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You Are Here: Home > Essential Oils > Articles > Using Essential Oils for Humans


Using Essential Oils For
Humans


In This Article:
  • General Precautions
  • Reactions, Allergies
  • Methods of Application
  • Oils Safe for Ingestion (GRAS)
  • Recommended Reading
  • Testimonials and Practical Uses
  • What is in your oils?


    Essential oils enter the bloodstream and eliminate harmful toxins within the body. They enhance the flow of oxygen and carry nutrients to the tissues to help promote healthy blood circulation. Essential oils also strengthen the immune system to help keep your children healthy.

    Here is a guide for the general use of essential oils...




    General Precautions

    When using essential oils (especially first time users) always have a bottle of Pure Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil handy to dilute if noticing undesirable (burning) results. Some individuals have more sensitive skin, and essential oils from Young Living are purchased undiluted and uncut, so their effect can be very powerful. Application to the bottoms of your feet are the safest and most effective area of application.

    Never use water to dilute essential oils. To cut an oil, use a fatty substance such as a carrier oil, milk, creams, etc. Use milk for eyes. Water does not dilute oil, rather, it increases the oil's effect.

    Citrus oils are photosensitive and will burn the skin often leaving a dark area on the skin. Do not use for up to 2 days before sun exposure. Literally, put it where the sund doesn't shine.

    Avoid getting essential oils in your eyes. If eye contact occurs, do not flush with water... water intensifies the oil. Instead, use pure olive oil.

    Use only gentle oils on babies and children and dilute the oils in a carrier oil. Their skin can be more sensitive than an adult. Examples of gentle oils that are particularly useful for children are: Frankincense, Myrrh, Lavender, Helichrysum, and Roman Chamomile.


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  • Avoid the following essential oils if you are pregnant: wintergreen/birch, lavindin, cumin, basil, tarragon, sage, rosemary, hyssop, savory, cinnamon bark. Use with caution if pregnant: peppermint, rose, vetiver, yarrow, spearmint, nutmeg, fennel, and clary sage.

    If you have high blood pressure, avoid: peppermint, sage, thyme and hyssop. If you are epileptic, avoid: rosemary, tarragon, hyssop, wintergreen, sage, nutmeg, lavindin, fennel, and basil.

    Another caution is the dreaded detox reaction (a rash or burning) when oils are used on areas of the body that have previously been exposed to toxic chemicals. The underarms are a great example, as common deodorants and anti-persperants contain toxic chemicals. When oils are applied to these areas of the body, the oils tend to carry the toxins to the surface of the skin (to expel them), of which irritates the skin. Toxic bug sprays and chemical cleaners that your body has been exposed to are additional culprits.




    Reactions, Allergies

    People with allergies should test a small amount of oil on a small area of sensitive skin, such as the inside of the arm, before applying the oil on other areas. The bottom of the feet is one of the safest, most effective places to use essential oils.

    If your skin has been exposed to chemicals such as propylene glycol, sodium laurel sulfate, DEA, etc. you may have a skin reaction to therapeutic oil as the oils release the acidity and toxins that were stored within the skin cells. Reduce the oil used (or dilute it with a carrier oil) and cleanse the body of stored toxins before resuming full strength.




    Methods of Application

    German Method: Inhalation Only. This has actually proven best for growth hormone secretion, mood balancing, and weight control.

    English Method: Topical. Based on the Cosmetics/Perfume Industry Standards, always dilute and use topically in massage.

    French Method: Internal. Undiluted oils (called NEAT in the Industry). Often add a few drops to honey and ingest.




    Actual Applications

    Essential Oil Diffuser

    The Diffuser from Young Living is a special air pump custom designed to disperse the oils in a microfiber vapor. This allows the oils to remain suspended to reduce bacteria, fungi and mold. It also freshens the air with natural fragrances, thus eliminating the need for synthetic, harmful air freshners.

    Keep them in your kitchen, study, bathroom, bedroom, office, workshop, glove compartment, garage, pocket, purse, etc. You will always be glad when they are just within reach.

    Essential Oil Diffusers for Aromatherapy


    The diffuser disperses the oils without heat, which could render the essential oils less effective. This low noise, adjustable diffuser with an on/off switch installed into the cord will become the best investment for your home. Several colors are available to match your home decor...

    ~ Purify the air ~ Create a romatic mood ~ Revitalize or calm the mind and body ~



    Massage with Essential Oils Massage

    By adding essential oils to your massage oil (We recommend V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil) base you recieve the best of an aromatherapy treatment. The skin is touched, circulation is increased, and the essential oils are absorbed and inhaled.

