How to Use Essential Oils

Co-authored by Julie Brow-Polanco

Last Updated: February 22, 2024 Approved

Essential oils are the distilled, pure essences extracted from the fruit, peel, twigs, leaves, or flowers of a plant. They are used in aromatherapy to promote emotional and physical well-being. Essential oils can be applied to the body using carriers such as water or base oils, inhaled using diffusers, or combined with other ingredients to create sprays. Keep reading to learn how to use essential oils.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Choosing Essential Oils

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Consider the quality of essential oils before you purchase. Since you will be using essential oils on your body and around your home, it is in your best interest to select high quality essential oils. There is no standard of quality that all essential oil companies must abide by, so you will have to consider several things before you buy an essential oil.
- Have you heard of the company and/or used their products before? Only purchase essential oils from reputable companies.
- Is the price of the essential oil comparable to other similar products or much cheaper? Be wary of cheap essential oils because they may not be pure.
- Does the bottle list the Latin name for the plants used to make the essential oil and/or the country of origin? These details indicate that the company caters to knowledgeable consumers and is therefore more trustworthy.
- Does the packaging have a statement about purity? Look for products that contain 100% essential oil and steer clear of ones that contain less or that do not provide a percentage.
- How does the product smell? If the product does not smell like you expect it to smell, then it might not be a quality product.
- Does the packaging include a statement about organic growing practices or “wildcrafting”? If not, then the plants used to make the oil may have been mass produced and/or sprayed with pesticides, so you may want to avoid these products.^{[1]
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Consider the essential oil’s chemotype before purchasing. Some essential oil producers offer multiple types of the same essential oil. These different types, or chemotypes, feature slight variations in the scent because of the climate, soil, environment, and other factors. The benefit of choosing a specific chemotype of an essential oil is that you can customize your dilutions.
- For example, basil has two primary chemotypes: sweet basil oil and Reunion basil oil. Sweet basil oil has a sweeter aroma while Reunion basil oil has more of a woody aroma.
Essential oils degrade more quickly when exposed to light and heat. Make sure that the product you purchase is packaged in a dark (usually brown) glass container and that it is well sealed. Avoid purchasing essential oils that have been opened or that appear to have been exposed to lots of sun or heat.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Diluting Essential Oils for Topical Application

Some essential oils may make you sick or may even be fatal when ingested, so you should not eat or drink any essential oils. You can apply the oils to your skin safely, but most oils need to be diluted first.^{[3]
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Essential oils can be applied along with a carrier oil, diluted in water to use as a spray, or mixed with other agents such as bath salts. Identify the way that you plan to use the essential oil before you decide how to dilute it.
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Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil if you plan to apply it to the skin.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Julie Brow-Polanco
Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist

Expert Interview. 12 April 2022.} Sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil all work well as carriers for essential oils. These carrier oils do not have a strong smell of their own so they will not overpower or conflict with the essential oils. You can also use water as a carrier. Before you prepare you essential oil solution, make sure that you consider how you plan to use it.
- For an essential oil solution that will be applied to a concentrated area of an adult’s body, prepare a 3-5% solution. Add 3-5 drops of essential oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil or water that you use. This dilution is ideal for applying a small amount of essential oil to your temples or wrists.
- For an essential oil solution that will be applied to a large area of an adult’s body, prepare a 1% solution. Add 1 drop of essential oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil or water that you use. This dilution is ideal for massage oil mixtures and body sprays.
- If you plan to use essential oil on a baby, you should prepare a much weaker solution of 0.25%. To prepare a 0.25% solution, add one drop of essential oil to every 4 teaspoons of carrier oil or water.^{[5]
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- To use essential oils in the bath, add 3-5 drops to your bath salts or to a teaspoon of carrier oil. Then add the mixture to your bathwater. Mixing essential oils with a carrier before adding them to the bathwater will help prevent direct contact of the essential oil with your skin, which may cause irritation.
Some sources argue that you should never apply essential oils to you skin without diluting it in a carrier oil first because of the risk of sensitization and irritation.^{[6]
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Research source}But there have been some studies that have shown that neat applications can be helpful in some cases. For example, one study showed that a twice daily neat application of tea tree oil was effective against fungal infections on nails.^{[7]
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Research source} Therefore, you may want to consult an experienced aromatherapist before deciding to use neat applications of essential oils.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Essential Oils in Natural Remedies

