Applying Essential Oils Topically

Essential oils can be diffused, inhaled, applied topically and oils certified by the FDA as food additives can be ingested.  One of the easiest ways to get started with essential oils is to simply add a drop or two to your bath water to gently fragrance your skin.

Essential oils are highly concentrated, therefore requiring only a drop or two to be effective.  This makes them very economical and portable to use.  An oil that is therapeutic grade can often be applied NEAT, which is undiluted, without irritation to the skin.  If you use an oil that is not therapeutic grade and it irritates your skin, it is most likely the chemicals or fillers that are causing a reaction.   Some oils like clove, cinnamon, cassia, lemongrass and thyme should always be diluted before using.  Consult your Young Living User’s Guide, Essential Oils Desk Reference or other aromatherapy source for guidelines on diluting specific oils.  If you suspect skin sensitivity, do a test on the inside of your arm an hour before applying.  Skin on the face and neck are more sensitive than the palms of the hands or bottoms of the feet.

Essential oils can be applied to the soles of the feet to Vita-Flex points.  The bottom of the foot has points corresponding to many parts of the body.  You can apply oils to specific points on the foot to target those areas.  Applying oils to the feet is useful for persons with asthma and young children as inhaling essential oils could be irritating to their respiratory tract.  Make sure feet are clean before applying oils as the oils will draw in any dirt with the essential oil.  Applying essential oils to the feet is not only an effective method for administering essential oils, it is very soothing and calming.

Essential oils can also be applied directly to point of injury or need.  Essential oils should NOT be dropped into the ear canal, nose orifice, or into the eyes.  Use caution when applying a strong oil like Peppermint to the sinus area or temples, it causes a sensation similar to cutting raw onions and may be a little uncomfortable, but will pass in a few minutes.  PanAway, for example can be applied directly to a bump, bruise or sore knee.  The essential oils go directly to the point of injury and can start reducing inflammation.

Essential oils can be administered in the Raindrop Technique, applying oils along the spinal column.  There is research showing viruses migrate to the spinal column, and when therapeutic grade essential oils are applied to the spine it can attack those bacteria and viruses where they may be harboring.  Young Living has a Raindrop Kit with some powerful oils for detoxifying your body, but the technique can be used with any oils.  We use the Raindrop Kit oils for back injury, first sign of flu and for times the immune system needs an extra boost.  The Raindrop technique can be applied to the feet along the spinal Vita-Flex points effectively as well.

The topical application of therapeutic grade essential oils is not meant to be a substitute for serious medical treatment.  Consult with your doctor or holistic practitioner if you have medical concern.