How To Use Essential Oils?
Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways, depending on your needs and preferences. Below are the three most common uses for essential oils, along with explanations of how to incorporate them into your daily routine.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to influence your mood and well-being through the sense of smell. This can be achieved by using a plug in diffuser, aromatherapy diffuser, or reed diffuser to disperse the oil into the air, creating a soothing or energizing atmosphere. Depending on the oil, it can help calm the mind, reduce stress, boost energy, improve focus, or uplift your mood.
To use essential oils in aromatherapy, simply add a few drops to a diffuser filled with water. For a more intense effect, place a drop or two on a tissue or cotton ball and inhale essential oils directly.
Topical Application
Essential oils are often used in skincare and wellness routines when diluted with a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil. This allows them to be safely applied to the skin while offering both aromatic and therapeutic benefits.
Popular areas for topical application include the pulse points, neck, and soles of the feet. Depending on the oil, this method can help relieve headaches, improve skin tone, reduce muscle tension, or enhance relaxation. Proper dilution is important to prevent irritation—consider using roller bottles for easy, safe application.
Bath and Self-Care
Adding essential oils to a warm bath transforms your soak into a relaxing ritual. Oils like lavender, chamomile, or ylang ylang are popular for relaxation and sleep support. They blend easily with bath salts, body oils, or even honey to provide relaxation, skin nourishment, or a refreshing boost.
To use essential oils in a bath, add 5-10 drops to your bath water or mix with a tablespoon of carrier oil or bath salts before adding it to the water. The heat of the bath will help release the oil’s aroma, creating a serene atmosphere and providing therapeutic benefits like reducing stress, relieving muscle tension, and improving skin health.
Inhalation (for Targeted Relief)
Inhalation is one of the fastest ways to experience the effects of essential oils. Add a few drops to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, and breathe deeply. This method is ideal for respiratory support—oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree are especially effective for this use.
You can also use a personal essential oil inhaler or simply open a bottle and breathe in the aroma for on-the-go mood support or focus.
Natural Personal Care
You can incorporate essential oils into your daily hygiene and self-care routines. Add them to unscented lotions, shampoos, conditioners, or facial oils. For example, rosemary essential oil can support healthy hair and scalp when mixed into shampoo, while frankincense adds a luxurious, skin-supportive boost to your facial care.
This is an easy way to make your products feel more luxurious, while also reaping natural benefits.
Home & On-the-Go Use
Essential oils aren’t just for your body—they can freshen your spaces too. Create a natural car air freshener by adding a few drops of citrus essential oil like lemon or grapefruit onto a felt pad or cotton ball and placing it in a vent clip. Or, mix essential oils with water and a splash of alcohol to create your own room spray for the home or office.
These small additions can bring a sense of calm, energy, or clarity to your environment throughout the day.
