How to Use Essential Oils Safely - Essentially Grateful

BERGAMOT ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OIL

Uplifting yet calming, bergamot essential oil can be used in a diffuser, added to a carrier oil for use as a bath or a massage oil and it can be added at low dilutions to skin care products.

This citrus scented essential oil, reminiscent of Earl grey tea (to which the peel of the bergamot fruit is added) can be used to:

settle a digestive system which becomes upset by stress and anxiety, by using the essential oil in a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or diluting it to in a carrier oil and massaging it onto the abdomen in a clockwise direction
help us feeler calmer when we’re stressed by using the essential oil in a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or diluting it to 1% in a carrier oil and apply it to the pulse points throughout the day. This diluted oil can also be added to the bath
help manage acne with those whom have an oily skin type and to encourage healing of minor cuts and grazes by adding a 1% dilution of the essential oil to a light moisturiser, lotion or carrier oil and apply it to the skin twice a day
always perform a patch test when working with a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, please consult your doctor before using bergamot essential oil

Please note, bergamot essential oil is one of the oils associated with a phototoxicity risk and you must therefore avoid direct, strong sunlight and UV light sunbeds for 12 hours after applying the oil to the skin.

BAY LEAF ESSENTIAL OIL

A sweet and spicy scented oil, bay leaf is an excellent essential oil to add to your diffuser to help scent and purify the air. It can be diluted in a carrier oil for use as a massage oil and it can be added at low dilutions (1% or less) to haircare products. This potent antimicrobial and stimulating oil can be used:

to ease painful muscles and joints, create a massage oil by diluting 1% of the essential oil in a carrier oil and rub a tablespoon of this massage oil over the aching or painful muscles or joints.

make a soothing compress by diluting a tablespoon of the massage oil in 1 litre of hot water and use this solution to soak a flannel which can then be laid over painful or aching muscles or joints
to alleviate congestion and chesty coughs, create a steam inhalation by adding no more than 6 drops of the essential oil to a 2 litre bowl of hot water
to improve the health of your hair and scalp, add up to a 1% dilution of this essential oil to a shampoo
always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, please consult a doctor before using bay leaf essential oil

This potent oil should not come into direct contact with the mouth or other mucous membranes of the body. To avoid irritation of the skin, dilute to 1% or less.

ANISEED ESSENTIAL OIL

With all the liquorice warmth of the spice from which it is extracted, aniseed essential oil can fill a room with scent when used in a diffuser and it can also be added to a carrier oil for use as a massage oil. This essential oil has an affinity for the digestive system and the respiratory system and you can use it as follows:

to soothe bloating, indigestion and other common digestive symptoms by diluting the essential oil to 1% in a carrier oil and using it as a massage oil on the abdomen. Apply one tablespoon of the massage oil in a clockwise direction when symptoms arise
for chesty coughs create a steam inhalation using no more than six drops of the essential oil to 2 litres of hot water in a bowl
always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, please consult with your doctor before using aniseed essential oil

This essential oil may affect the levels of oestrogen in the body and should therefore be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. To avoid irritation of the skin, dilute to 1% or less.

SAGE ESSENTIAL OIL

With the unmistakable herbaceous freshness and earthiness of the fresh herb, sage essential oil can be used in a diffuser, diluted in a carrier oil for use in the bath or as a massage oil and can be added, at low dilutions to skincare products. There are many ways to use this versatile essential oil, for example:

