How to Use your Essential Oils

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How do I use my oils is one of the first questions that comes up with new essential oil users.

I’ll admit it can be a little confusing trying to remember what all those little bottles are for and how you use each of them. But really there are only three main things you need to remember . . .

aromatic, topical, & internal

However you use your essential oils, it will fall into one of these three categories: aromatically, topically, or internally.

Now, let’s break each of those categories down.

Using Essential Oils Aromatically

First up, we’re going to talk about using oils aromatically aka smelling them. The sense of smell is an amazing tool that can trigger powerful physiological, mental, and emotional responses. 

You know how you perk up when you smell coffee, your favorite foods, flowers, etc.?

Well, using essential oils aromatically has the same effect. 

For example, when you smell the citrus oils, you get an immediate mood boost  –  like when you smell your morning coffee 😉☕️ 

Or those certain scents that always bring calming, peaceful memories? Oils like Serenity, Peace, Console, Balance, and Lavender can trigger those same calming effects. 

Other oils, like Breathe, can be beneficial for respiratory support.

Diffusing On Guard can help support the immune system and clear the air of any germs floating around.

Ok, so using them aromatically is good, but how exactly do you do that?

1. Open the bottle and smell the oils! Just put the bottle to your nose and breathe it in. It really is that easy to get the aromatic benefits of an essential oil!
2. Use a diffuser (there are lots of different options – find one you like, then just add water and your favorite oils)
3. Put a couple drops on a diffuser necklace to take those aromatic benefits with you on-the-go

Using Essential Oils Topically

Next up is topical use  –  applying the oils to the skin. Essential oils are generally used topically to address certain localized issues, such as, sore muscles, headaches, stomach ache, etc.

Because essential oils are fat-soluble, when they are applied directly to the skin, their chemical compounds are readily absorbed and enter the bloodstream. 

This is one reason why quality of oil is so important. 

Quality oil’s are safe to use NEAT (defined as: apply topically to the skin with no carrier oil; a carrier oil being a different kind of oil used for dilution such as fractionated coconut oil). Using a carrier oil is recommended especially if you have sensitive skin, or are using on babies and elderly people. 

A carrier oil does not reduce the benefits of the essential oil. When you apply a carrier oil BEFORE your essential oils it slows down the absorption process, which slows down the therapeutic onset. Applying a carrier oil AFTER applying your essential oils enhances therapeutic onset. Either way, the carrier oil prevents potential rapid evaporation. 

One location that is most universally accepted as best for NEAT application is the bottoms of the feet because the skin there is way less sensitive than most other areas of the body.

The easiest way to apply topically is by making up a roller bottle blend, or using the touch rollers, but if you don’t have those just mix a drop or two with your favorite carrier oil and apply as needed.

If you use an oil and it feels a bit ‘hot’ or sensitive, apply a carrier oil over it. Never apply water or try to wash it off! that will just drive it in deeper and make it feel worse. A quick slather of fractionated coconut oil, jojoba, avocado, even olive oil, will dilute the essential oil and relieve the discomfort.

And one important reminder . . . don’t put the oils in your eyes, ears or nose! ⚠️

You can apply your essential oils around the eyes, behind the ear or on the ear lobe, and across or around the nose, just don’t drop the oils directly inside.

Using Essential Oils Internally

Last, but definitely not least, internal use.

Now, people may tell you: “you can’t take oils internally! It’s dangerous!” and in a lot of cases that probably true because the oils being used

1. are synthetic, not pure oils
2. or they have fillers

and those oils should not be taken internally!

The only oils I recommend taking internally are doTERRA’s oils because I know they are pure, unadulterated essential oils. No fillers. No synthetics. No impurities.

How do I know that doTERRA’s oils are pure?

Because I know the kind of testing doTERRA’s oils go through and the requirements involved for the growers and distillers. I know I can honestly, safely recommend internal use of these essential oils.

Please don’t take my oil recommendation and use them on other brands of oils! The information on my website pertains to doTERRA’s essential oils ONLY!

If you’d like to know a little more about doTERRA’s sourcing and testing, check out www.sourcetoyou.com

Okay, back to internal use . . . how and why to use essential oils internally.

how and why to use essential oils internally

For the how, it’s really simple.

• add a couple drops to your water (make sure you’re using glass or stainless when adding oils)
• add a drop or two to your favorite recipes (start with a small amount as they are very potent!)
• take in a shot glass with water or other liquids
• put them in a veggie/gel capsule
• a drop under your tongue

So, that’s the how, now for the why.

Essential oils are fat-soluble, so they are readily delivered to all organs of the body, including the brain. They are then metabolized by the liver and other organs. Internal is the most potent method of use. 

Keep in mind that a single drop of essential oil is obtained from a large amount of plant material. One drop of essential oil can contain hundreds of compound constituents and is very potent.

A few things we take oils internally for:

• DigestZen – stomach support
• MetaPWR – balancing blood sugar and weight management
• TriEase/Lemon, Lavender, & Peppermint – allergy relief
• On Guard – immune support (works great as a throat rinse)
• Citrus Oils – detoxing the body

A lot of dōTERRA’s oils can be taken internally, but if you’re not sure about an oil, check the bottle. If the bottle has a ‘supplements fact’ on the label it’s safe for internal use

There you have it – the three ways you can use your essential oils.

Obviously you are going to use your oils for different reasons. Things like stress relief, upset stomach, better sleep, or body scrubs and DIY perfumes, but each of these will fall into the category of aromatic, topical, or internal use.

There is one more kind of ‘sub category’ of using your oils that falls somewhere between the aromatic and topical use category and this would be using your essential oils for cleaning. You can learn more about cleaning with essential oils here.

What is your favorite way of using essential oils?

xo- regina

Disclaimer: The information presented is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for medical care or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult individual product labels for safety information.