How to correctly use essential oils?

Applying a pure essential oil directly to the skin is not recommended. It is always better to dilute it in a vegetable oil.

Dosage recommendations vary depending on the essential oils, but generally, it is appropriate to mix 30 drops of essential oil into 50 ml of vegetable oil. The blend can be applied to all parts of the body, avoiding mucous membranes and the eye contour. In local application, this mixture can alleviate various skin problems (acne, redness, dryness...) as well as insect bites, knocks, bruises...

Caution! Some essential oils are photosensitisingand it is advised not to expose oneself to the sun for at least 4 hours after application. Others can cause allergies. Always perform a preliminary test in the crook of your elbow.

Here is a list of essential oils containing allergenic molecules in significant quantities: aneth, angelica, bergamot, bergaptene-free bergamot, cajeput, cinnamon (bark), lemon, clove, coriander seed, rose geranium, fragrant inula, bay laurel, lemongrass, green mandarin, lemon balm, lemon myrtle, sweet orange, compact oregano, Spanish oregano, palmarosa, grapefruit, turpentine, exotic verbena, fragrant verbena.

When ingested, the use of an essential oil always requires prior medical advice. Furthermore, it must always be diluted and should never be consumed in its pure form.

An essential oil can be diluted in a neutral lozenge to suck, a piece of sugar, a spoonful of honey or vegetable oil. It can also be used in dilutionin some water, taking care to mix it beforehandwith a dispersant such as solubol.

The oral route is reserved for adults and children over the age of 7. Essential oils should only be taken for short periods, primarily to treat digestive and liver problems.

Note: The renal pathway also exists but the suppositories are prescribed by a doctor and prepared by a pharmacist.

Inhaling an essential oil is often associated with calming the psyche and the mind.

The nasal mucosa is made up of millions of nerve cells that allow aromatic molecules to diffuse to the brain. There are several modes of diffusion:

• Atmospheric diffusion
  This method requires the use of a diffuser or a mister. This primarily helps to sanitise and purify the atmosphere of a room and thus create an ambiance (relaxation, conviviality, sensuality…).

• Wet Inhalation
  This involves creating a mixture of boiling water with approximately 5 drops of essential oil and inhaling the vapours, with a towel placed over your head. You should then breathe in for about ten minutes. The inhalation should feel pleasant. If this is not the case, you should stop immediately.

• Dry Inhalation

  The principle involves dispensing a few drops of essential oils onto a handkerchief or a pebble and inhaling it from time to time.

• Inhalation combined with topical application:
  This involves applying a few drops of essential oils to the wrists and inhaling deeply 2 to 3 times consecutively. Combining respiratory and topical routes, this method is beneficial for reducing stress.

Caution! Essential oils rich in phenols should not be diffused or inhaled, and those rich in ketones should not be diffused. The use through respiratory route is prohibited for people with asthma.