to alleviate chronic skin conditions such as eczema and acne by adding a 1% dilution of the essential oil to an appropriate hydrating cream or barrier cream
to help manage dandruff by adding a 1% dilution of the essential oil to a shampoo
as an antiseptic wash for minor cuts and scrapes, created by diluting 1% of the essential oil in a carrier oil and adding 1 tablespoon of this to a litre of water which can then be used as a wash
to alleviate aching muscles and joints (including arthritis), dilute the essential oil to 2% in a carrier oil and adding 1 tablespoon of this to a bowl of hot water. Soak a flannel in this, creating a compress which can be placed on the skin over the affected muscle or joint
to alleviate common menopausal symptoms, dilute the essential oil to 2% in a carrier oil, adding 1 tablespoon of this to 200 ml of water in a spray bottle and use it to mist onto the body.
to strengthen the digestion and to alleviate common digestive symptoms, dilute the essential oil to 2% in a carrier oil and use it as a massage oil for the abdomen. Apply a tablespoon of this massage oil in a clockwise direction onto the abdomen
to help us emotionally when we’re struggling with prolonged stress, tension or anxiety, add the essential oil to a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser)
always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, please consult a doctor before using sage essential oil

It is best to discuss the use of sage essential oil with a qualified aromatherapist. Do not use this oil if you suffer with epilepsy or any other seizure disorder. Do not use during pregnancy.

TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL

This infamously antiseptic essential oil can be used within a diffuser, added to a carrier oil for use in the bath or as a massage oil, and added at low dilutions to skincare products. More than just an antiseptic, tea tree essential oil actually stimulates our immune system and it is also a superb healer of the skin. You might like to use tea tree essential oil:

to help disinfect the air in your home during an illness by using this essential oil in a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or adding 8 drops to a 200 ml spray bottle of water and misting this into the air. Do not allow this mist to come into direct contact with you skin
to clear congestion and to ease a chesty cough, add no more than 6 drops of the essential oil to a 2 litre bowl of hot water for use as a steam inhalation
to help sterilise minor cuts and grazes, dilute the essential oil to 2% in a carrier oil and adding 1 tablespoon of this to 1 litre of water for use as wash
to address acne by adding a 1% dilution of this essential oil to a light moisturiser
to support your nervous system when you’re feeling run down and tired, add the essential oil to a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or by diluting up to 2% essential oil in a carrier oil for use as a massage oil, a bath oil or a pulse point oil (which can be applied several times a day)
always perform a patch test before trying a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, please consult a doctor before using tea tree essential oil

ROSE ESSENTIAL OIL

Arguably one of the most sublimely scented essential oils, this product can be used to luxuriously scent your home within a diffuser and can be used as a very special ingredient diluted within a carrier oil for use as a bath or massage oil. As you’ll see, it also makes the most wonderful ingredient within skincare products.

Rose essential oil helps with:

providing an anti-wrinkle and antiaging activity and helps hydrate and soften the skin, reducing signs of redness when added and mixed thoroughly at a maximum 1% dilution to a skin-type appropriate face cream or lotion
alleviating period and menopausal symptoms when used in a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or when diluted to 2% in a carrier oil for use as a massage oil over the abdomen or back, or for use as a daily bath oil
offering emotional support, helping you to feel more confident and to help during times of grief and sorrow when used in a diffuser (up to 9 drops added to a 200ml diffuser) or when diluted to 1% in a carrier oil and used as a pulse point or bath oil
always perform a patch test before trying out a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, consult a doctor before using rose essential oil

With its deep and potent scent, a little goes a long way with rose and although you can happily work with it at the normal safe dilutions, you can generally use less than 2% and still achieve an excellent scent and superb therapeutic results.

PATCHOULI ESSENTIAL OIL

Deep and musky, patchouli essential oil is a relaxing and healing oil which you can enjoy using in a diffuser, diluted in a carrier oil for use as a massage or bath oil and it is also an excellent ingredient for skincare products.

