10 Ways to Inhale & Absorb the Benefits of Essential Oils

June 02, 2020

René Gattefossé first coined the term ‘aromatherapy’ in the 1920s while studying the powers and properties of essential oils. Gattefossé’s work was put to the test when he accidentally burnt his hand one day in his laboratory. Plunging it into a container of pure lavender oil to cool the burn, he discovered that the burn quickly lost its redness and swiftly began to heal.

Although essential oils are applied externally, they are able to penetrate the body’s organs and systems via the nose and the skin. An essential oil that is inhaled is absorbed into the bloodstream much faster than one absorbed through the skin. The inhaled oil enters the nose, moves to the lung linings and is absorbed into the bloodstream.

There are many ways to inhale or absorb to experience the benefits of Essential Oils. Here’s our top ten:

1. Aromatherapy massage. Essential oils for massage need to be diluted in a carrier oil. This can be an odourless vegetable oil, but those such as almond, apricot kernel, peach or grape seed oils are preferable as these are rich in vitamins A, D and E, which are fat solvable and so more easily absorbed by the skin.
2. Add essential oils to bath water, or to a natural, bland shower gel.
3. Room freshening. Add essences to a plastic plant spray of water for a natural air freshener, or sprinkle potpourri with essential oils.
4. Vapor rising. Use essential oils in burners or add to molten candle wax (take care as essential oils are flammable)
5. Household cleaning. Add essential oils to a plant spray of water to make an effective cleaning spray.
6. Beauty applications. Essential oils in hair and face products rejuvenate the skin.
7. Scented drawer sachets. Make a small cushion and stuff it with lavender sprigs. As the small of the sprig gradually fades, freshen it by adding a few drops of lavender oil. Alternatively, stuff the sachet with cotton wool and add any essential oil you like.
8. Add a drop or two of essence to an electric diffuser. When heated, the oil molecules are released into the atmosphere.
9. Steam inhalation. Add drops of essence to a bowl of hot water, lean over the bowl and place a towel over your head to make a tent of steam. Stay there for five minutes, breathing deeply. Inhalations are good for treating respiratory disorders but should not be used by asthma sufferers.
10. Sleeping aid. Drip a relaxing essence such as lavender on to balls of cotton wool or tissues and place inside your pillowcase at night.

Care notes: Be sure to use essential oils with care. Very few oils can be used in their undiluted form. Always dilute them, unless instructed otherwise. Before using an essential oil, check that it is safe for you to use. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, are receiving medical treatment, taking homeopathic remedies, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have sensitive skin or a skin condition, do not use the oils until you have checked with your medical adviser and a fully trained aromatherapist. Always carry out a patch test first to check that your skin does not react adversely to the oil. Place a diluted drop on the skin and leave it for 24 hours. If there is any adverse reaction such as reddening, scaling or other disturbance of the skin texture, do not use.

Here at Ao Goodness, we only stock organic and pure essential oils and blends. Shop the beautiful range of Essential Oils here.

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