Essential Oil Topical Application Information:

Many essential oils are safe to apply directly to the skin. Lavender is safe to use on children without dilution. However, you must be sure the essential oil you are using is not ‘lavandin’ labeled as Lavender or genetically-altered lavender. When applying most other essential oils on children, dilute them with a carrier oil. For dilution, add 10-25 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of a quality coconut carrier oil.

doTERRA essential oil applied directly to the skin w/ massage

Carrier oils, such as a vegetable mixing oil, extend essential oils and provide more efficient use. When massaging, the vegetable oil helps lubricate the skin. Some excellent carrier oils include cold-pressed grapeseed, olive, wheat germ, and sweet almond oils, or a blend of any of these.

When starting an essential oil application, always apply the oil first to the bottom of the feet. This allows the body to to become acclimated to the oil, minimizing the chance of a reaction.

When applying essential oils to yourself, use 1 – 2 drops of an oil on two to three locations twice a day. Increase to four times a day if needed. Apply the oil and allow it to absorb for 2 – 3 minutes before applying another oil or getting dressed (to avoid staining clothing).

As a general rule, when applying oils to yourself or another person for the first time, do not apply more than two single oils or blends at one time.

When mixing essential oil blends, or diluting essential oils in a carrier oil, it is best to use containers made of glass or earthenware, rather than plastic. Plastic particles can leach into the oil and then into the skin once it is applied.

Before applying essential oils, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

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Massage

Start by applying 2 drops of a single oil or blend on the skin and massaging it in. If you are working a large area, such as the back, mix 1 – 3 drops of the selected essential oil into 1 teaspoon of a pure carrier oil (such as a vegetable mixing oil or massage oil base).

Keep in mind that many massage oils such as olive, almond, or wheat germ oil may stain some fabrics.

Acupuncture

Licensed acupuncturists can dramatically increase the effectiveness of acupuncture by using essential oils. To start, place several drops of essential oil into the palm of your hand. Dip the acupuncture needle tip into the oil before inserting it. You can pre-mix several oils in your hand if you wish to use more than one oil.

Acupressure

When performing acupressure treatment, apply 1 – 3 drops of essential oil to the acupressure point with a finger. Using an auricular probe with a slender point to dispense oil can enhance the application. Start by pressing firmly and then releasing. Avoid applying pressure to any particular pressure point too long. You may continue along the acupressure points and meridians or use the reflexology or Vita Flex points as well. Once you have completed small point stimulation, massage the general area with the oil.

Warm Packs

For deeper penetration of an essential oil, use warm packs after applying oils. Dip a cloth in comfortably warm water. Wring the cloth out and place it on the location. Then cover the cloth loosely with a dry towel or blanket to seal in the heat. Allow the cloth to stand for 15 – 30 minutes. Remove the cloth immediately if there is any discomfort.

Cold Packs

Apply essential oils on the location, followed by cold water or ice packs when treating inflamed or swollen tissues. Frozen packages of peas or corn make excellent ice packs that will mold to the contours of the body and will not leak. Keep the cold pack on until the swelling diminishes. For neurological problems, always use cold packs, never hot ones.

Layering

This technique consists of applying multiple oils one at a time. For example, place Marjoram over a sore muscle, massage it into the tissue gently until the area is dry, and then apply a second essential oil, such as peppermint, until it is absorbed and the skin is dry. Then, layer on the third essential oil, such as Basil, and continue massaging.

Note: some essential oils such as Marjoram, Oregano, Clove, Thyme and Cinnamon, can feel hot to the skin – in such a case be sure to use or at least have a “carrier oil” on hand to lessen the heat feeling – never try to dilute an essential oil with water!

Creating a Compress

- Rub 1 – 3 drops on the location, diluted or neat, depending on the essential oil used and the skin sensitivity at that location.
- Cover the location with a hot damp towel.
- Cover the moist towel with a dry towel for 10 – 30 minutes, depending on the individual need.

As the essential oil penetrates the skin, you may experience a warming or even burning sensation, especially in areas where the greatest benefits occur. If the burning becomes uncomfortable, apply a massage oil, vegetable mixing oil, or any pure vegetable oil such as olive or almond, on the location.

A second type of application is very mild and is suitable for children, or those with sensitive skin.
- Place 5 – 15 drops of an essential oil into a basin filled with with warm water.
- Water temperature should be approximately 100*F (38*C) unless the person suffers neurological conditions; in this case, use cool water.
- Vigorously agitate the water and let stand for 1 minute.
- Place a dry face cloth on top of the water to soak up essential oils that have floated to the surface.
- Wring out the cloth and apply the cloth on the location. To seal in the warmth, cover the location with a thick towel for 15 – 30 minutes.

Bath

Adding essential oils to bath water is challenging because essential oils do not mix with water. For even dispersion, mix 5 – 10 drops of essential oil in 1/4 cup of Epsom Salts and then add this mixture under a running faucet. This method will help the essential oils disperse in the bath evenly and prevent stronger essential oils from stinging the skin.

Shower

Essential oils can be added to Epsom salts and used in the shower. There are special shower heads containing an attached receptacle that is filled with the essential oil/Espom Salts mixture. This allows essential oils to not only make contact with the skin, but also diffuses the fragrance of the oils into the air. The shower head receptacle can hold approximately 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of bath salts.

Start by adding 5 – 10 drops of essential oil to 1/4 cup of bath salt. Fill the shower head receptacle with the oil/salt mixture. Make sure neither oils nor salts come in contact with the plastic seal on top of the receptacle. This should provide enough salt material for about 2 – 3 showers. Some shower heads have a bypass feature that allows the user to switch from aromatic salt water to regular tap water.

How to Enhance the Benefits of Topical Application

The longer the essential oils stay in contact with the skin, the more likely they are to be absorbed. A high quality chemical and synthetic-free lotion may be layered on top of the essential oils to reduce evaporation of the oils and enhance penetration. This may also seal and protect cuts and wounds. Do not use ointments or vegetable oils on burns until they are at least three days old.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: The information on this website is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or substitute for professional medical assistance. It is provided as information only for your better understanding of holistic health. In case of medical need, please consult an appropriate licensed professional.