Three Important Things

Essential oils (EOs) are specialized molecules derived from plants and located in distinct areas like reservoirs, glandular hairs, specialized cells, or the interstitial space of cells. They function as protection against bacteria and temperature variations.1 They are derived from all parts of the plant like the leaves, flowers, buds, shoots, stalks, fruit, and even resins. There are over 100 constituents or active compounds in every drop of pure EO; this is what makes a true EO so effective and potent. A true EO differs from a brokered EO in that the latter is a copied blend of about five to ten of the most important compounds in a pure EO, that are synthesized and blended in a carrier oil. Some companies will market them as fragrance, scent, or perfume, and many are disguised as pure EOs because the scents are so similar.


EOs are becoming popular due to increased scientific studies demonstrating certain levels of efficacy and safety, all the while giving a sense of wellbeing due to their aroma and organic, nonsynthetic nature. However, to make the best use of EOs, and to experience the best benefits, it is important to have a base understanding in what you are doing, and knowledge in the products you are using. Aromatherapists suggest that one drop of EO is equivalent to about 15 to 40 cups of medicinal tea, or 10 teaspoons of tincture, making them very potent.2 It is therefore imperative to well research the plant.

This is a basic starter on how to use EOs; however, with any challenges or advice on interactions and contraindications, or use, it is best to consult a health-care practitioner or aromatherapist.

  • NUMBER 1

    The first important aspect to EOs is their route of administration. Unlike most remedies, EOs are best if not taken orally or internally! In fact, taking EOs orally can be very dangerous, as they can harm the mucous membranes of the stomach and impact the liver or how the liver functions, increasing toxicity. Therefore, it is contraindicated to use most EOs internally (this includes by mouth, vaginally, or rectally) unless followed by a health-care practitioner or an aromatherapist, who can provide guidance to use very specific EOs that can be taken orally (mixed with a carrier oil). EOs that can be taken internally without guidance, such as lavender or oregano, will have as directions of use on the label that they can be consumed internally. Therefore, always double-check the product label!

  • NUMBER 2

    The second aspect to EOs is to know that EOs cross cellular membranes very easily.3 They are lipophilic (fat-loving) and can easily cross over into a cell and damage it. They will also carry over anything else that goes with it, which includes any solvents, pesticides, or phthalates.4 For this reason, when using EOs topically, it is suggested to use the dilution method with a clean and organic carrier oil. For the same reason, it is important to apply an EO mix with a carrier oil on a clean skin where pollutants have been washed away, to avoid them entering the body. Important to know is that EOs are not an emollient (even though they are called “oils”), and therefore, they do not hydrate or nourish the skin like vegetable oils but can have the opposite effect of drying and irritating if not properly blended. This process of emulsification is important if making a topical application or a vapour spray, since EOs will not blend in water and will remain on the surface or adhere to the edges.

    Examples of carrier oils include jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or MCT/fractionated coconut oil. The best dermal dilution to minimize irritation is said to be anywhere from 1 to 5%.

    • A 1% dilution is 6 drops EO in 30 ml (2 tbsp. / 1 oz.) of carrier oil
    • A 2%, 12 drops/oz.
    • A 3%, 18 drops/oz.
    • A 4%, 24 drops/oz.
    • A 5%, 20 drops/oz.

    Some EOs can be applied directly to the skin; this is called a “neat application.”5 However, it is suggested to use them in very small amounts, for a very short duration. EOs that are considered safe as neat application are tea tree, lavender, rose, eucalyptus, and chamomile.

    Before starting to use any EO topically, it is recommended to do a patch test, especially if there is skin sensitivity, since molecules in EOs can bind to proteins in the skin and elicit an allergic reaction.

  • NUMBER 3

    The least invasive route to use EOs is by inhalation or air diffusion.6 This route of administration offers the least risk for interactions or reactions, and function via stimulation of the olfactory nerves and cells that sends signals to the hypothalamus or brain. EOs used in this way have been studied for stress, anxiety, sleep, depression, pain, nausea and vomiting, and cognitive health.

    The inhalation method can be used with an aroma stick. These can be purchased or made, and they are a plastic or glass tube with a cotton wick inside and cap to seal.

    • To use an aroma stick, put 15–20 drops total of the EO into the dispenser, and cap. Open and inhale as directed, 1 or 2 times per day, or every 2 to 3 h.

    In one study in cancer patients, inhalation significantly improved nausea, anxiety, and sleep, and was found to be most effective when done every 2–3 h.7

    The diffusion method uses water vapour to disperse the EO in the air. This is a very common method of using EO and has the greatest impact to improve sleep and mood. For example, results of a meta-analysis of 34 published studies revealed that lavender was the most studied and most effective EO at mediating sleep problems, via inhalation, especially sleep onset. Secondary outcomes of stress emotion, anxiety, and depression also showed significant improvement.

    Like topical methods, diffusion requires dilution. The following chart outlines a 2 to 5% dilution in differing amounts of water:

    • 3–5 drops total in 100 ml of water
    • 6–10 drops in 200 ml of water
    • 9–12 drops in 300 ml
      etc.

    Aromatherapists suggest not to run the diffuser continuously, but to do intermittent diffusion: 30 to 60 minutes on and 30 to 60 minutes off, especially at higher concentrations. This minimizes tolerance and habituation or smell aversion. For the diffusion method, keep in mind to use with caution around pets, infants and young children, and the elderly.

  • RESEARCHED EOs (nonexhaustive)

    Health ConcernEssential Oils Studied
    Antibacterial: gram-positive8, fungicidalLavender, thyme, peppermint, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, tea tree
    Alopecia9Thyme, rosemary, lavender,
    cedarwood
    Acne10Tea tree
    Dementia, cognition, agitation11, 12Lemon balm, lemon, rosemary,
    lavender, sweet orange
    Oral hygiene care13Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint,
    clove, lemon, cinnamon
    Menopausal symptoms14, 15, 16, 17Neroli, ylang ylang, lavender, roman
    chamomile, clary sage
    Anxiety18, 19Sweet orange, ylang ylang, lavender
    Sleep20Sweet orange, lavender, bergamot,
    ylang ylang, roman chamomile
    Menstrual pain21Lavender, clary sage
    Stress22Bergamot (in water vapour)
    Tension headaches23Peppermint
    Burns24Lavender (inhalation)


    SAFETY CHECK LIST

    Using OilsThe Essential Oil Itself
    Age, health conditions, medicationsPure essential oil versus brokered
    Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranesStorage conditions: Sealed to prevent oxidation (this can cause contact sensitivity)
    Therapeutic route of administrationEOs that cause photosensitivity
    Daily dose, duration guidelinesOld, opened bottles may be less
    effective
    ContraindicationsIdentify proper species

    Getting started:

    1. Pick your top 5 to 7 favorite EOs.
    2. For inhalation, purchase or make aroma sticks.
    3. For dermal, used organic MCT or fractionated coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, or sweat almond oil as a carrier oil.
    4. For mouth/dental, 2 to 3 drops in alcohol or MCT or fractionated coconut oil to dissolve, then add to 15 ml of water. Gargle for 15 seconds and repeat.
    5. For vapour, use intermittent diffuser, 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off.
    6. For vapour, use spray bottle with water, and add alcohol to dissolve EO first.

    References (shows when you logged)