USAGE

There are differing "schools of thought" regarding the proper usage of essential oils. We feel, and our experience has borne out, that if the oil is high grade, chemical- and pesticide-free, then generally the oil is safe topically (although some oils are very strong and "hot," and dilution with a massage oil such as jojoba, coconut or olive oil may be in order). Many oils are safe internally, and most all essential oils are safe to diffuse. Please be responsible to know how to use the essential oils. While I've never known someone to be harmed by their usage, especially parents should be aware of an essential oil's properties and actions before using them on children. If you are new to using essential oils, start slowly and let common sense guide you.

OUCH!

If you use oils often, no matter how careful you may be, eventually you or someone close to you will probably get some oil in their eye -- usually by rubbing an eye after applying an oil. Water is not a good choice for flushing the eye because the oils tend to float on water. Use a vegetable oil or massage oil, which will dilute the essential oil and bring quick relief. Although essential oils cause a burning sensation in an eye or on delicate, tender tissue, I'm not aware of a case of permanent damage.

INTERNAL USE

Compared to the vast number of essential oils available, there are relatively few that are not recommended to be taken internally, and there is "controversy" over that list. When oils have produced negative reactions, we can't be certain that the offending oil was of the highest quality and pure, and the negative reaction may have been a result of low quality or chemicals present in the oil. In any case, I'll list oils that are on the "not for internal list": Eucalyptus Dives, Eucalyptus Polybractea, Idaho Tansy, Jasmine, Ledum, Melaleuca Ericfolia, Onycha, Ravensara, Western Red Cedar and Wintergreen. Notice that although Wintergreen is listed, you find it added to toothpaste, mints, gum and so on. I encourage you to practice common sense and moderation in the usage of all essential oils, and, most importantly, insist on only using oils that are pure and high quality.

Suggested methods for internal use:

1. Add several drops of oil to an empty capsule (consider diluting).

2. Add several drops to a glass of water (never plastic or styrofoam).

3. A drop or two on a piece of bread is a good way to get the oils into a child.

4. Put a drop or two in a teaspoon, add a bit of honey or agave and swallow.

5. Drop directly onto the tongue and hold tongue to roof of mouth for quick absorption. (Use caution and common sense with this method.)

　

TOPICAL USE

We have found that the bottoms of feet are usually tough enough for most oils to be applied without discomfort, and through the feet the powerful effect of the oil is in the bloodstream in minutes. According to Jean Valnet, M.D., essential oils can affect every cell of the body within 20 minutes and are then metabolized like other nutrients. There is only one oil that I'm aware of that is not recommended topically: Western Red Cedar. There are some oils that lend themselves to diluting with a carrier oil such as Emu, Coconut, Jojoba and so on: Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Lemongrass, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme and Birch/Wintergreen. Given this precautionary warning, the only oils I personally always dilute are Oregano and Thyme. Again, start slowly and use common sense to find the best way to enjoy the benefits of using these wonderful oils.

Suggested points of application are:

Crown of head

Forehead

Temples

Behind ears

Neck

Upper back

Abdomen

Over vital organs

Ankles

Bottoms of feet

Top of feet

Toes

Since essential oils are very potent and some may be irritating to the skin, when using an oil for the first time, take precaution and test a drop on your wrist. If you ever experience irritation (redness or uncomfortable stinging) simply apply any pure vegetable or nut oil to dilute. Some people are more sensitive than others, so use the general guidelines on the bottle label as simply that: guidelines. Ultimately the user must be responsible to take precautions necessary to avoid misusing the oils or experiencing discomfort. Use special caution when applying the oils on children who may not be able to adequately communicate discomfort.

DIFFUSING

Other than simply inhaling the oils, the easiest and simplest way of putting essential oils into the air for inhalation is to use an aromatic diffuser. A cold air diffuser uses room-temperature air to blow the oil up through some kind of nebulizer. This breaks the oils up into a micro-fine mist that is then dispersed into the air. The oils, with their oxygenating molecules, will then remain suspended for several hours to freshen and improve the quality of the air. The anti-viral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties of the oils kill bacteria and help reduce fungus and mold. Essential oils, when diffused, have been found to reduce the amount of airborne chemicals and metallics. Many essential oils, such as Lemongrass, Lemon and our blend Plague Defense are highly antibacterial and are extremely effective for eliminating and destroying airborne germs and bacteria.

Unlike candles or aroma lamps, cold-air diffusers disperse oils without heating or burning, which can render the oil therapeutically less beneficial and possibly create toxic compounds. Burned oils may become carcinogenic. Research (from Essential Oil Desk Reference by Essential Science Publishing, Third Edition) shows that cold air diffusing certain oils may:

• Reduce and/or eliminate bacteria, fungus, mold and unpleasant odors

• Improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity

• Relax the mind and body, relieve tension and clear the mind

• Stimulate neurotransmitters

• Stimulate secretion of endorphins

• Stimulate growth hormone production and receptivity

• Digest petrochemicals on the receptor sites

• Improve the secretion of IgA antibodies that fight candida

• Improve digestive function

• Improve hormonal balance

• Relieve headaches

• Dispel odors

Cinnamon bark, Oregano, and the oils found in our Plague Defense blend were all tested by Weber State University and shown to kill 100% of the airborne bacteria present when diffused into the atmosphere.

If you have a humidifier, you may be able to secure a cotton cloth sprinkled with a few drops of oil in front of the escaping mist. Keep in mind that essential oils dissolve plastic and may damage your humidifier if put inside with the water, and the cloth with the oils on it may "etch" into the plastic case, so you’ll need to be careful how you attach this cloth.