Essential Oils and Dilution
Essential oils are pure, potent plant extracts that come from seeds, leaves, flowers or roots. They offer many beauty and health benefits when used in a proper dilution.
Each oil contains a variety of natural chemical constituents and compounds that offer specific types of therapeutic effects. Essential oils can be used by inhaling or applied to the skin.
Versatility
Essential oils are incredibly versatile and can be used for many purposes, from aromatherapy to cleaning. They can also be used for medicinal and para-medical purposes such as promoting sleep, treating skin conditions and alleviating digestive issues. Because they are so highly concentrated and potent, it is important to keep in mind that they must be properly diluted with a carrier oil before use.
This is especially important when applying them directly to the skin as certain essential oils may cause a reaction if not diluted properly. The most common reactions are irritation and sensitization, both of which can be minimized by diluting with a carrier oil.
Many essential oils are known to have antimicrobial, anxiolytic, spasmolytic and/or anti-inflammatory properties making them very useful for a variety of conditions. These properties are attributed to the unique chemical makeup of each essential oil and their ability to interact with different pharmacological targets.
Due to their volatility, essential oils can easily be inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs. This absorption can be beneficial for a number of conditions including sinusitis, bronchitis, irritable bowel syndrome and even asthma. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the potential for therapeutic applications of essential oils.
It is important to note that although these studies show potential benefits, many of the claims made about essential oils are based on anecdotal evidence and do not always have scientific backing. Nonetheless, most essential oils are considered safe with proper usage and many have been proven effective in clinical trials.
One of the most popular and versatile essential oils is lavender. It is widely recognized for its calming effects, helping to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. It is also excellent for the skin, containing strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective treatment for minor burns and abrasions.
If you are new to the world of essential oils, it is a good idea to start with a basic collection that contains Lavender, Peppermint and Lemon oil. These are some of the most commonly used essential oils and will help you build a solid foundation for your future oil explorations.
Safety
Essential oils are natural products, but they must be properly distilled and tested to ensure their quality. They also require proper storage in order to retain their benefits. Keeping them in dark glass, metal containers or amber bottles will help protect against degradation and maintain their therapeutic properties.
When used properly, essential oils are safe to inhale or apply topically on the skin, diluted appropriately. They can also be added to bath water or taken orally as a supplement. However, essential oil ingestion is not advised without the supervision of a healthcare professional. Ingestion of undiluted or high-quality oils can result in adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness and headache.
If you do have an adverse reaction to an essential oil, it is important to stop using that product immediately and contact your healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have any medical or health conditions such as pregnancy, epilepsy, asthma, allergies, or other sensitivities.
For the best results, it is recommended that you use a reputable brand of essential oil with an accompanying guide for usage and safety. These guides contain recommendations for dilution, as well as other helpful information regarding proper application methods.
Most essential oils have a low acute toxicity, which means they are unlikely to cause serious harm in small doses. They also have a high degree of lipophilicity, which means that they are easily absorbed through the skin and can travel throughout the body to be metabolized by different organs.
Having a high level of purity is essential, and the Tisserand Institute’s Adverse Reaction Database is an excellent resource for researching the safety of specific oils.
It is important to be aware that essential oils can interact with certain medications, including herbal supplements, vitamins, and some prescription drugs. Those with known sensitivities or allergies should avoid certain oils, while others may benefit from them.
It is also important to take special precautions when applying essential oils to children. Younger children are more susceptible to sensitivity and negative side effects. Make sure that caps are secure and oils are kept out of reach of children, as they can be dangerous if ingested or applied to the skin. Also, some essential oils are potentially toxic to pets.
Aromatherapy
For centuries, essential oils have been used in therapeutic and aromatic purposes. These are highly concentrated extracts that retain the natural smell and flavor of their plant source, with most having a variety of benefits on both the body and mind [1].
Essential oils can be used in several ways, most commonly by inhalation (also known as aromatherapy). Inhaling an oil directly from the bottle or using an essential oil diffuser allows you to experience its calming fragrance and health-boosting properties right away. They can also be mixed with a carrier oil and applied topically to the skin, which helps to promote physical healing or soothe certain conditions.
When applied to the skin, essential oils are absorbed through the pores and can enter your bloodstream within 20 minutes. They contain small molecules that can pass through the blood-brain barrier, unlike fatty oils found in foods or other sources, which cannot do so. This allows the chemicals to reach your brain and affect your hormones, blood cells, and nervous system.
Research has shown that essential oils can be used as a form of alternative medicine for a number of conditions, including anxiety and stress, pain relief, nausea, and sleep disorders. They can also be incorporated into your natural beauty routine to moisturize and tone the skin, fight acne, and promote healthy hair and nail growth.
In addition to their calming fragrance, certain essential oils can boost the immune system and improve digestion. For example, ginger and cinnamon essential oils can reduce nausea, while peppermint oil can help with indigestion. Other oils, such as fennel and sage, contain estrogen-like compounds that can alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause.
If you’re considering incorporating essential oils into your lifestyle, consult an integrative medicine expert or talk to your primary care provider. Before you start using an essential oil, make sure to carefully read the label instructions and avoid contact with any areas of your body where there are open wounds, cuts, or rashes. It’s also a good idea to keep your essential oils out of the reach of children, as they may be toxic if swallowed.
Diluting
Essential oils are highly potent, and for that reason, they need to be diluted before being applied to the skin. Dilution can be done by mixing the oil with a lighter carrier oil, such as sweet almond, coconut, jojoba or olive. This will help the oil penetrate and absorb into the skin. It also reduces the rate of evaporation, and allows the oil to last longer.
The best way to determine the proper dilution for an essential oil blend is to consult an aromatherapy book or seek advice from a qualified professional. However, a typical dilution for topical use is 1-2%, equating to 1-2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon (5 mL) of carrier oil. It is important to note that these dilution rates are only guidelines, and the safest use of essential oils should always be followed.
When used correctly, essential oils can offer an array of benefits to the skin, body, and mind. These powerful plant essences are known to possess a number of therapeutic properties including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic effects, as well as stimulating the nervous system, balancing the hormones, aiding digestion, improving sleep, and relieving stress.
Despite the multitude of health benefits, it is essential to keep in mind that essential oils can cause adverse reactions in some people. This is especially true if the oils are undiluted or if someone has built up a sensitization to the oil. It is recommended that anyone new to using essential oils should start with a very small dilution and slowly work their way up.
To dilute essential oils, simply pour the desired amount of carrier oil into a dark glass bottle, add the appropriate number of drops of essential oil based on the dilution ratio calculated, and seal. Label the mixture with the essential oil, the dilution ratio, and date of preparation. Then, store in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight.
There are several different ways to use a diluted essential oil blend, but some of the most popular methods include using them in a diffuser or applying them directly onto the skin. In the latter case, it is important to choose high quality essential oils, such as those from doTERRA, which are tested at every step of the production process to ensure that they are pure.
