Ways to Use Oils

Aromatherapy Essential oils can be used in a number of different ways and for a number of different purposes. They can be used as an anti-septic for cleaning the floor (e.g. tea tree oil), to help improve the mood and ambiance of a room as a scent, as a topical treatment for skin conditions or can be used therapeutically through contact and absorption into the body (via massage, inhalation or more).

Air Fresheners
Vaporisers and Oil Burners
Aromatherapy Massage
Skincare
Baths
Compresses
Neat
Perfumes

Air Fresheners

Air fresheners can be made by adding a few drops of essential oil to water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray. Alternatively use a vaporiser.

Vaporisers and Oil Burners

Vaporisers are an effective way to scent a room, free of the dust or smoke that can be caused by incense. A few drops of oil can be placed on an oil burner or aromatic diffuser. Alternatively a few drops of oil can be placed in a bowl of water and then placed on a radiator.

Aromatherapy Massage

Massaging oils into the skin which contain essential oils is a simple way to use aromatherapy. The massage itself can vary from a gentle stroke to a deeper action depending on the persons needs and the person doing the massage’s confidence. Massage doesn’t always need a partner. Blend essential oils in a carrier oil at a concentration of 1 -2 % (20-40 drops per 100ml of carrier oil). Sweet almond oil is our favourite carrier oil. We also offer aromatherapy massage in our Glasgow Massage Clinic

Skincare

Skin oils and lotions are prepared much as they would for massage oil, except the carrier oils will sometimes be more nourishing to the skin, such as jojoba oil. Using small circular movements the oil will be absorbed into the skin effectively. Rose and neroli are beneficial for mature or dry skin, and geranium, bergamot and lemon are beneficial for greasy skin types. Essential oils can be added to base creams or to skincare oils but concentrations vary depending on the oil and the type/area of skincare.

Bathtime

Baths are the easiest way of using essential oils. Simply add 5 to 10 drops of oil to the bath water when the tub is full. This is perfect for muscular aches and pains (rosemary or pine), and stress relief (lavender or chamomile). As essential oils float on the surface of the water and can contact the skin as an undiluted oil we suggest blending the oil in a Base Bath Oils or bath milk before adding to a warm bath (or even in a teaspoon of full fat milk or cream)

Compresses

Hot and cold compresses are an excellent way to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Fill a bowl with very hot water, then add 5 drops of essential oil . Dip a face cloth into the bowl and wring out the excess water. Place the cloth on the affected area until the cloth has cooled. Then repeat. This is very beneficial for backache, rheumatism, arthritis and toothache. Cold compresses are made in a similar way, using ice cold water. This type of compress is very effective for headaches, sprains, strains and other hot and swollen conditions.

Applied Neat

Neat application is when essential oils are applied directly on to the skin. Lavender can be applied to burns, cuts and insect bites, tea tree can be applied directly on spots, and lemon can be added to warts although it is generally best to dilute even these oils in a little base oil or water.

Natural Perfumes

Perfumes are a nice way to use essential oils, simply add a few drops of your favourite essential oils to a small bottle of a base oil such as grapeseed oil