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Relieve headaches with essential oils. Essential oils can be effective in relieving minor headaches. Dilute the oil for use on a concentrated area of the body. Then, apply the blend to the forehead, temples and back of the neck. Massage the oil into your skin using gentle circular motions, while inhaling deeply. The best essential oils for headaches include:
- Lavender
- Peppermint^{[8]
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- Ginger^{[9]
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Treat acne with tea tree oil. Essential oils can be used as an effective treatment for acne and are a good alternative to the harsh chemicals found in many acne creams and prescription drugs. In one study, a 5% tea tree oil gel was found to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide (a common ingredient in over-the-counter and prescription acne creams) in the treatment of acne.^{[10]
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- To create a 5% tea tree oil gel for acne treatment, add 5 drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Mix the oil and aloe well and then apply the gel to acne using your fingertips or a q-tip. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
3
Treat insomnia with lavender, roman chamomile, and clary sage essential oils. Using essential oils will not cure insomnia or its root cause, but using calming and relaxing essential oils before bedtime can help you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep until your intended wake up time. Three of the best essential oils to help with insomnia are lavender - to promote relaxation, Roman chamomile - which is a natural sedative, and clary sage - which contains narcotic properties.^{[11]
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- If you have a vaporizer, add a few drops of lavender, Roman chamomile, or clary sage oil to it before you get into bed.
- Try adding a couple of drops of oil to your bedtime bath, or try massaging a large area dilution into your legs and feet before bed.
- Keep in mind that some essential oils, such as rosemary, cypress, grapefruit, lemon and peppermint, can be particularly energizing and stimulating, so they are best avoided before bedtime.
4
Ease stress with essential oils. Probably the most widespread use of essential oils is to promote emotional well-being by reducing stress and encouraging calmness and relaxation. Essential oils positively affect our emotions because our smell receptors connect to the brain's limbic system - an area responsible for emotions, memory, and sexual arousal.^{[12]
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Research source} The top five essential oils particularly effective for stress relief are:
- Lavender, with its calming, earthy and sweetly floral scent, is widely beloved for the relaxing and balancing effects it provides, on both a physical and emotional level.
- Frankincense essential oil, with its comfortingly warm, exotic aroma, is most widely used for its stress relieving properties.
- Rose is a popular oil for relieving stress, while also helping with depression and grief.
- Chamomile essential oil, especially the Roman variety, addresses stress caused by mental anxiety, as well as helping with paranoia and feelings of hostility.
- Vanilla essential oil is renowned for its therapeutic qualities. Many people find vanilla to be a very comforting smell, and some aromatherapists claim that this is because vanilla oil is closest in fragrance and flavor to mothers' milk. Vanilla induces tranquility and stimulates mental clarity.
Thyme essential oil is the top essential oil used to help with snoring. To use thyme essential oil as a snoring remedy, create a concentrated area dilution (3-5 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil). Rub the oil into the bottoms of both feet before bed.^{[13]
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Research source} Other oils that can be used in place of thyme oil include cedarwood and marjoram.
6
Repel insects with lemon eucalyptus essential oil. Many store-bought insect repellents are full of harsh synthetic chemicals, which smell unpleasant and may irritate your skin. A strong dilution of lemon eucalyptus oil is an excellent (and great smelling) alternative to help keep the bugs at bay.^{[14]
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Research source} You can mix the oil with a base oil and apply it directly to skin, or you can place the oil in a diffuser or burner near an open window.
- To make your own insect repellent, combine 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of carrier oil, 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of witch hazel, and about 50 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil, 10 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of cedarwood oil, and 10 drops of rosemary oil. Combine the ingredients in a small spray bottle and shake the mixture well before applying.^{[15]