You can use patchouli essential oil:

during times of stress and tension to help relax you by adding the essential oil to a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or you can dilute it to 1% in a carrier oil and add this to your evening bath, or use this diluted oil as a full body massage oil or as a pulse point oil, which you apply several times a day
to get a better night’s sleep by diluting up to 2% of the essential oil in a carrier oil and using this as a bath oil for your use in your evening bath. You can also add a drop of the essential oil to your pillow at night
for dry and cracked skin, you can add a 1% dilution of this essential oil to a hydrating cream or your preferred barrier cream to hydrate the skin, or alternatively you can dilute to 1% in a carrier oil and use this as a moisturising daily body oil. Test a pea sized amount on the skin initially and, if after 48 hours, there is no irritation, you can proceed with daily applications of your cream
to cool hot, inflamed or itchy skin, you can add a 1% dilution of the essential oil to a hydrating cream or barrier cream. Test a pea sized amount on the skin initially and, if after 48 hours, there is no irritation, you can proceed with daily applications of your cream
always perform a patch test when trying a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, consult a doctor before using patchouli essential oil

MANDARIN ESSENTIAL OIL

A soft, fruity-scented essential oil, mandarin makes a lovely addition to a diffuser, it can be added to a carrier oil for use as a massage oil and at low dilutions (1% or less) can be added to the bath or to skincare products.

This cheerfully scented citrus oil can be used:

to soothe and calm the emotions when used in a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or diluted to 1% in a carrier oil and applied to the pulse points several times a day. Test a pea sized amount on the skin initially and, if after 48 hours, there is no irritation, you can proceed with daily applications
for nausea when inhaled from a tissue (simply add a couple of drops to a clean tissue)
for bloating, griping and other digestive symptoms by diluting the essential oil to 1% in a carrier oil and using it as a massage oil for abdomen (apply about a tablespoon of the massage oil in a clockwise direction)
for stretch marks when diluted to 1% in a carrier oil and applied as a massage oil onto the stretch marks daily, or dilute to 1% in a hydrating cream and apply this to the stretch marks daily
for oily skin when diluted to 1% in a light moisturiser, lotion or carrier oil for use as a moisturiser on the skin
always perform a patch test when using a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, consult a doctor before using mandarin essential oil

LIME ESSENTIAL OIL

Zingy, bright and invigorating, lime essential oil can add a glorious freshness to a room when added to a diffuser and you can also add it to a carrier oil for use in massages and baths. It can also be added at low dilutions to skincare products.

Lime essential oil can be used in the following ways:

for cellulite and fluid retention when diluted to 1% in a carrier oil and used as a massage oil for use on the affected area. Briskly massage around 1 tablespoon of the massage oil over the target area or use with a dry brush (a tool used for cellulite). Please check with manufacturer in how to use the brush effectively
for low energy when used in a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser), or added at a 1% dilution to a carrier oil and used as a pulse point oil, which can be applied several times a day
for oily skin when added at a maximum of 1% to a light cream, lotion or carrier oil for use as a daily moisturiser
always perform a patch test before trying a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, consult a doctor before using lime essential oil

Cold-pressed lime essential oils pose a phototoxicity risk and therefore direct exposure of the skin to strong sunlight or UV light sunbeds should be avoided for 12 hours after applying this oil to the skin.

LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL

A gloriously fresh and aromatic essential oil, lemongrass will fill your home with its refreshing scent when used in a diffuser and you can add it, at low dilutions, to a carrier oil for use as a massage or bath oil, and again at very low dilutions for use in skincare. This stimulating oil can be used:

to clear your mind, lift your mood and help you focus when inhaled from a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or when 2 to 3 drops are added to a tissue and inhaled
for an unsettled digestive system when diluted to 1% in a carrier oil and used as a massage oil. Add 1 tablespoon of the massage oil and massage in a clockwise direction over the abdomen
for bruises, sprains and strains, by diluting to 1% in a carrier oil and applying to the affected area. Test a pea sized amount on the skin initially and, if after 48 hours, there is no irritation, you can proceed
to purify the air in the home during an illness by adding around 6 drops to a 200 ml diffuser
always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, please consult a doctor before using lemongrass essential oil

