How to Use Essential Oils for Your Health and Well-being

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Adapted from an article in Grade-A-Notes.
Used by permission.

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There are many ways to use therapeutic-grade essential oils, but the two most popular ways are aromatically (that is: by diffusion into the air) and topically (that is: by the direct application of the oils onto the skin).  Whether topically applied or inhaled, pure essential oils have a powerful therapeutic impact on the human body.  Gary Young points out that the body's response time to inhalation of essential oils can be as quick as one to three seconds.  Of course, even when the oils are applied topically, their fragrance still gets to the nose!

Aromatic use of therapeutic-grade essential oils

When most people think of aromatherapy, their idea is of the diffusion of essential oils into the air of an enclosed space (such as a house or office).  That's because the highly aromatic, sweet-smelling molecules of the essential oils are literally breathed into the human body, at which point they trigger numerous immune-boosting, healing, relaxing or stimulating responses, depending upon the specific oils being inhaled.

But, how do the essential oils cause their effects? 

Deep in the nasal passage, between the eyes and above the sinues, is the olfactory bulb.  There, specialized nerve endings provide direct access to the brain.  Dr. Ronald Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D., a Neurologist and Former instructor at UCLA and the current Executive Director of the Council on Natural Nutrition, states that this is the shortest neural pathway in the body. 

When the tiny, vaporous oil molecules hit these nerves, they stimulate unique receptors that send impulses directly to the olfactory center of the brain, which "is very closely connected with the limbic area of the brain, which is concerned with our most subtle responses, such as emotion, memory, sex-drive and intuition.  The olfactory area of the brain also connects with the hypothalamus, a very important structure, which controls the entire hormonal system by influencing the 'master gland' itself — the 'pituitary'" (Wildwood, 1991).  Thus, it's not hard to understand how an essential oil, sending impulses so directly to the brain, can affect the physical body as well as the emotions.

When oils are diffused in a home or office, they actually purify the air, removing toxins, metallic particles and other harmful microscopic debris.  They also increase the atmospheric oxygen, and boost the levels of beneficial ozone and negative ions, to inhibit dramatically the growth and reproduction of airborne pathogens.  As the aromatic molecules drift to the various surfaces of each room (ceilings, floors, walls, tiling, etc.), the unique properties of certain essential oils will rapidly kill pathogenic bacteria, viruses, molds and fungi with which they come in contact.  And lastly, they can destroy odors from mold, cigarettes, household pets and more.

Methods of diffusing essential oils

Essential oils can be diffused into the air in a number of ways.  During summer months, when you have a fan or air conditioner running, one of the simplest ways to diffuse oils is to put a few drops of your favorite oil onto a Kleenex, a cotton ball or handkerchief, and secure it in or next to the air vent or the fan cage, so that the air blows across it.  The blowing air then circulates the aromatic molecules of the essential oils throughout your house, and you breathe them in and enjoy the fragrances as you go about your normal daily household activities.

The cold-air diffuser

A cold-air diffuser for the aromatic use of therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Perhaps the most popular and effective method of diffusing oils is using a device called a cold-air diffuser, which sprays an ultra-fine mist of the essential oil of your choice into the air.  The millions of misted particles sprayed from a diffuser are so fine they can hang in the air of your house for hours, spreading from room to room via the normal air circulation that occurs as you walk through your house.  A diffuser gives the longest-lasting effects in the air.

Misting the room with oils

Another easy method of diffusing, if only because of its simplicity, is to purchase the kind of spray bottle you would use to mist houseplants.  Fill the mister with water, add 15 or 20 drops of essential oil, shake well, and then walk through your house briefly "misting" each room with the solution as you go.  (This refreshing mist will clear the air and clean it, but will fall out of the air more quickly than the mist created by a diffuser.)

Benefits of diffusing essential oils

Regardless of which method of diffusion you choose, you'll find immediate beneficial effects.  For example, diffusing oils into a room where someone is sick with a cold or flu can cut their downtime by half or more.  According to the experts and personal testimonies, recovery can be accelerated by as much as 70%!  And, regular diffusion of essential oils can practically eliminate your normal change-of-season bouts with colds or flu.

According to Dr. Valnet, "Many essences (e.g., cinnamon, pine, thyme and lemon) have marked effects on influenza, and patients treated with these essences seem to get through the winter without trouble."

Topical application of therapeutic-grade essential oils

As mentioned earlier in this report, the topical application of essential oils — to any part of the body — will result in an almost immediate penetration of the cells of the body.  When applied topically to the bottom of the feet, the oil's aromatic molecules will reach every cell in the body in as little as 21 minutes.  Some people will even taste the oil or smell it on their breath.  Because of this, we recommend that anyone beginning to explore the use of essential oils always start with diluting the oils with a pure vegetable oil.  Why?  Because you'll need to determine your individual sensitivity to the oils, which may vary from person to person.  Diluting the oils slows their penetration, making it easier to guage your response to them.

Essential oils — either singles oils or oil blends — may be applied directly to the area of concern.  But, one of the most effective — and efficient — way to apply the oils is to the bottoms of the feet, working the oils into specific areas associated with other body systems.  One of the best ways to do this is with the Vita-Flex Technique.  This practice is related to the ancient healing practices of India (Ayurvedic massage) and China (acupuncture and acupressure).

Health benefits of aromatherapy

The stories that people tell about their experiences using essential oils are so wide-ranging, it can be surprising or even hard to believe.  But, when you put these stories side-by-side with the research mentioned above, it's not surprising at all.  For example:

• For some people, simply smelling the essential oil of lavender — right out of the bottle — can knock out a stubborn sinus headache within 60 to 90 seconds. 
• Other people swear by a few drops of peppermint across the forehead to do the same. 
• Smelling eucalyptus for just several minutes often helps to open clogged nasal passages and clear up sinus congestion like magic, and 
• A few drops of the essential oil of peppermint on the tummy can completely eliminate acid indigestion and heartburn.

Personal experience demonstrates that the essential oils of peppermint and helichrysum will often completely alleviate shoulder, knee and other joint discomforts when applied directly to the painful area.  Why?  Because both have chemical constituents that are anti-inflammatory and analgesic, in addition to their oxygenating and immune-boosting properties. 

If you suffer from insomnia, rubbing the essential oils of rose, lavender and ylang ylang on the back — up and down the spine — just before bedtime can do wonders.  Their amazing calming and relaxing effects practically guarantee a sound night's sleep.  And again, you also receive the other powerful, health-enhancing properties of these oils.

Furthermore, the essential oils carry their oxygenating molecules and micro-nutrients right into the cells, nourishing and oxygenating the body in an extraordinarily efficient manner unmatched by any other substance on earth.  Of course, anytime your cells get the vital nutrients and oxygen they need, they become more robust, healthy and able to deal with potential problems.