There are three main ways to use essential oils: aromatically, topically, and internally. Within these three ways, there are various methods for using them. I will go into detail about those methods and how to use essential oils for aromatherapy.
Let’s start by identifying what aromatic means when it comes to essential oils-aromatherapy.
What is aromatic
The purpose of using essential oils aromatically means to smell or inhale. It is the action of breathing in the distinct smell of the oil. Using oils aromatically is an effective way to address emotions, long-term memory, and the respiratory system.
The aroma and vapors travel by way of the nostrils, into the chest and send signals to the brain. These signals then trigger hormones, memory, emotions, and the respiratory system.
Because therapeutic grade essential oils affect these systems, it’s understandable how they can be a form of therapy.
Who can use oils
Anyone can use essential oils aromatically -pregnant women, infants, children, teens, young adults, seniors, including pets. Emitting oils into the air as opposed to applying topically or internally is a great way to affect one or more than one person at a time in the same room.
Diffusing oils is excellent for your whole family.
If your youngest doesn’t like having oils on their body and grandma still isn’t buying into the whole oil thing, using oils aromatically is a subtle method.
A word of caution. Whether you are pregnant, under the care of a physician, or taking prescripted medications, it is suggested to reference individual oils for the safety data. Lastly, when you are learning how to use essential oils for aromatherapy near pets, make sure to provide an ‘out’ from the room. That way, they can leave the area if they are not liking what they are smelling.
Where to use aromatherapy
Outdoor diffusing can happen but don’t believe it to be very practical since the space is not contained.
Keep diffusing oils for indoors.
Areas such as office spaces, various facilities, classroom-study areas, in the car, during a hospital stay, hotel rooms, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, etc. are all great locations for aromatic usage.
Why and When to use oils
Certified therapeutic grade essential oils have therapeutic effects. Using oils aromatically is a practical way for day and night time usage.
You can use them first thing in the morning upon waking up, during devotion, and throughout your day. At night, a routine of running the diffuser during sleep can make for a more restful sleep. More about what a diffuser is later.
When using them aromatically, it is best to use them when you want to boost your immune system, whether to support an acute or chronic condition, especially respiratory conditions.
Changing the mood with oils can affect the atmosphere when dealing with high levels of stress, anxiety, and low levels of sadness. Examples of calming oils are Lavender, Bergamot, and Cedarwood, and Peace blend, to name a few.
Using oils for memory can benefit various aspects of personal development work.
If you are studying, have suffered brain trauma and doing brain exercises, working through emotional and spiritual issues, you can integrate oils into these types of sessions. Adding aromatherapy can help memory -recall and releasing- support neuroplasticity, clear toxic and habitual thinking, and emotions.
Using aromatherapy in the home and office helps freshen the air and dampen the spread of airborne germs and pathogens. Using oils aromatically is a healthier alternative than spraying toxic chemicals into the air or the use of synthetic fragrance filled plug-ins.
If you want to clean and purify the air, diffusing is a great way to clean the air.
How to use aromatically
The methods for using oils aromatically vary greatly. Below is a list where you are bound to find at least one method suitable for you.
Aromatic methods
Inhale Direct:
The easiest and quickest way is to twist open the bottle of essential oil of choice and smell from the bottle. You can also add 1-2 drops of oil to the palm of your hand, rub palms together, cup hands over nose and mouth and inhale. If you want to address the respiratory system, my favorite method is to create an inhaler by hand. See the video for more detail.
Diffusion or Diffuser:
A diffuser is a device that emits a micro-fine mist of essential oils and room temperature water into the air. Also known as a nebulizer or ultrasonic diffuser. Click here to see my favorite diffuser. This is the easiest way to put oils into the air and cover larger contained areas.
Note: Do not use a heated source for therapeutic grade essential oils. The heat will alter the chemical makeup and degrade the therapeutic qualities.
Perfume:
Essential oils are a less toxic option to wear as a personal scent.
Wearing oils can be a discrete way to support emotional wellness and many physical ailments while smelling incredible. Keep in mind, you become a personal diffuser, for yourself and others. Our body temperatures are warm, and the smell will emit from you throughout the day. You may find yourself reapplying as the oils get metabolized into the skin and used through the body systems.
Try switching out perfumes, body sprays, and scented lotions for oils as an alternative option but more about using oils topically in another blog post.
Jewelry Pieces:
There are various pieces you can wear your scent. From bracelets, earrings, to necklaces, you can add the oil to the stone, lava rock or material and carry the smell around you. It does tend to evaporate so adding another drop or two may be needed throughout the day.
Fans or Vents:
Smaller areas or personal spaces can utilize a fan or vent by adding drops to a cotton ball, tissue, or paper towel. Then attach it to a fan or vent. A small desk and car diffusers work well for small spaces as well.
Cloth or Tissue:
Applying oils to a hand towel, handkerchief, or pillowcase is another option. While keeping eyes closed, put the fabric or tissue up to your face and inhale.
Hot Water:
Hot Water:Adding oils to hot water (in a glass or ceramic mug) and inhaling the steam is a great way to open the airways. Keep your eyes closed to keep the vapors from burning. As mentioned, the oils get denatured when heated. To ensure you reap the benefits, inhale the immediate steam, and avoid reheating.
This wraps up the 5-Ws and How To Use Essential Oils For Aromatherapy. Share with me what your favorite oil or blends are to use aromatically and which method you prefer.
If you want to see these methods demonstrated make sure you catch the video version of these 7 methods in the video below or click here.
A favorite starter aromatherapy kit is this one since it comes with the diffuser and essential oils for emotions.
If you are curious about purchasing this kit or any other oils for yourself, you can message me on Facebook, Instagram, or by email. Follow me on YouTube too to stay up to date with my newest videos.