Would you like to know different ways to apply essential oils?
Many times it is not
convenient to use the diffuser. Here are suggestions on other handy
techniques to enjoy the benefits of oils aroma.
Inhaler: Empty inhalers, similar to a "Vicks
inhaler" may be purchased and any oil or blend can be dripped onto the
wick. They are very handy to carry in a pocket or purse and last for
weeks.
Cup and Inhale: With cup and inhale, place a couple drops of an oil or
blend or use the residue on the hands after a topical application. Then
stimulate the olfactory cells by cupping the hands over the nose and breathing
deeply.
Tissue cup: Find a small (appx. 8oz) cup with a lid. If
plastic it would preferably be high quality plastic. Place one or two
tissues or some toilet paper in the cup and drop 5-10 drops of oil on the
tissues. The cup can be opened occasionally and holding the opening to
the nose, breathe deeply. If the lid stays on, it will be effective for up
to 2 weeks. Use this for a stimulant when driving or to stay alert in
tedious meetings.
Make a spritz: using 5-10 drops of oil with ½ cup of clean water.
Put the mixture in a small spray bottle and shake well prior to uses.
Make a steam
tent: Add several drops of oil
to a steaming hot bowl of water. Place a towel over the head and let it
drape around the bowl and breathe in the vapors. This is especially
valuable for sinus problems, coughing or colds.
T Shirt Tent: Apply the desired oils to the chest and neck as
needed then put on a T shirt and while laying down pull the neck of the shirt
up over the nose and breath deeply .
When traveling by car or
plane, the immune system is under particular stress. Apply a few drops of
oil to cotton balls, cotton pads or tissue. In the car, place them in the
heating and cooling vents. The air passing over the oil diffuses the
scent into the air.
Applying Essential Oils - Topical
Administer
directly to an effected area for pain relief or for protection from
infection. An oil (with or without a carrier) in a spray or a salve works
well. Appropriate situations to consider direct application include
burns, rashes, fungal infections, cuts, scrapes bumps, bruises and bites. Rub
on back of neck, bottom of feet and Thymus when administering for illness.
For upset stomachs or
digestive problems, direct application on the stomach (especially for
children) is appropriate.
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Caution should always be observed to avoid contact, especially
neat (undiluted oils), with eyes or mucus membranes during direct
application.
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*Use
3-6 drops with ½ teaspoon of preferred carrier oil (I use coconut or almond)
for adults. Use 1-3 drops with ½ teaspoon of preferred carrier oil for
children, infants preferably only one drop of oil.
Compresses are ideal
for after an oil massage. While there is still residue from the
massage, apply a hot or cold towel to the effected area.
For a compress, fill a bowl with ice water or hot water and add 4-6 drops of
essential oil. Dip a folded clean, sterile cotton cloth into the
prepared water and ring out. Place the cloth on affected areas until
the cloth reaches body temperature.
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Oils are concentrated and only a small amount is required,
at times it is advantageous to use them with a carrier. Carriers allow
the essential oil to be spread over a larger area while reducing the risk of
irritation to sensitive skin.
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Hot compresses are helpful for backaches,
rheumatism, arthritis, abscesses, earache, toothache, and menstrual cramps.
Cold compresses are helpful for
headaches, neck tension, swelling, bruises, sprains, and muscle strains.
A common technique for finishing off the
massage to an area is to apply a hot or cold compress or towel to the area for
a few minutes after the massage.
Massage
for Infants and Small Children
Essential
oils are of great benefit for babies and young children using massage
techniques. Clearly, their skin is very sensitive and extreme care should
be taken to use a carrier oil during a massage. A 2-5% carrier dilution
is appropriate.
A
highly effective method with babies and small children (Adults also) is to
massage their feet with essential oils. It is considered a safe area to
apply oils that might sometimes be considered too strong or concentrated for
sensitive baby skin. Still, use care with “hot oils, their feet will develop
calluses but not until they begin walking. With stronger oils the use of
a carrier is recommended.
Compresses with a damp,
warm towel are comforting and therapeutic to a baby that is suffering from
discomfort or pain. Apply directly to the affected area(s), i.e., to the
stomach area for tummy discomfort, etc.
Here are some further tips to keep in mind when massaging babies:
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Warm hands under warm running water before beginning.
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Find a relaxing time for both the baby and the administrator. Prior to
nap or bedtime is ideal.
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Talk to the baby in kind gentle tones while massaging.
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Warm the oil in the hand first before applying.
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Use gentle soft rotary strokes.
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Be gentle when applying to the tummy area.
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Keep oils away from the eyes, genitals and mucus membranes.
Keep
in mind that babies do not know better than to touch their eyes.
Therefore, massage only those area(s) that can be clothed or covered after the
massage to prevent transfer to the sensitive spots. For instance, place
socks on the infant or child after massaging their feet.