    Massaging with essential oils balances energy, is deeply relaxing and soothing, assists in stress reduction and spiritual centering, and may help relieve chronic back tension. For massage applications, virtually all essential oils can be used, although, citrus oils are not recommended to be applied to skin that will be exposed to the sun within 24 hours.


    Perfume

    Essential oils are the perfect alternative to synthetic fragrances without all the harsh chemicals that are usually tested on animals. Essential oils are pure and natural and by using a carrier oil you may apply directly to the skin and reap the therapeutic benefits along with the fragrance.


    Bath

    One of the most delightful ways of experiencing an aromatherapy treatment is in the bath! I like adding 5-10 drops to the water just before getting in. Also, mix with Bath Gel Base as a dispersing agent. Relax while inhaling and absorbing the aromatic essential oils.


    Aromatherapy Inhalation (Aromatherapy)

    Just carry your precious oil with you EVERYWHERE, open-up and whiff. Aromatherapy can help to rebalance the emotions, according to several studies. Use oils in this manner to help with stress, tension, worries, and more!


    Topical

    Essential oils are very beneficial for the skin as they are easily penetrated into the skin tissue helping and encouraging healthy cell developement. Add essential oils to a natural cleanser or moisturizer to promote a healthy complexion. Or, view our Personal Care page for information about essential oil products for your body (shampoo, conditioner, lotions, soaps, etc.)


    Actual Applications:

  • Cold diffusion (using a diffuser), do not use heat or you'll kill the enzymes. Kills bacteria, mold, fungus and many viruses in the air, freshens indoor areas.
  • Topical. In massage, use cold packs to increase oil intensity if there are neurological problems. Depending on the oils used, massage can be greatly enhanced by oils. Highly efficient for the skin, cleansing cuts and wounds, soothing mosquito bites, easing pains.
  • Acupuncture, or acupressure.
  • Bath, in Epsom salts or milk. Use Lavender before bedtime to help you sleep restfully.
  • Vaginal or rectal implant (candida, etc.)
  • Laundry. Eucalyptus kills dust mites. Thieves kills 99.98% of bacteria, mold and viruses.
  • Many essential oils make excellent food flavorings. Only a drop or two of essential oil may be equivalent to a full bottle of dried herbs. Dip a toothpick into the oil and drag through the meal just prior to serving. Do not add to a meal while cooking or the heat will kill the enzymes in the oil. Some oils popular for cooking: oregano, nutmeg, thyme, lemon, orange, grapefruit, basil, fennel, cumin, cinnamon bark, etc.
  • Insect Repellent. Citronella, lavender, purification, cypress, Idaho tansy.
  • European scientists have found that essential oils work as natural chelators, bonding to metallics and chemicals and carrying them out of the body. Adding one drop of lavender, lemon, orange, grapefruit, or peppermint to your water, drinks and smoothies assists this process.




    Oils Safe for Ingestion (GRAS)


    This is the GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) and FA (Food Additive) list of essential oils from the FDA.


    Angelica
    Basil
    Bergamot
    Chamomile, Roman
    Chamomile, German
    Cinnamon Bark
    Citrus rind
    Clary Sage
    Clove
    Coriander
    Dill
    Eucalyptus glob.
    Frankincense
    Galbanum
    Geranium
    Ginger

    Grapefruit
    Hyssop
    Juniper
    Jasmine
    Laurus nobilis
    Lavender
    Lemon
    Lemongrass
    Lime
    Melissa
    Marjoram
    Myrrh
    Myrtle
    Nutmeg
    Orange
    Oregano
    Patchouly

    Pepper
    Peppermint
    Petitgrain
    Pine
    Rosemary
    Rose
    Savory
    Sage
    Sandalwood
    Spearmint
    Spruce
    Tarragon
    Tangerine
    Thyme
    Valerian
    Vetiver
    Ylang Ylang





    Recommended Reading



    (Click on the images for more information about each book)

    Additional References can be found on our Essential Oil References page.





    Testimonials and Practical Uses




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    The information on this site is not meant to diagnose or prescribe for you. This information is not intended to be used as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Cheryl McNamee-Sutor is a certified mentor hoof groom, wholistic bare hoof specialist, horse trainer, reiki practitioner, and an educator and distributor of therapeutic-grade essential oils; NOT a licensed doctor or veterinarian. If you are sick, injured or otherwise unhealthy, please consult with a licensed doctor.
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