The use of essential oils is quite versatile and can vary depending on the type of oil and the objective to be achieved. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that have aromatic, therapeutic and health benefits, but must be used with care due to their high concentration. Below, I explain the most common ways to use them and some important recommendations:

1. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is one of the most popular ways to use essential oils. It consists of inhaling the aromas to obtain benefits such as relaxation, stress relief, improved mood, and help with sleep, among others.

• Diffuser: Essential oils are placed in a diffuser with water, which disperses the aroma into the air. It is ideal for purifying the environment, improving mood and creating a relaxing atmosphere.
• Direct inhalation: You can inhale directly from the bottle, placing a drop in the palm of your hands or on a tissue, bring it to your nose and breathe deeply.
• Pocket inhalers: Small devices that are filled with cotton and a few drops of essential oil to carry with you and use at any time.

2. Topical Use (Skin Application)

Essential oils can be applied directly to the skin to treat specific problems, such as muscle pain, acne, or simply to enjoy their relaxing properties. However, they should always be diluted in a carrier oil (vegetable oil such as coconut, almond, jojoba, among others) before applying them to avoid irritation.

• Massages: The essential oil can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied to specific areas to relax muscles, relieve pain or improve circulation.
• Relaxing baths: Add a few drops of essential oil diluted in vegetable oil or bath salts before adding them to the bath water. This helps relax the body and mind.
• Compresses: Mix hot or cold water with a few drops of essential oil, soak a towel and place it on the desired area (for example, to relieve pain or tension).

Example of dilution for topical use:

• Adults: 5-10 drops of essential oil in 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of carrier oil.
• Children: 1-2 drops of essential oil in 30 ml of carrier oil.

3. Use in Cosmetics and Personal Care

Essential oils are used in natural cosmetics to create personal care products, such as creams, lotions, shampoos, soaps, and more.

• Creams and lotions: You can add a few drops of essential oils to your skin care products to benefit from their properties. For example, lavender essential oil is used to soothe the skin, while tea tree essential oil is good for acne-prone skin.
• Shampoos and conditioners: Essential oils such as rosemary or peppermint can be added to shampoo to stimulate the scalp and hair growth.
• Perfumes: Create natural fragrances by mixing essential oils with carrier oils. Some popular oils for this purpose are lavender, jasmine, and sandalwood.

4. Domestic Use and Cleaning

Essential oils are also useful for home cleaning and air purification due to their antibacterial, antifungal and disinfectant properties.

• Homemade disinfectants: Mix essential oils such as lemon, tea tree or eucalyptus with vinegar and water to clean surfaces.
• Deodorizer: Place essential oils in a diffuser or create a spray to eliminate unpleasant odors in the home.
• Insect repellent: Oils such as citronella, lavender and eucalyptus can be used in diffusers or mixed with water in sprays to repel mosquitoes and insects.

5. Intake (Internal Use)

Caution! Ingestion of essential oils should be done only under the guidance of a qualified health professional, as some oils are not safe for internal consumption and can be toxic . Although some brands produce oils suitable for ingestion, not all oils are safe and the dosage must be carefully controlled.

• Safe essential oils to ingest: Lemon or peppermint essential oil can be added to drinks or foods to take advantage of their digestive and refreshing benefits.
• Capsules: Some essential oils are sold in capsules and can be taken to support digestion or the immune system, always following the directions.

Precautions and Safety Tips

1. Proper dilution: Essential oils are very concentrated, so they should be diluted in a carrier oil before being applied to the skin.
2. Allergy Test: Before using an essential oil, do a patch test by applying a small diluted amount to your forearm to check for adverse reactions.
3. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes: If an essential oil enters your eyes, rinse with plenty of water and contact a health professional.
4. Use in children and pregnant women: Some essential oils are not safe for children or pregnant women. Consult a specialist before using essential oils in these situations.
5. Conservation: Keep essential oils in a cool, dark place out of the reach of children.

Conclusion

Essential oils are a powerful and natural tool that can improve well-being, health and the quality of the environment in the home. There are many ways to use them, but it is important to do so responsibly and safely, paying attention to the doses and specific properties of each oil. It is always advisable to consult a professional if you have any questions about its proper use.