(Note: the following guidelines apply only to doTERRA oils. Because many other essential oils are not as pure, it could be dangerous to use them as suggested below.)
Aromatic application involves inhaling either a fine mist of essential oil or a vapor. Inhalation of the oil can be a powerful way to affect memory, hormones, sinuses, larynx, bronchial tubes, lungs, and emotions. There are several methods for using essential oils aromatically.
Diffusion
A cool-air nebulizing diffuser uses room-temperature air to break the oils into a micro-fine mist that is then dispersed into the air, covering hundreds of square feet in seconds. An ultrasonic nebulizer uses ultrasonic vibrations to convert oil mixed with water into a fine water vapor. When diffused, the essential oils, with their oxygenating molecules, will then remain suspended for several hours to freshen and improve the quality of the air. The cleansing, antibacterial, and purifying properties of certain oils will kill bacterial and help to reduce fungus and mold
Other diffusers may use either cool air blown through a pad containing the oil or a low level of heat to quickly evaporate the volatile oil molecules into the air. This type of diffusion is beneficial but may not be as effective for some therapeutic uses as nebulizing the whole oil can be.
Diffusers that use an intense heat source (such as a light bulb or a candle) may alter the chemical makeup of the oil and its therapeutic qualities and are typically not recommended.
The greatest therapeutic benefit is received by diffusing oils for only 15 minutes every hour so that the olfactory system has time to recover before receiving more oils. DoTERRA’s Aroma Ace diffuser offers this feature. I have one Aroma Ace and can definitely say that it is the strongest of any diffuser I have experienced.
I have two Aroma Lite Diffusers. I like them because they’re less expensive than the Aroma Ace, can be set to diffuse for 4 or 8 hours, and the light can be set at bright, low, or off. I usually put 3 drops of an oil and set it diffuse for 8 hours… which covers the majority of the day or all night.
Direct Inhalation
This is the simplest method. Simply hold an opened essential oil bottle close to your nose and inhale. You may also add 1-2 drops on your hands, cup your hands over your mouth and nose, and inhale. When I apply oils to myself and have some oil remaining on my hands, I always cup my hands over my mouth and nose to inhale. I do this for my children too. Why waste what’s left?
Cloth or Tissue
Put 1-3 drops of an essential oil on a paper towel, tissue, cotton ball, handkerchief, towel, or pillowcase. Hold it close to your nose and inhale. When my daughters have difficulty falling asleep, I like to put Lavender or Serenity on their pillows. When I have cranky kids in the car, I like to put 2 drops of Elevation or Citrus Bliss on a tissue and stuff it part way into the air vent. The car quickly fills with the joyful aroma and my kids’ attitudes improve! It definitely is a magical potion. 😉
Nasal Inhaler
You can buy a handy little tool called a nasal inhaler. It comes empty and you fill it with your essential oil of choice. We have used a nasal inhaler very successfully for my husband’s asthma.
Diffuser Necklace
You can wear a diffuser necklace. You would just drop some of your favorite essential oil on the absorbent pad inside the pendant and it will naturally diffuse throughout the day. I have this one:
Hot Water Vapor
Put 1-3 drops of essential oil in hot water (not boiling water) and inhale. This can be beneficial for sinus infections, colds and congestion, any respiratory illness, ect.
Vaporizer or Humidifier
Simply put oil in a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier. Just be careful… citrus oils can disintegrate plastic over time.
Fan or Vent
Put essential oil on a cotton ball and attach it to a fan or air vent. This can work well in a car since the area is so small.
Perfume or Cologne
Wearing the oils as perfume or cologne can provide emotional and physical support as well as a pleasant fragrance. The simplest method is to apply 1-2 drops of oil to the wrists or neck. You can also create a simple perfume by dissolving 10-15 drops of oil in 20 drops of alcohol (such as vodka or perfumer’s alcohol) and 1 teaspoon of distilled water. It is best to use a glass bottle as some essential oils can dissolve plastic.
To learn more about essential oils, you can read my previous posts What are Essential Oils?, Why DoTERRA?, and Using Essential Oils Topically. To continue in my Essential Oils 101 series, read the next post Using Essential Oils Internally.
To buy doTERRA essential oils, visit here. If you want to learn about the option to buy wholesale, check out this post. Make sure you check out the current promo before you place an order! And, read about the Loyalty Rewards Program here. It is awesome!