Guidelines are important to follow when using essential oils, especially if you are unfamiliar with the oils and their benefits. Many guidelines are listed below and are elaborated on throughout the chapter. However, no list of do’s and don’ts can ever replace common sense. It is foolish to dive headlong into a pond when you do not know the depth of the water. The same is true when using essential oils. Start gradually and patiently find what works best for you and your family members.
Storage
1. Always keep a bottle of a pure vegetable oil (e.g., V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex, olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, or more fragrant massage oils such as Sensation, Relaxation, Ortho Ease, or Ortho Sport) handy when using essential oils. Vegetable oils will dilute essential oils if the essential oils cause discomfort or skin irritation.
2. Keep bottles of essential oils tightly closed and store them in a cool location away from light. If stored properly, essential oils will maintain their potency for many years.
3. Keep essential oils out of reach of children. Treat the oils as you would any product for therapeutic use. Children love the oils and will often go through an entire bottle in a very short time. They want to give massages and do the same things they see you do.
Usage
4. Essential oils rich in menthol (such as Peppermint) should not be used on the throat or neck area of children under 18 months of age.
5. Angelica, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange, Tangerine, and other citrus oils are photosensitive and may cause a rash or dark pigmentation on skin exposed to direct sunlight or UV rays within 1–2 days after application.
6. Keep essential oils away from the eye area and never put them directly into ears. Do not handle contact lenses or rub eyes with essential oils on your fingers. Even in minute amounts, many essential oils may damage contacts and will irritate eyes.
7. Pregnant women should consult a healthcare professional when starting any type of health program. Oils are safe to use, but one needs to use common sense. Follow the directions and dilute with V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex until you become familiar with the oils you are using.
Many pregnant women have said that they feel a very positive response from the unborn child when the oils are applied on the skin, but that is each woman’s individual experience.
8. Epileptics and those with high blood pressure should consult their healthcare professional before using essential oils. Use extra caution with high ketone oils such as Basil, Rosemary, Sage, and Tansy oils.
9. People with allergies should test a small amount of oil on an area of sensitive skin, such as the inside of the upper arm, for 30 minutes before applying the oil on other areas of the body.
10. The bottoms of feet are safe locations to apply essential oils topically.
11. Direct inhalation of essential oils can be a deep and intensive application method, particularly for respiratory congestion and illness. However, this method should not be used more than 10–15 times throughout the day without consulting a health professional. Also, inhalation of essential oils is NOT recommended for those with asthmatic conditions.
12. Before taking GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) essential oils internally, test your reactions by diluting 1 drop of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of an oil-soluble liquid like Blue Agave, Yacon Syrup, olive oil, coconut oil, or rice milk. If you intend to consume more than a few drops of diluted essential oil per day, we recommend first consulting a health professional.
13. Be aware that reactions to essential oils, both topically and orally, can be delayed as long as 2–3 days.
14. Add 1–3 drops of undiluted essential oils directly to bath water. If more essential oil is desired, mix the oil first into bath salts or a bath gel base before adding to the bath water. Generally, never use more than 10 drops of essential oils in one bath. When essential oils are put directly into bath water without a dispersing agent, they can cause serious discomfort on sensitive skin because the essential oils tend to float, undiluted, on top of the water.
Chemical Sensitivities and Allergies
Occasionally, individuals beginning to use quality essential oils will suffer rashes or allergic reactions. This may be due to using an undiluted spice, conifer, or citrus oil; or it may be caused by an interaction of the oil with residues of synthetic, petroleum-based, personal-care products that have leached into the skin.
When using essential oils on a daily basis, it is imperative to avoid personal-care products containing ammonium or hydrocarbon-based chemicals. These include quaternary compounds such as quaternariums and polyquaternariums. These chemicals can be fatal if ingested, especially benzalkonium chloride, which, unfortunately, is used in many personal-care products on the market.
Other chemicals such as aluminum compounds, FD&C colors, formaldehyde, all parabens, talc, thimerosal, mercury, and titanium dioxide, just to name a few, are all toxic to the body and should be avoided. These compounds are commonly found in a variety of hand creams, mouthwashes, shampoos, antiperspirants, after-shave lotions, and hair-care products.
Other compounds that present concerns are sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol—extremely common in everything from toothpaste to shampoo—and aluminum salts found in many deodorants.
