Using essential oils in aromatherapy can have therapeutic effects due to various compounds found in the oils:

• Acids kill bacterial and viral infections, reduce inflammation, and moisturize the skin. Examples: birch and niaouli.
• Alcohols also kill bacterial and viral infections and are skin toners. Examples: clary sage, geranium, neroli, patchouli, peppermint, rose, and sandalwood.
• Aldehydes reduce inflammation and kill bacterial infections. Examples: cinnamon, lemongrass, melissa, and many citrus oils.
• Coumarins thin the blood and are calming and uplifting. Examples: angelica and bergamot.
• Esters soothe muscle spasms and irritated skin and kill fungal infections. Examples: bergamot, geranium, lavender, Roman chamomile, and ylang ylang.
• Hydrocarbons (such as terpenes) reduce bacterial infections, inflammation, and intestinal gas, and are often mentally simulating. Examples: cypress, German chamomile, ginger, lemon, pine, and sandalwood.
• Ketones promote wound healing. Examples: caraway, rosemary, and sage.
• Phenols are antibacterial and stimulate blood flow. Examples: basil, clove, and oregano.

After giving you some safety guidelines, the rest of this article will look at possible uses for essential oils. This information is for educational purposes only; consult a healthcare professional as appropriate.

ecause essential oils can be powerful, it's important to follow some essential oil safety guidelines:

• Always read and follow all label warnings and cautions.
• Keep oils tightly closed and out of the reach of children.
• Skin test oils before using. If redness, burning, itching, or irritation occurs, stop using the essential oil immediately.
• Keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes. If essential oil gets into your eyes, flush with carrier oil immediately.
• Consult a professional before using any essential oil while pregnant.
• Angelica and all citrus oils make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light. Do not go out into the sun with these oils on your skin.
• If you have a medical condition, certain oils may be inappropriate. Get professional advice.
• Don't buy perfume oils thinking they are the same thing as essential oils. Perfume oils do not offer the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
• Be selective of where you purchase your essential oils. The quality of essential oils varies widely from company to company. This is the source I use for my essential oils.

  
  

For direct use on skin, the standard recommendation is to always dilute essential oils in a "base" oil, although some oils can be used undiluted (neat) if you are not sensitive to them. Base oils include almond, walnut, and grapeseed, but any good quality vegetable oil works fine.

Self-massage: To blend a massage oil, add about 10 drops of essential oil to an ounce of base oil or lotion. Click here for more aromatherapy massage recipes.

Baths: Add about 10 drops of (nonirritating) oil to a tub of warm water, and soak.

Compresses: Soak a clean towel in a sink of very warm water to which you have added 5-10 drops of a blend of essential oils. Wring out the towel and apply it to your sore body part. Resoak the towel when it cools and use for a total time of 20-30 minutes.

Diffusion: Use a diffuser or nebulizer to diffuse essential oils into the air.

Here are just a few ways to use therapeutic essential oils:

• Sniff peppermint oil for nausea.
• Sniff lavender or peppermint oil for headaches.
• Massage menstrual cramps with clary sage diluted in a carrier oil.
• Gently massage varicose veins with a massage oil containing cypress.
• Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your shampoo to help dandruff problems.
• For wrinkles, massage your face nightly with a few drops of frankincense oil diluted in sweet almond oil or rosehip seed oil.
• For depression, diffuse jasmine or rose in the air.
• Dab tea tree oil on acne pimples, cuts, scrapes, and headlice.
• When you have a cold or flu, put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a cloth by your pillow at night to help your breathing.
• Use cold compresses with a few drops of essential oil for headaches and swelling.

You can also use essential oils to make non-toxic cleaning products for your home:

• To make an all-purpose cleaning spray, mix 2 parts filtered or distilled water with 1 part white vinegar and about 10 drops of lavender essential oil. (Use distilled or filtered water because the chlorine in tap water will deteriorate essential oils.)
• To make a scouring gel, mix 2 parts natural dish soap with 1 part baking soda and several drops essential oil of your choice. Place all ingredients in a squeeze bottle and shake.

Another use for essential oil is as a bug repellent. Use citronella, lavender, or peppermint. Sprinkle a few drops of essential oil onto tissues or cotton balls and place near your doorways and windows to help repel insects. Be cautious, as some oils may not be suitable for use around pets. Do not apply the oil directly to fragile surfaces.

Skin care is another use for essential oils. Visit my Using Essential Oils for Skin Care hub.

For pets, essential oils can help keep ticks and fleas off your dog or cat for less than commercial chemicals. You can try these oils: peppermint, citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, geranium, bay, and myrrh.

For pets, essential oils can help keep ticks and fleas off your dog or cat for less than commercial chemicals. Learn more with Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals: A Comprehensive Guide to the Use of Essential Oils and Hydrosols With Animals.

Click here for more information about Young Living essential oils.