How do I know the best application for an oil?

This is a question often asked, and my response to this is:

“What do you want the oil to do?”

Firstly what are the potential applications for an oil?

• Topical
• Diffused
• Direct Inhalation
• Ingested – Since not all essential oils have been approved as supplements everywhere, so we may choose to skip that thought unless the oils is IN an approved supplement

Let’s look at topical application, diffusing, and direct inhalation . . .

LAYERING OF ESSENTIAL OILS AND WHY

To LAYER essential oils topically there is no real knowledge necessary other than applying 1-2 drops, waiting a minute and then applying another. Since the oils absorb rapidly into the body, we can apply several one by one.

Does it matter what order you use? NO

As each oil is applied, the body selects the exact molecules it wants from that oil to promote greater balance. Then as we apply the next oil, the body selects the particular molecules from the second oil and this continues with each additional oil. It is very important to drink lots of WATER as the molecules that are not needed by the body can be flushed from the body through the urine, the faeces, the saliva and the sweat. If we do not drink enough water, the toxins may choose to exit by the fastest route – the skin. This can cause unpleasant irritations.

When we apply one oil at a time (layering), each oil has its chance to present its full array of molecules to the body.

Why not just combine all the oils together and apply at one time?

When we combine them before they reach the body, the oils chemically interact with each other and create a new substance. One of three things can occur when you randomly create your own blends:

• Something more powerful that each single oil can be created
• Some of the molecules can be neutralized, creating a blend that smells good but has no therapeutic value
• The molecules can interact in such a way as to create something potentially toxic. The quality of the blend can depend upon the specific oils selected, the exact ratio of each of the oils, the order in which the oils are combined, and many other factors – and no one is there in your home to test the result. Does this mean you do not use blends?

Of course you can, but when looking to use blends make sure you know something about the company and the pureness of the essential oils from you are buying. OFTEN blends are not therapeutic grade blends However, blends that Young Living produces because every batch of oils and blends made is tested extensively for the actual molecules that are present. (You can also be certain that if Young Living goes to the trouble of producing the blend and testing every batch, it contains powerful molecules that may be capable of supporting each of us in our quest to maintain our wellness and vitality!)   I am most comfortable in using their essential oils to make my own blends and use their blends knowing they are world leaders in their field.

So, now that we have talked about layering and combining oils to create our own blends . . . HOW do we know WHERE to apply them? — I personally always ask myself, “What do I want the oils to do?” — For instance, if I have a sore toe, it seems appropriate to me to apply the oils on my sore toe. That way they have less distance to travel to get to where I would like for them to be. However, the reality is that they will travel throughout the entire body quite rapidly – within a minute or two – so wherever you apply it, it will get to the place that it needs to be – and your body will know exactly what to do with the beautiful molecules that it receives.

I personally just feel better putting the oils close to the place that hurts) NOTE: If an oil is likely to cause skin sensitivity, the BOTTOMS OF THE FEET are the best places to apply them because there is little chance of skin sensitivity on the bottoms of the feet.

Is there any reason why we can’t use the same essential oil more than one way if it seems appropriate?   I believe that applying an essential oil more than one way may magnify the effects as we are using more than one pathway for the oils to travel throughout the body.

Diffusing oils can clean out many irritating particles in the air that you and your family are breathing – and diffusing is so very gentle that it can be used around pets as well as young children. It also freshens the air without chemical toxins.

I love diffusing oils often in my home to get rid of dog odours, create a nice ambience in the home for family to come home to, during flu season diffusing antibacterial oils to get rid of germs etc. These cold bleak days diffusing an uplifting blend e.o can pick one up helping them to commence the day better.

To those that travel consistently and cannot carry a diffuser. YOU can be a “human diffuser”. By this, I mean applying oils on my body and receive the immediate benefits. Then, my body heat allows the molecules on the skin to diffuse outward into the air around me creating a virtual aromatherapy cloud. When I use gentle balancing oils like my “favourites” CEDARWOOD, FRANKINCENSE, BELIEVE, LAVENDER and/or STRESS AWAY, everyone around me receives the benefits along with me, allowing me to live in a world of happy people! In addition to actually applying the oils topically, I always take a moment to INHALE them directly by cupping my hands over my nose and taking 6-8 deep breaths. This allows the tiny molecules to absorb rapidly into the body through the delicate membranes in the nostrils and travel directly up to the brain, to the emotional centre. No matter how I feel before I begin inhaling the oils, I feel better afterwards – and I can repeat this as often as I choose. In fact the more often, the better in most cases! (Remember that ONE drop applied often is far more effective than a lot applied occasionally.)