Individuals with sensitive skin may find lemongrass essential oil irritating to the skin, even when diluted. Please ensure to do a patch test first by testing a pea sized amount on the skin initially and, if after 48 hours, there is no irritation, you can proceed with daily applications of your cream

GERANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL

A potent, floral and herbaceous scented oil, geranium essential oil can be used in a diffuser, diluted in a carrier oil for use as a massage or bath oil and it can be used in skincare products. This essential oil can be used for:

dry skin and chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. First, add a maximum of a 1% dilution of the essential oil to a hydrating cream or barrier cream. Perform a patch test first. Test a pea sized amount on the skin initially and, if after 48 hours, there is no irritation, you can proceed applying two or three times a day
acne, by adding two or three drops of the essential oil to a 2 litre bowl of hot water, using this to steam the skin on the face. Do not apply the water directly to the skin. You can also add a maximum of a 1% dilution to a light moisturiser or a light carrier oil for nighttime moisturisation routines
minor cuts and grazes, first add a 1% dilution to a light carrier oil or lotion. Perform a patch test first. Test a pea sized amount on the skin initially and, if after 48 hours, there is no irritation, you can proceed and apply this to the skin daily
for stress, tension or anxiety when added to a diffuser (up to 9 drops for a 200 ml diffuser) or when diluted to 1% in a carrier oil and used as a pulse point oil, which can be applied several times a day
tension headaches and hormonal migraines, when added to a diffuser (up to 9 drops for a 200 ml diffuser) or when diluted to 1% in a carrier oil and used as a bath oil or a pulse point oil (which you could also apply to the neck and shoulders)
period and menopausal issues, when added to a diffuser (up to 9 drops for a 200 ml diffuser) or diluted to 2% in a carrier oil and used as a massage oil for the abdomen or back (try using one tablespoon and when massaging the abdomen and work in a clockwise direction), or use this diluted oil as a daily bath oil
always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, consult a doctor before using geranium essential oil

You may wish to avoid the use of geranium during pregnancy due to its hormonal actions.

FRENCH LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

This well-known essential oil can offer you its relaxing benefits when used in a diffuser, or when added to a carrier oil for use as a bath or massage oil and it can be added to a range of skincare products. This versatile essential oil can be used for:

stress, tension and anxiety when used in a diffuser (add up to 9 drops to a 200ml diffuser), or when added at a 1% dilution to a carrier oil and used as a pulse point oil, a massage oil or a bath oil
sleep issues when diluted to up to 2% in a carrier oil for use as a bath oil in your evening bath and you can add 1 or 2 drops of the essential oil to your pillow at night
headaches and migraines, when diluted to 2% in a carrier oil and used as a massage oil (which can be applied to the forehead, temples and neck). Try adding a tablespoon of this diluted oil to 1 litre of hot water and soak a flannel in it for use as a hot compress for the forehead or neck
muscle and joint pain, when diluted to 2% in a carrier oil and used as a daily bath oil or add a tablespoon of this diluted oil to 1 litre of hot water, using this to soak a flannel for use as a compress which can placed on the skin over the affected muscle or joint
cuts or grazes when added at a 1% dilution to a light carrier oil or lotion and applied to the skin
inflammation, itching and dryness on the skin when added at a 1% dilution to a hydrating cream or barrier cream. Always test a pea sized amount on the skin first and only proceed if there has been no irritation after 48 hours, you can proceed and apply this, two or three times a day
always perform a patch test before trying a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, consult a doctor before using lavender essential oil

EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL

Punchy and refreshing, this essential oil can be added to your diffuser, diluted in a carrier oil for use as a massage oil and used at low dilutions for use in the bath or in skincare products.