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Ease earaches with essential oils. Topical application of some essential oils can help to naturally clear up ear infections and to ease any pain associated with them. The oils should not be applied inside of the ear, but rather applied along the neck and behind the affected ear.
- Tea tree essential oil is one of the best oils for relieving earaches. Create a concentrated area dilution (3-5 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil) and massage behind ears and on the neck.^{[16]
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Ease dizziness with peppermint essential oil. Essential oils can help to relieve symptoms of dizziness associated with vertigo. Peppermint is often lauded as the most effective essential oil when it comes to treating dizziness. It has been commonly used in treating nausea and vertigo as it contains menthol, menthyl esters, and menthone - the components responsible for producing peppermint's cooling and invigorating effect. When dizziness strikes, lace a few drops of peppermint oil onto a cotton ball or handkerchief and inhale. Other oils that help to relieve dizziness include:
- Cypress
- Basil
- Clary sage
- Myrtle
- Lavender
- Ginger
- Rose
- Rosemary
- Tangerine
9
Relieve a sunburn with essential oils. Certain essential oils have been used to treat burns for thousands of years, due to their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. The best essential oils for relieving sunburn include lavender oil, helichrysum oil, rose oil and Australian Blue oil (a blend of several different essential oils). The most effective way to apply the essential oils is to mix them with a little aloe vera gel (1 drop of essential oil per teaspoon of aloe vera gel) and spread directly on the burn.^{[17]
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- You can also make your own sunburn relief spray by combining:
  - 1 cup + 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) Aloe Vera Juice
  - 1/4 cup coconut oil
  - 1 teaspoon vitamin E
  - 8 drops lavender essential oil
  - 8 drops tea tree essential oil
  - 8 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
- Combine all of the ingredients in a glass spray bottle and shake well.
10
Treat minor wounds with essential oils. Lavender, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and several other essential oils can be used to treat minor wounds like cuts, burns or bug bites, thanks to their antibiotic properties. To use essential oils for a minor wound care, clean the wound first. Make sure that the wound is not bleeding. Then, apply a small amount of a 2-3% dilution of essential oil (2-3 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil).^{[18]
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- Apply the oil topically 2-5 times a day until the wound has healed. After application, you can also apply a cold compress to the wound to ease bleeding and swelling and to seal in the oils.
11
Use peppermint essential oil to soothe an upset stomach. You’ve probably heard that peppermint tea can soothe an upset stomach. Likewise, peppermint essential oil can be used to ease nausea and digestive issues. Simply create a large area dilution (3-5 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil) and rub the mixture on your abdomen to ease stomach pain.^{[19]
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- Other oils that can be used in this manner include ginger, nutmeg and spearmint essential oils.
- Applying a warm compress to the stomach after applying the oils may also help to relieve pain and discomfort.
- Most research has found that peppermint oil taken orally is likely to be effective against symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
12
Relieve congestion with eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil can be used to help ease the symptoms of sinus congestion. Eucalyptus oil helps to open up the sinuses and cool the nasal passages. Many people use eucalyptus oil to help combat congestion associated with the common cold and allergies.^{[20]
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- To use eucalyptus oil as a topical decongestant, mix eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil (3-5 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil). Apply a small amount of the mixture under your nose and rub some of the mixture into your chest as well.
- If you suffer from severe congestion, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your humidifier or fragrance diffuser as well.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Essential Oils to Freshen Up Your Home