Of particular concern are the potentially hazardous preservatives and synthetic fragrances that abound in virtually all modern personal-care products. Some of these include methylene chloride, methyl isobutyl ketone, and methyl ethyl ketone. These are not only toxic, but they can also react with some compounds in natural essential oils. The result can be a severe case of dermatitis or even septicemia (blood poisoning).
A classic case of a synthetic fragrance causing widespread damage occurred in the 1970s. AETT (acetyl ethyl tetramethyl tetralin) appeared in numerous brands of personal-care products throughout the United States. Even after a series of animal studies revealed that it caused significant brain and spinal cord damage, the FDA refused to ban the chemical. Finally, the cosmetic industry voluntarily withdrew AETT after allowing it to be distributed for years.
How many other toxins masquerading as preservatives or fragrances are currently being used in personal-care products?
Many chemicals are easily absorbed through the skin due to its permeability. One study found that 13 percent of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and 49 percent of DDT (a carcinogenic pesticide) can be absorbed into the skin upon topical contact.¹
Once absorbed, many chemicals can become trapped in the fatty subdermal layers of skin, where they can leach into the bloodstream. They can remain trapped for several months or years until a topical substance like an essential oil starts to move them from their resting place and cause them to come out of the skin in an uncomfortable way. Besides skin irritation, you could experience nausea, headaches, and other slight temporary effects during this detoxifying process. Even in small concentrations, these chemicals and synthetic compounds are toxic and can compromise one’s health.
It is all about what chemicals were used, how much, how long, and perhaps the level of toxicity in your body.
Essential oils have been known to digest toxic substances, and so when they come in contact with chemical residue on the skin, the oils start to work against them.
The user may mistakenly assume that the threat of an interaction between oils and synthetic cosmetics used months before is small. However, a case of dermatitis is always a possibility.
Essential oils do not cause skin problems, rashes, or eruptions on the skin; but they may, only indirectly, as they go after the chemicals. Do not make the mistake of blaming the essential oils. Just be glad this chemical residue is coming out of your body.
You can always reduce the amount of oil you are using or stop the use of any oil for a couple of days and then start again slowly. You can also use V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex, other vegetable or massage oils, or natural creams to dilute the oils.
ENDNOTES:
1. Bronaugh RL, et al. Extent of cutaneous metabolism during percutaneous absorption of xenobiotics. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 1989 Jul;99(3):534-43.
Before You Start
Always skin test an essential oil before using it. Each person’s body is different, so apply oils to a small area first. Apply one oil or blend at a time. When layering oils that are new to you, allow enough time (3-5 minutes) for the body to respond before applying a second oil.
Use a small amount when applying essential oils to skin that may carry residue from cosmetics, personal-care products, soaps, and cleansers containing synthetic chemicals. Some of them—especially petroleum-based chemicals—can penetrate and remain in the skin and fatty tissues for days or even weeks after use.
Essential oils may work against such chemicals and toxins built up in the body from chemicals in food, water, and work environment. If you have this kind of an experience using essential oils, it may be wise to reduce or stop using them for a few days and start an internal cleansing program before resuming regular use of essential oils. In addition, double your water intake and keep flushing those toxins out of your body.
You may also want to try the following alternatives to a detoxification program to determine the cause of the problem:
• Dilute 1–3 drops of essential oil in 1/2 teaspoon of V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex, massage oil, or any pure vegetable oil such as almond, coconut, or olive. More dilution may be needed.
• Reduce the number of oils used at any time.
• Use single oils or oil blends one at a time.
• Reduce the amount of oil used.
• Reduce the frequency of application.
• Drink more purified or distilled water.
• Ask your healthcare professional to monitor detoxification.
• Test the diluted essential oil on a small patch of skin for 30 minutes. If any redness or irritation results, dilute the area immediately with a pure vegetable or massage oil and then cleanse with soap and water.
• If skin irritation or other uncomfortable side effects persist, discontinue using the oil on that location and apply the oils on the bottoms of the feet.
You may also want to avoid using products that contain the following ingredients to eliminate potential problems:
• Cosmetics, deodorants, and skin-care products containing aluminum, petrochemicals, or other synthetic ingredients
• Perms, hair colors or dyes, hair sprays, or gels containing synthetic chemicals; shampoos, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and soaps containing synthetic chemicals such as sodium laurel sulfate, propylene glycol, or lead acetate
• Garden sprays, paints, detergents, and cleansers containing toxic chemicals and solvents
You can use many essential oils anywhere on the body except on the eyes and in the ears. Other oils may irritate certain sensitive tissues. See recommended dilution rates in the chapters for singles and blends.
