There are three basic ways to use essential oils: inhalation, topical application, and internal consumption. Read the Safety Guidelines and Tips prior to the use of any essential oil.
Inhalation:
The inhalation of essential oils heightens the senses and can trigger numerous desired responses in the body. You may simply smell the oil or you may breathe it in the air as disbursed by a diffuser. The Young Living diffuser broadcasts the oil as a micro-fine vapor into the air using an air pump; there is no heat to damage the oils reducing their benefits.
Topical Application:
Apply essential oils directly onto the skin where indicated. See the Application Chart for safety and dilution recommendations. Dilution may protect against possible skin sensitivities. Essential oils may be diluted with the Young Living V-6™ Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex or a pure vegetable oil such as olive or almond before applying.
Internal Consumption:
Research indicates that some oils are more effective when taken orally. Only pure essential oils, proven safe and labeled as dietary supplements, should be used internally. Dilution and dosage is dependent on the age, size and health constitution of the individual. Follow the recommended dosage on the individual product labels to ensure safety or seek the advise of a health professional before administering oils internally.
Methods:
Drops of oil may be placed into an empty capsule and swallowed with water.
Add a drop or two to a glass of water or rice milk and drink.
Put a drop or two on a piece of bread, or add to other food.
Considerations and Common Sense:
When applying a new oil, test one drop on a small patch of skin such as the underside of the forearm. Skin sensitivity is highly individual. If the skin feels hot or turns red, apply a dilution oil (as above) to the area. This is more effective than washing with water.
Use only one new oil or oil blend at a time to determine how your body responds. Wait half an hour before applying another new oil.
Pure citrus oils may compound the effects of sun exposure for up to 48 hours.
Cosmetics, personal care products, and cleaners with synthetic ingredients penetrate the dermal layers of the skin. Avoid applying essential oils to these areas, as the oils may take those chemicals deeper into the skin, fatty tissue or the bloodstream.
Limit the diffusion of unfamiliar essential oils to 10 minutes a day, and increase the time diffused after their effects are determined. Consider also the size of the room and potency of the oil used.
See individual bottle label directions or check with a health professional before using essential oils if you have a serious medical condition or if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant. During pregnancy do not use wild tansy, clary sage, sage, fennel, wintergreen, or hyssop.
Consult your health care professional about any serious disease or injury. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe any natural substances for health conditions that require professional attention.