You can use eucalyptus essential oil:

to ease congestion and to disinfect the air in your home when added to a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or add a maximum of 6 drops to 2 litres of hot water for use as a steam inhalation
for a chesty cough, by diluting the essential oil to 1% in a carrier oil and massaging 1 tablespoon of the massage oil over the chest and back
for sore, stiff muscles and joints by diluting 2% eucalyptus essential oil in a carrier oil and using this as a massage oil for application onto the skin over the affected muscle or joint
for low energy levels and poor concentration, by adding the essential oil to a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or by adding 2 to 3 drops to a tissue and inhaling
always perform a patch test before trying a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, please consult a doctor before using eucalyptus essential oil

CLARY SAGE ESSENTIAL OIL and CLARY SAGE (ENGLISH) ESSENTIAL OIL

Clary sage offers a potent herbaceous floral scent and a little goes a long way when used in a diffuser. It can also be diluted in a carrier oil for use as a bath or massage oil and it can be added to skincare products. This versatile and deeply therapeutic oil can be used for:

oily skin and dry skin, by balancing out the oil levels, which you can do by adding a 1% dilution of the essential oil to your moisturiser and use once or twice a day
an antiaging effect when added to a hydrating cream at a 1% dilution and used once or twice a day
common period problems and hormonal acne when added to a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or when diluted to 1% in a carrier oil and used as a pulse point oil (which you can apply several times a day). You can also use this diluted oil as a massage oil for use across the body or as a bath oil
tension, anxiety and stress, when used in a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or inhaled from a tissue by adding 2 to 3 drops to a clean tissue
breathlessness when stressed, by adding to a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or add 2 to 3 drops to a tissue and inhale deeply
always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, consult a doctor before using clary sage essential oil

Do not use this essential oil during pregnancy.

CEDARWOOD HIMALAYAN ESSENTIAL OIL

This deep sweet, woody essential oil is the perfect calming product to use in your diffuser and to add to carrier oils for use as a massage or bath oil.

You can use it for:

stress, tension and anxiety by adding it to a diffuser (up to 9 drops in a 200 ml diffuser) or inhale 2 to 3 drops from a tissue
poor concentration and focus by adding the essential oil to a diffuser (up to 9 drops for a 200 ml diffuser) or by adding 2 to 3 drops to a tissue and inhaling
chesty coughs, by adding a maximum of 6 drops to 2 litres of hot water in a bowl and using this as a steam inhalation. Or, dilute to 1% in a carrier oil and use 1 tablespoon of this massage oil to rub onto the chest and back
always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, consult a doctor before using this essential oil

CEDARWOOD TEXAS ESSENTIAL OIL

A balsamic, sweet and woody oil, Texas cedarwood can be added to a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil for use as a massage or bath oil. You can use this antimicrobial essential oil:

to disinfect the air in your home during an illness by adding to a diffuser (up to 9 drops for a 200 ml diffuser)
for congestion or a chesty cough by adding a maximum of 6 drops to 2 litres of hot water in a bowl and use this as a steam inhalation
for pain and inflammation within the muscles and joints when diluted to 2% in a carrier oil and used as a massage oil, applying to the skin over the affected muscles and joints in the morning and evening
for a greasy scalp and dandruff when added at a 1% dilution to a shampoo
always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, consult a doctor before using this essential oil

CEDARWOOD VIRGINIANA ESSENTIAL OIL

A sweet, woody, balsamic oil, Virginian cedarwood can be used in a diffuser, added to a carrier oil for use as a massage or bath oil and it can also be added to skincare products. You can use this essential oil:

for a chesty cough or for congestion by adding a maximum of 6 drops of the essential oil to 2 litres of hot water in a bowl for use this as a steam inhalation
for oily skin when added at a maximum of a 1% dilution to a light moisturiser or carrier oil, applying to the face twice a day. If you have an inflamed skin, test a pea sized amount first and wait 48 hours to check that no irritation occurs before proceeding
when overwhelmed, stressed and tense by adding to a diffuser (up to 9 drops for a 200 ml diffuser) or by inhaling 2 to 3 drops from a tissue
always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil
if you have an existing medical condition, consult a doctor before using this essential oil