Keep “hot” oils such as Oregano, Cinnamon, Thyme, Eucalyptus, Mountain Savory, Lemon, and Orange essential oils or blends such as Thieves, PanAway, Relieve It, and Exodus II out of reach of children. These types of oils should always be diluted for both children and adults.
Children need to be taught how to use the oils so that they understand the safety issue. If a child or infant swallows an essential oil, do the following:
• Seek immediate emergency medical attention, if necessary.
• Give the child milk, cream, yogurt, or another safe, oil-soluble liquid to drink.
NOTE: If your body pH is low, your body will be acidic; therefore, you could also have less of a response or perhaps a minimal negative reaction to the oils.
Topical Application
Many oils are safe to apply directly to the skin. Lavender is safe to use on children without dilution. However, you must be sure the essential oil you are using is not lavandin labeled as lavender or genetically altered lavender. When applying most other essential oils on children, dilute the oils with carrier oil. For dilution, add 15–30 drops of essential oil to 1 oz. of quality carrier oil, as mentioned previously.
Carrier oils such as V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex extend essential oils and provide more efficient use. When massaging, the vegetable oil helps lubricate the skin.
When starting an essential oil application, depending on which oil you use, you may want to test for skin sensitivity by applying the oil first to the bottoms of the feet. See the Vita Flex foot charts to identify areas of best application. Start by applying 3–6 drops of a single oil or blend, spreading it over the bottom of each foot.
When applying essential oils to yourself, use 1–2 drops of oil on 2–3 locations 2 times a day. Increase to 4 times a day if needed. Apply the oil and allow it to absorb for 2–3 minutes before applying another oil or before getting dressed to avoid staining clothing.
As a general rule, when applying oils to yourself or another person for the first time, do not apply more than two single oils or blends at one time.
When mixing essential oil blends or diluting essential oils in a carrier oil, it is best to use containers made of glass or earthenware, rather than plastic. Plastic particles can leach into the oil and then into the skin once it is applied.
Before applying oils, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Massage
Start by applying 2 drops of a single oil or blend on the skin and massaging it in. If you are working on a large area, such as the back, mix 1–3 drops of the selected essential oil into 1 teaspoon of pure carrier oil such as V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex, a massage oil, or any other oil of your choice such as jojoba, almond, coconut, olive, and/or grape seed.
Keep in mind that many massage oils such as olive, almond, jojoba, or wheat germ oil may stain some fabrics.
Acupuncture
Licensed acupuncturists can dramatically increase the effectiveness of acupuncture by using essential oils.
To start, place several drops of essential oil into the palm of your hand and dip the acupuncture needle tip into the oil before inserting it into the person. You can premix several oils in your hand if you wish to use more than one oil.
Acupressure
When performing an acupressure treatment, apply 1–3 drops of essential oil to the acupressure point with your finger. Using an auricular probe with a slender point to dispense oil may enhance the application.
Start by pressing firmly and then releasing. Avoid applying pressure to any particular pressure point too long. You may continue along the acupressure points and meridians or use the reflexology or Vita Flex points as well. Once you have completed small point stimulations, massage the general area with the essential oil.
Warm Compress
For deeper penetration, use a warm compress after applying essential oils. Completely soak the cloth or towel by placing it in comfortably hot water. By the time you wring out the cloth and shake it, it will be a nice, warm temperature to be placed on the location. Then cover the cloth loosely with a dry towel or blanket to seal in the heat. Leave the cloth on for 15-30 minutes. Remove the cloth immediately if there is any discomfort.
Cold Packs
Apply essential oils on the location, followed by cold water or ice packs when treating inflamed or swollen tissues. Frozen packages of peas or corn make excellent ice packs that will mold to the contours of the body part and will not leak. Keep the cold pack on until the swelling diminishes.
For neurological problems, always use cold packs, never hot ones.
Layering
This technique consists of applying multiple oils one at a time. For example, rub Marjoram over a sore muscle, massage it into the tissue gently until the area is dry, and then apply a second oil such as Peppermint until the oil is absorbed and the skin is dry. Then layer on the third oil, such as Basil, and continue massaging.
Making a Compress
• Rub 1–3 drops on the location, diluted or neat, depending on the oil used and the skin sensitivity at that location.
• Cover the location with a hot, damp towel.
• Cover the moist towel with a dry towel for 10–30 minutes, depending on individual need.