1
Put a few drops of essential oil in a diffuser to make your home smell nice.^{[21]
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Expert Source

Julie Brow-Polanco
Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist

Expert Interview. 12 April 2022.} Put a few teaspoons of water in the bowl on top of the diffuser. Light the candle under the diffuser and then sprinkle a few drops of your chosen essential oil into the water. The scent of the oil will waft gently around the room.
- You can also use a reed diffuser to disperse the scent of the essential oil.^{[22]
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Light a candle and wait a minute or two to allow a small amount of wax to melt. Blow out the candle and add a couple of drops of essential oil to the melted wax, before carefully relighting the candle. Take care not to drop any oil on the wick as essential oils are highly flammable.
If you don’t have a diffuser or candles handy, you can just fill a small bowl or saucer with boiling water and then add a few drops of essential oil. The steam will waft the aroma of the oil around the room. Just make sure that you place the dish somewhere out of reach of pets and children.
Fill a small spray bottle with 2 ounces of distilled water and 2 ounces of vodka or witch hazel. Then add 30-40 drops of your favorite essential oil (or a blend of two or more oils) and shake well. Spray this essential oil room spray into the air and onto furniture and linens, but take care to avoid polished surfaces.^{[23]
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Sprinkle two drops of essential oil onto the cushions in your living space and your pillows. You will enjoy the aroma of the essential oils every time you sit or lay your head down. If you are worried about damaging the fabric, put the essential oil drops on cotton balls and place them inside the covers of your cushions and pillowcases.
6
Make an essential oil cleaning spray. Since essential oils have antibacterial properties, they can be used to create natural multi-purpose cleaning sprays. You can use these sprays to clean non-porous surfaces such as tile, glass, and plastic. In a spray bottle, combine the following ingredients and shake well.
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar or witch hazel
- 1/2 cup of water
- 15-20 drops of an essential oil of your choice (tea tree, lavender, lemon, and peppermint are good choices)
- a few drops of dish soap (optional)
Cut up an old cotton t-shirt into 5” squares. Every time you dry a load of laundry, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a t-shirt square and toss it into the dryer with your wet clothes. Then run the dryer as usual. Wash the squares after a few uses.^{[24]
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Look for other ways to use essential oils to freshen your home. Essential oils can be used in so many ways. Be on the lookout for ways that you can use them make your home smell great at all times. Here are some possibilities to consider:
- Add essential oils to incense or smudge sticks. Add three drops of essential oil to incense sticks and smudge sticks. Burn the incense as normal.
- Add essential oils to unscented products. Add a couple of drops of essential oil to unscented lotions, soaps and bath foams to enjoy the aroma of your favorite oils as part of your everyday routine.
- Add a few drops of essential oil to your vacuum cleaner bag before turning it on. As you vacuum your house, the oil will disperse through the suction and make your home smell like the essential oil.
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What is the best essential oil for stress relief?

Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.

Ritu Thakur, MA

Natural Health Care Professional

Expert Answer

Essential oils can be excellent stress relievers. Some of the most effective oils used to relieve stress are ylang-ylang, lavender, clary sage, bergamot, and neroli.

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Question

Can I mix essential oils with water?

Julie Brow-Polanco
Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist
Julie Brow-Polanco is a Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist with more than 11 years of experience. She is an expert on natural remedies and specializes in using them to support whole-body wellness, particularly immune, digestive, nervous, and reproductive health. Julie earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Dominican University, a Master Herbalist Certification from The School of Natural Healing, and a Certificate of Aromatherapy from the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy. Julie is a member of the American Herbalist Guild and a Certified Aromatherapist through the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.

Julie Brow-Polanco

Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist

Expert Answer

You can, but it always depends on the oil. For example, tea tree oil doesn't dilute very well in water. Usually, the best option is to dilute in a carrier oil. Some oils also don't need to be diluted, depending on the usage, as is the case for lavender oil when used in bath bombs or soaps.

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What is the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils?

Julie Brow-Polanco
Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist
Julie Brow-Polanco is a Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist with more than 11 years of experience. She is an expert on natural remedies and specializes in using them to support whole-body wellness, particularly immune, digestive, nervous, and reproductive health. Julie earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Dominican University, a Master Herbalist Certification from The School of Natural Healing, and a Certificate of Aromatherapy from the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy. Julie is a member of the American Herbalist Guild and a Certified Aromatherapist through the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.

Julie Brow-Polanco

Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist

Expert Answer

Basically, fragrance oils are synthetically produced, while essential oils are natural. I personally don't recommend using fragrance oils because they can cause a lot of allergies and you'll be breathing in synthetically produced fragrances.

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Tips

If you are interested in learning more about using essential oils and aromatherapy, consider taking a course on the subject. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy has a list of schools that provide quality aromatherapy instruction.

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Warnings

Do not assume that anything labeled as "aromatherapy essential oil" is safe for everything and everyone.

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Some say that putting special oils on your heart will make you happy for eternity, but this is not true. Remember, don't believe everything you read.

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Be cautious when in contact with essential oils, as they are highly flammable and can cause damage to your skin.

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Make sure you take advice from an apothecary or an accredited aromatherapist before using essential oils.

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