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methods of aromatherapy use for natural health & beauty 

Aromatherapy can be safely and effectively enjoyed at home using a variety of methods. We've included the most popular methods of aromatherapy use below, including safe essential oil dilutions. Don't forget to read our page on Essential Oil cautions before you get started, and perform a skin patch test if you are using an essential oil topically for the first time. 

Recommendations for safe essential oil use: 

  • Essential oil amounts listed below are only for adults and children over the age of 12 years. 
  • Children 7 - 12 yrs: Only use oils that are safe for use with children, and do not cause irritation or sensitisation. For massage, use 1% dilution and for other methods, half the adult dosage. 
  • Children under 7 yrs: Essential oils should not be used for children under the age of 7 years, unless advised by a physician or qualified aromatherapist. 
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methods of home aromatherapy:

OIL BURNERS

Using essential oils in oil burners is an effective method of deodorising, disinfecting, or adding lovely fragrance to a room. Oil burner blends are also and are also very beneficial to treat breathing difficulties in children. 
  • ​METHOD: Add water and 6-8 drops of essential oil to the oil burner, and refill as necessary. Electric or ceramic ring burners may also be used, or essential oils may be added to a bowl of water and placed by a radiator. 

massage

Massage is very therapeutic, and enables the fragrance and healing properties of the essential oils to be absorbed into the skin. Depending on the individual properties of the essential oil, aromatherapy massage can soothe and relax, ease pain and tension, stimulate the system, or lift the spirits.
  •  METHOD: Dilute your chosen essential oil or blend in a cold pressed vegetable or infused oil, using 1% essential oil for sensitive skin and 2% essential oil for normal skin.

bath blends 

Aromatherapy baths are a simple way to use essential oils at home, and are especially beneficial to sooth, relax, or refresh. Essential oils do not dissolve in water, and can be blended with milk or a  carrier oils. If adding carrier oils, take care when climbing in and out of the bath as the oils may cause the surface to be slippery. For irritated skin conditions, add essential oil to a 1/2 cup of ground oats and wrap in a piece of muslin and soak in the bath. 
  • ​​​METHOD: Fill the bath with warm water before adding the oils / oil blends. For adults, add 5 - 10 drops of essential oil to a full bath. 

steam inhalations

Steam inhalations using essential oils are especially beneficial for soothing throat and chest infections, congestion, sinus pain and headaches. Steam inhalations are not always suitable for people suffering from asthma or other breathing difficulties. Steam inhalations are not suitable for children. 
  • ​METHOD: Add 3-4 drops of essential oils to a bowl of very hot water. Bend over the bowl, covering your head with a towel, and breathe deeply for a few minutes. Place your face at least 30 cm away from the bowl of water, as steam that is too hot could cause damage to the skin. ​

hot and cold compresses

Hot and cold compresses are especially beneficial for relieving pain and inflammation. Hot compresses are best for muscular pain, rheumatism, arthritis, earache, toothache, and abscesses. Cold compresses are best for sprains, swelling and headaches.
  • ​​​METHOD: Add 4 - 5 drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot or cold water, and blend. Soak a clean cotton cloth or gauze in the water, wring it out (taking care not to burn or scald skin with hot water), and apply. Hot compresses should be covered with a towel, and once cooled, repeated with another hot compress, as required. ​

gargles / rinses

Gargles and rinses are an excellent way to use antiseptic essential oils to freshen breath and treat mouth ulcers, irritated gums, and sore throats. ​Essential oils should never be taken internally, and are for external use only. Due to the risk of swallowing while gargling, essential oil gargles/ mouthwashes are not suitable for children. ​
  • METHOD: Dilute 4-5 drops of essential oil in diluted brandy. Mix the brandy into a glass of warm water and use as a gargle or mouthwash, as needed. Do not swallow.

skin care: oils & balms 

Using essential oils in skin care blends is very popular. Oils and balms can be used as facial serums, hand and body moisturisers, joint and muscle rubs, and healing balms to treat inflamed, irritated, itchy skin conditions.  
  • METHOD: Moisturising body oils and facial serums can be made using a variety of carrier oils. For top tips on carrier oils, read our Carrier Oil Profiles page. We recommend using coconut oil as a base for simple nourishing balms for use as  muscle rubs, hand, body and foot moisturisers. Alternatively, you may add 1-2 drops of essential oil to an unfragranced store bought cream. For top tips, read our Making Oils & Balms page. 
  •       Facial blends: Use 0.5% blend for sensitive skin and 1% blend for normal skin 
  •       Body blends: Use 1% blend for sensitive skin and 2% blend for normal skin
*Reference: The above information, including essential oil methods  and measurements are taken from 'The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies' by C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.
Important considerations & cautions:
The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients and essential oils, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Although many essential oils are considered safe for most people in small amounts, inappropriate use of some oils could be dangerous. Prior to using any essential oils, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, qualified herbalist or professional aromatherapist.