Making the best use of essential oils starts with the bottle you select off the shop shelf. Make sure you are buying pure plant-derived essences as opposed to artificially created compounds by checking the label; choose oils that state “pure essential oil” as opposed to “essential fragrance” or “botanical perfume”.

Most essential oils cannot be applied directly to the skin. So, you will need to purchase a vegetable, nut or seed carrier oil such as sweet almond, evening primrose oil or avocado to dilute the essential essence before using it.

In general, use about 15 drops of essential to one fluid ounce of carrier oil. This amount will vary according to the oil’s potency, how the oil will be used and whom it will be used upon. For the sensitive skin of infants, children and the elderly, essential oils must be significantly diluted. If in doubt, check with a qualified aromatherapist.

Soothing baths

Settling into the bath becomes even more relaxing when essential oils are added. The following tips will get you started on your therapeutic daily dip:

Choose a time for your bath when you can relax and won’t be interrupted.

• Switch off your phone and ask your partner or childminder to look after the children to ensure that you can have a quiet, undisturbed bath.

• Select your favourite essential oil, or a combination that addresses your particular needs. For example, if you are having trouble sleeping, a soothing mix of lavender, camomile and neroli oil added to your bath can help alleviate insomnia.

• Blend two drops of each essential oil into one teaspoon of carrier oil.

• Run the bath at a temperature that is warm to the touch but not uncomfortably hot.

• Once the tub is full, settle in and only then mix the essential oils into the water. This will help prevent evaporation.

• Don’t be tempted to scrub up with soaps and shampoos. The only thing you should do in the tub is soak up the therapeutic essences.

• Stay in the water for at least twenty minutes in order to allow time for the oils to absorb into your system.

Healing compresses

A compress infused with essential oils can be used to treat a variety of aches and pains. The compress will be hot or cold depending on the condition. For example, while cold, aromatic compresses can help relieve the pain and swelling caused by sprains and bumps, hot compresses can provide effective relief from menstrual pains, abdominal cramps or indigestion.

To get started, you will need a clean piece of linen or cotton towel, a bowl of either cold or steaming water and the appropriate essential oil. Once you have gathered these basic items, prepare your compress:

Immerse the cloth in the water and wring it out;

• Add several drops of your chosen essential oil to the bowl. You will notice that the oil floats on the surface of the water.
• Fold the cloth into a shape that will easily fit across the affected area and carefully touch the surface of the cloth to the water to collect the droplets of essential oil.
• Place the cloth onto the appropriate surface of the skin and leave it there for a minimum of 15 minutes.
• Replace the compress as necessary.

Calming inhalations

One of the easiest and quickest ways to benefit from essential oils is to simply open up a bottle of a particular essence and inhale deeply. For conditions such as stress, breathing in lavender essence can provide immediate calm.

Steam inhalations infused with eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils are a particularly effective treatment for respiratory ailments, coughs, colds, sinus problems and headaches. Simply place a few drops of essential oil into a bowl of boiled water, cover your head and the sides of the bowl with a towel and breathe in deeply through your nose for between 10 and 15 minutes.

Even if your sinuses are so congested that you cannot smell the essential oil, continue to try to breathe in the hot steam to allow time for the essential oil to relieve your condition.

Revitalising diffusers and vaporisers

Use an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporiser to allow the scent of an essential oil to penetrate a room. Lavender oil in a diffuser is believed to be so effective in preventing the spread of colds and other viral infections that certain hospitals have begun to use them in patient wards.

In the early 1990s, the UK’s Royal Shrewsbury Hospital used essential oils to help relax coronary care patients in ICU. In the Old Manor Hospital in Salisbury, lavender essential oil was used with success to replace insomnia medication.

Ceramic diffusers typically are shaped to hold a nightlight under a saucer. Fill the saucer with water, pour a few drops of essential oil into it and light the candle. Never leave a lighted flame unattended.

Vaporisers are specially designed glass containers that are attached to an electric pump that blows cold air combined and the scent of essential oils throughout the room. Some models have special glass attachments to allow for steam inhalations.

Contraindications

Many essential oils can irritate the skin and cause serious damage if used inappropriately. Always consult a qualified aromatherapist for general instructions before using any essential oil, particularly if you are pregnant, as some oils are not suitable for use during pregnancy or if you suffer from an existing medical condition.