As the oil penetrates the skin, you may experience a warming or even a burning sensation, especially in areas where the greatest benefits occur. If burning becomes uncomfortable, apply V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex, a massage oil, or any pure vegetable oil such as olive, coconut, or almond to the location.
A second type of application is very mild and is suitable for children or those with sensitive skin.
• Place 5-15 drops of essential oil into a basin filled with warm water.
• Water temperature should be approximately 100º F (38º C), unless the patient suffers neurological conditions; in that case, use cool water.
• Vigorously agitate the water and let it stand for 1 minute.
• Place a dry face cloth on top of the water to soak up oils that have floated to the surface.
• Wring out the water and apply the cloth on the location. To seal in the warmth, cover the location with a thick towel for 15–30 minutes.
Bath
Adding essential oils to bath water is challenging because oil does not mix with water. For even dispersion, mix 5–10 drops of essential oil in 1/4 cup of Epsom salts or bath gel base and then put the cup under a running faucet and gradually add water. This method will help the oils disperse in the bath evenly and prevent stronger oils from stinging sensitive areas.
You can also use premixed bath gels and shampoos containing essential oils as a liquid soap in the shower or bath. Lather down with the bath gel, let it soak in, and then rinse. To maximize benefits, leave the soap or shampoo on the skin or scalp for several minutes to allow the essential oils to penetrate.
You can create your own aromatic bath gels by placing 5–15 drops of essential oil in 1/2 oz. of an unscented bath gel base and then add to the bath water as described above.
Shower
Essential oils can be added to Epsom salts and used in the shower. There are special shower heads containing an attached receptacle that can be filled with the essential oil/salts mixture. This allows essential oils to not only make contact with the skin but also diffuses the fragrance of the oils into the air. The shower head receptacle can hold approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup of bath salts.
Start by adding 5–10 drops of essential oil to 1/4 cup of bath salt. Fill the shower head receptacle with the oil/salt mixture. Make sure neither oils nor salts come in contact with the plastic seal on top of the receptacle. This should provide enough salt material for about 2–3 showers. Some shower heads have a bypass feature that allows the user to switch from aromatic salt water to regular tap water.
How to Enhance the Benefits of Topical Application
The longer essential oils stay in contact with the skin, the more likely they are to be absorbed. The A·R·T Night Reconstructor or A·R·T Day Activator lotions, Sandalwood Moisture Cream, or Boswellia Wrinkle Cream may be layered on top of the essential oils to reduce evaporation of the oils and enhance penetration. This may also help seal and protect cuts and wounds.
Do not use ointments on burns until they are at least three days old; however, LavaDerm Cooling Mist spray may be used immediately to provide comforting relief for minor burns, abrasions, dryness, and other skin irritations.
Diffusing
Diffused oils alter the structure of molecules that create odors, rather than just masking them. They also increase oxygen availability, produce negative ions, and release natural ozone. Many essential oils such as Lemongrass, Orange, Grapefruit, Melaleuca Alternifolia—Tea Tree, Eucalyptus Globulus, Lavender, Frankincense, and Lemon, along with essential oil blends (Purification, Melrose, and Thieves), are extremely effective for eliminating and destroying airborne germs and bacteria.
