elsewhere, be careful as you always would with an open flame.

Download the above as a Word Document: Model Answer Unit 4, Activity 3.4, Step B, Olfactory Pathways (8.9 KB)

Return to Unit 4