Essential oils are concentrated, distilled plant extracts which are aromatic, non-water soluble and extracted from dried or fresh plants such as leaves, seeds, fruit, bark and flowers, according to the Low-Impact Living Initiative. Essential oils are highly fragrant medicinal products that should not be taken internally. With the exception of lavender and tea tree oils, essential oils should not be directly applied to the skin, as stated on the SaltWorks website. Essential oils are commonly used in the practice of aromatherapy to promote physical and mental well being through the use of lotions, bath products, ointments, sprays and massage oils.
Bath
Essential oils are effectively absorbed through the skin and inhaled when a few drops are placed in a bath, according to the University of Minnesota (UMN). It is safe to add five to 10 drops of mild essential oils directly to a bath or it can be mixed with a 1/2 cup to 1 cup of sesame oil or milk before added to the bath, as stated in a 2004 Yogi Times article.
Inhalation
Inhalation by way of defusing, dry evaporation, steam or spray is a common use of essential oils. A 2004 Yogi Times article states that by adding one to five drops of an essential oil to a bowl or pot of hot water and then covering your head with a towel to steam your face opens sinuses, helps with headaches and is an excellent skin treatment.
Compress
Essential oils that are diluted with water or oil and then applied to a dressing are used as a compress for stiff joints, according to UMN. Essential oils need to be diluted before being used as a compress and should not be applied directly to the skin.
Massage
Essential oils are commonly used in massage by adding to a natural oil carrier like vegetable oil and then gently massaged into the skin. The concentration of essential oils should not exceed 1 percent for adults, 0.5 percent for toddlers and 0.25 percent for infants.
Gargle
Essential oils can be used as a gargling ingredient when a few drops are added to water, mixed, gargled and then spit out. For throat discomfort one drop of tea tree oil added to one glass of water and used as a gargle helps with sore throat pain, according to UMN.
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