How do you use essential oils?  The answer is -

Wear as a perfume or cologne:  apply to the pulse points behind your ears, on your wrists, elbows, etc. 

 Massage into skin:

Arms, legs, torso

The soles of the feet are an excellent place to absorb essential oils, especially the "hotter" ones such as oregano or Thieves.

For extra absorption, make a compress by soaking a towel in very hot water, then wringing it out and laying it over the skin. You can also put a dry towel between the skin and the hot damp towel.

Inhale:   use a diffuser, put on a cloth or tissue, rub on your palms and  cup over your nose, put into hot water, put into a vaporizer or humidifier, put on a cloth over a fan or vent.

  As a dietary supplement:   

  put into a gelatin capsule, in

  water, juice or tea, or in a drop
  of honey or Young Living's    

  Yacon syrup. 

Essential oils are very concentrated; for instance, one drop of peppermint oil is equal to 28 cups of peppermint tea.  Therefore, less is more.

Start out slowly, especially with babies, small children or anyone who is elderly, frail, have a history of ingesting toxins (in food, beverages, personal care items, chemicals or medications).

Inhaling one drop is plenty at first.  Hold the oil at about waist height and let the fragrance "blossom" up toward your nose.

For topical use, be sure to patch test first.  Put a single drop on, cover with a patch and wait to determine your reaction.

Often it is wise to dilute the oils with a carrier oil.

Have a carrier oil on hand in case of a reaction to the essential oil - apply the carrier oil to dilute.

Never try to dilute an essential oil with water, it only drives it in further.

Keep essential oils away from the eyes.  If you tend to rub your eyes, do not put essential oils on the part of the hand you rub your eyes with. The oils should not damage your eyes, but they sure can sting!

Do not drip essential oils in the ear canal (it is safe to dip your finger in an essential oil and then rub your finger around the ear).

If diffusing, start with only 15 minutes per hour.  Only increase these amounts once you have determined that you are receptive to the oils.

Do not add undiluted essential oils directly to bathwater, as the drops may be absorbed by sensitive skin areas.  Oils may be mixed with Epsom salts or a bath gel base as an emulsifier.

Some people should avoid certain oils:

• Pregnant women should consult with a qualified health professional before using essential oils.

• People with epilepsy or other seizure disorders, or those with high blood pressure should consult their health care professional before using essential oils.  Avoid hyssop, fennel, wild tansy, rosemary and peppermint oils.

• Jasmine is good for seizure disorders but should only be inhaled; do not put jasmine on the skin or take it internally.

• Citrus oils can react with the sun, so keep skin that you've put them on covered.