A cold-air diffuser is designed to atomize a microfine mist of essential oils into the air, where they can remain suspended for several hours. Unlike aroma lamps or candles, a diffuser disperses essential oils without heating or burning, which can render the oil therapeutically less beneficial and even create toxic compounds. Research shows that cold-air diffusing certain oils may:
• Reduce bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors
• Relax the body, relieve tension, and clear the mind
• Help with weight management
• Improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity
• Stimulate neurotransmitters
• Stimulate secretion of endorphins
• Stimulate growth hormone production and receptivity
• Improve the secretion of IgA antibodies that fight candida
• Improve digestive function
• Improve hormonal balance
• Relieve headaches
Guidelines for Diffusing • Check the viscosity or thickness of the oil you want to diffuse. If the oil has too much natural wax and is too thick, it could plug the diffuser and make cleaning difficult. • Start by diffusing oils for 15–30 minutes a day. As you become accustomed to the oils and recognize their effects, you may increase the diffusing time to 1–2 hours per day. • By connecting your diffuser to a timer, you can gain better control over the length and duration of diffusing. For some respiratory conditions, you may diffuse the oils the entire night. • Do not use more than one blend at a time in a diffuser, as this may alter the smell and the therapeutic benefit. However, a single oil may be added to a blend when diffusing. • Place the diffuser high in the room so that the oil mist falls through the air and removes the odor-causing substances. • If you want to wash the diffuser before using a different oil blend, use Thieves Household Cleaner with warm water or any natural soap and warm water. • If you do not have a diffuser, you can add several drops of essential oil to a spray bottle with 1 cup purified water and shake. You can use this to mist your entire house, workplace, or car. Air Freshener Oil Recipe: • 20 drops Lavender • 10 drops Lemon • 6 drops Bergamot • 5 drops Lime • 5 drops Grapefruit Diffuse neat or mix with 1 cup of distilled water in a spray bottle; shake well before spraying. Other Ways to Diffuse Oils • Add your favorite essential oils to cedar chips to make your own potpourri. • Put scented cedar chips in your closets or drawers to deodorize them. • Sprinkle a few drops of conifer essential oils such as Spruce, Fir (all varieties), Cedar, or Pine onto logs in the fireplace. As the logs burn, they will disperse an evergreen smell. This method has no therapeutic benefit, however. • Put essential oils on cotton balls or tissues and place them in your car, home, work, or hotel heating or air conditioning vents. • Put a few drops of oil in a bowl or pan of water and set it on a warm stove. • On a damp cloth, sprinkle a few drops of one of your purifying essential oils and place the cloth near an intake duct of your heating and cooling system so that the air can carry the aroma throughout your home. Humidifier and Vaporizer Essential oils make ideal additions to humidifiers or vaporizers. Always check the viscosity of the oil, because if it is too thick, it could plug the humidifier or make it difficult to clean. The following singles and blends are great to diffuse. Singles: Idaho Balsam Fir, Frankincense, Sacred Frankincense, Peppermint, Lemon, Eucalyptus Radiata, Melaleuca Alternifolia, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, and many others of your choice Blends: Purification, Thieves, Raven, Melrose, Joy, RutaVaLa, The Gift, White Angelica, Sacred Mountain, and many others of your choice NOTE: Test the oil before diffusing it in the vaporizer or humidifier; some essential oils may damage the plastic parts of vaporizers. Other Uses Direct Inhalation • Place 2 or more drops into the palm of your left hand and rub clockwise with the flat palm of your right hand. Cup your hands together over your nose and mouth and inhale deeply. (Do not touch your eyes!) • Add several drops of an essential oil to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water. Inhale the steaming vapors that rise from the bowl. To increase the intensity of the oil vapors inhaled, drape a towel over your head and the bowl before inhaling. • Apply oils to a cotton ball or tissue (do not use synthetic fibers or fabric) and place it in the air vent of your car. • Inhale directly. Indirect or Subtle Inhalation (Wearing as a perfume or cologne) • Rub 2 or more drops of oil on your chest, neck, upper sternum, wrists, or under your nose and ears, and enjoy the fragrance throughout the day. • There are many necklaces with different types of vessels hanging on them into which you can pour a particular oil to use throughout the day. • There are clay-type medallions to hang around your neck or fasten with a clip on your clothing onto which you can put a few oil drops to give off a gentle fragrance the entire day. Vaginal Retention For systemic health problems such as Candida or Vaginitis, vaginal retention is one of the best ways for the body to absorb essential oils. • Mix 20–30 drops of essential oil in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. • Apply this mixture to a tampon (for internal infection) or sanitary pad (for external lesions). Insert the tampon and retain for 8 hours or overnight. Use tampons or sanitary pads made with organic cotton. Rectal Retention A retention enema is the most efficient way to deliver essential oils to the urinary tract and reproductive organs. Always use a sterile syringe. • Mix 15–20 drops of essential oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil. • Place the mixture in a small syringe and inject into the rectum. • Retain the mixture through the night (or longer for best results). • Clean and disinfect the applicator after each use. Caution CAUTION: Essential oils may sting if applied in or around the eyes. Some oils may be painful on mucous membranes unless diluted properly. Immediate dilution is strongly recommended if skin becomes painfully irritated or if oil accidentally gets into eyes. Flushing the area with a vegetable oil should minimize discomfort almost immediately. DO NOT flush with water! Essential oils are oil-soluble, not water-soluble. Water will only spread the oils over a larger surface, possibly worsening the problem. Use V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex, coconut oil, olive oil, or other vegetable oil to flush the essential oils. Keep eyes closed, be patient, and the sting will quickly dissipate. Information provided by Life Science Publishing App