Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are not the same as perfume oils or fragrance oils. Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume and fragrance oils are artificially created fragrances, contain artificial substances or are diluted with carrier oils and do not offer the caliber of therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer.

Introducing essential oils into your lifestyle can be quite easy, fun, and therapeutically beneficial. Below are a few ways in which you can get started. These methods are intended as guidelines only, and you do need to pay special attention to all safety pre cautions applicable for each oil that you choose. It is also important to remember that essential oils are flammable.

Easy Inhalation - Place 3-4 drops of essential oil on a tissue. Place the tissue near your nose and inhale. When trying an oil for the first time, use only one drop to ensure that you do not have a sensitivity or reaction to the oil.

Room Freshening - Use the steam inhalation method noted above but don't directly inhale into the bowl. Use up to 10 drops of oil. Use fewer drops if you are using an oil that may cause sensitization. Other methods including use of an aromatherapy diffuser or lamp scent ring available through many aromatherapy companies.

General Household Freshening - Add a few drops of oil to your trash can, laundry wash, drain, vacuum bag filter, or on a tissue for placement in your drawers.

Massage - Add up to 20 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond oil and massage onto yourself or partner. Keep away from eyes and genital areas. Do not apply essential oils to the skin without first diluting them. Be sure to also read the safety data for the essential oils you choose to use.

Bath - Add 5-7 drops essential oil to 1 ounce carrier oil. Add this blend to your running bath water and mix well before getting into the tub. Be sure to read the safety data for the essential oils you choose to use.


Other Uses :
Essential oils can be used in making homemade lotions, facial toners, shampoos, perfumes, soaps, shower gels, and other natural products. Additionally, essential oils are often blended for their therapeutic synergistic abilities. The Recipes area includes many recipes and synergies.


Essential Oils are usually sold for individual use in very small bottles. They are commonly sold in 5ml, 10ml and 15ml (1/2 ounce) sizes. For more expensive oils, it is common to find them in sold in sizes starting at 2ml and 1 dram sizes.

Although essential oils do not become rancid, they can deteriorate and lose their therapeutic benefit over time. Oils such as the citrus oils will oxidize and begin to lose their aroma and therapeutic properties. Not all oils lose their value. Some oils such as patchouli and sandalwood improve with the passage of time.

To avoid deterioration and protect the aromatic and therapeutic properties, your oils should be ideally kept in amber or cobalt blue bottles. Dark glass such as amber or cobalt helps to keep out sunlight which can hasten deterioration. Be leery of purchasing any oils sold in clear glass bottles.

Glass amber "Boston round" bottles that essential oils are typically stored in. Other liquids used in aromatherapy (hydrosols, carrier oils, etc.) are also frequently stored in amber bottles.

Essential oils should also be stored in a cool, dark place.