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Let’s talk about how to use Essential Oils.  Essential Oils can be used in three primary ways.

If you will remember from my previous post in this series, I am only talking about Young Living essential oils, which are 100% pure essential oils.  You cannot expect to get the quality or to get the same results if the essential oil is not Young Living.  Please do not use other brands of essential oils the same way you would use Young Living oils.

Essential oils can be inhaled, applied topically or used in cooking, drinking, flavoring with the new Vitality Line.

First, essential oils can be used via Direct Inhalation.  The human sense of smell is about ten thousand times more powerful than other senses.  When you inhale an essential oil its scent travels first through olfactory nerve cells inside the nose and into the large olfactory system. The olfactory system then delivers the aroma to the olfactory bulb inside the brain’s limbic system, which serves as the seat of emotions and originator of emotional behavior.  The limbic system is connected to the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, which controls the release of hormones that affect one’s nervous system, appetite, body temperature, concentration and stress levels.  Essential oils interact with the limbic system by providing input that activates the hypothalamus, instructing it to release neurochemicals to calm, relax or stimulate the body.  This is why aromatherapy is effective – when the essential oils are inhaled the odor molecules travel straight to the appropriate limbic destination, where neurochemicals instruct the body to respond as desired.

Second, essential oils can be used via Topical Application.  The skin is a porous organ that essential oils penetrate with ease.  When the oils enter the bloodstream they are then distributed to the rest of the body.  To achieve the desired results, one to three drops of oil is usually adequate.  More is not necessarily better because essential oils are very potent.  The feet are the second fastest area of the body to absorb oils because of the large pores. Other quick absorbing areas include behind the ears and on the wrists.
Bathing with essential oils is also a great way to topically receive the benefits.
On a side note, Vita flex points are so interesting.  Basically your foot, from toe to heel, is a map of your entire body.
(*Note, you may want to dilute hot oils, such as Peppermint or Thieves, with a carrier oil like coconut oil; as well as oils should be diluted on children and babies).

Third, the new Vitality essential oils can be used Internally.  Some, like Lemon Vitality, are great to put in a glass of water so you can support your immune system.  Others are best put in a vegetable capsule and are a great way to have the essential oil reach organs or your digestive system very quickly.

So, now you know how to use essential oils.  Which way do you find your preferred way to use an essential oil??

**Much of this information was taken from the Essential Oils Desk Reference by Life Science Publishing.