Curious about essential oils? Want to start using essential oils but not sure how? Here are a few simple tips on how to use essential oils.

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I started my essential oil journey about 4 years ago.  I had used a few essential oils previously, but only for things like relaxation and acne spots.  When I finally decided to take the leap and really get into the natural world, that is when my life changed.  

I know for many the thought of using essential oils can be daunting.  There are hundreds of oils on the market, dozens of companies that make them and countless uses.  You also want to make sure you are using them properly, which requires education, time and patience.  

I promise you, though, once you start using essential oils, you will be so happy you did. 

Here are a few things to help answer the question “How do I use essential oils?”

1. What are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated liquids extracted from shrubs, trees, flowers, roots, bushes and seeds.  Most of us have experienced essential oils in some form. Think about the time you smelled a bouquet of lavender, or the oil from a peppermint leaf you get on your fingers.  That smell, that oil, is essential oils working.  Essential oils have been around for thousands of years.  There are 188 references to essential oils in the Bible, the most well-known of these being frankincense and myrrh, 2 of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus at his birth.

2. What can I use essential oils for?

Dang near everything!  Essential oils are so versatile.  One oil can have dozens or even hundreds of uses!  In our home, we use essential oils for cleaning, stain removal, to support every system in our bodies, for skin support and to make our home smell good and cleanse the air.  They are a favorite of ours for emotional support and getting the stink out of boy shoes.  🙂

Essential oils can be applied topically, used aromatically (like in a diffuser), and can be ingested.  If a bottle of essential oil says not for ingestion, don’t do it!  I only recommend you ingest one brand of essential oils.  You can learn more about that brand HERE.  

There are hundreds of DIY recipes out there for using essential oils.  Make sure you check out some of my favorite essential oil hacks..

3. Are there ways I shouldn’t use essential oils?

Yes!  Never put essential oils directly in your eyes or ears.  Essential oils burn in your eyes (trust me, I know), and they could damage your ear canal.  If you ever do get an essential oil in your eye, use a carrier oil (like coconut oil, grapeseed, jojoba oil, etc) around the rim of your eye to help draw the essential oil out.  Do not use water! 

If you need to use essential oils in relation to your ears, put the oil on a cotton ball or swab and rub it around your ear, or gently put the cotton ball in your ear for a few minutes, then remove.  

I also recommend that when you start using essential oils topically, you dilute them with a carrier oil; like coconut oil, grapeseed, jojoba, etc.  These fatty oils help slow the rate at which your skin absorbs the essential.  I especially recommend this for babies and kids.  There are many oils that are not safe for babies or kids under a certain age.  That is why education is so so important.  My team works hard to fully educate people on the proper uses of essential oils.  I’ve seen too many people get hurt by improperly using essential oils. 

4. What brand of essential oils should I use?

This is where it can get tough to make a decision.  I spent over a month researching essential oil companies before I chose who to purchase from (you can read more about my research and why I chose the company I did in my post on essential oil quality). 

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a brand, including where the oil/plant is sourced from, distillation process, their quality control processes and more.  Make sure when you start researching that you carefully look at all the information for that company.  If they aren’t willing to share information with you, it’s probably not the best choice.  

We make our own household cleaner using essential oils. It’s so easy!

5. I got my oils, now how do I learn more about them?

The thing I love about my team is that we are all about education, education, education.  There are many resources out there, including books and websites.  Plus our team of over 3,000 is a wealth of information on how to use essential oils.  Make sure, when you start researching, you are using trusted sources.  My favorite source for educational material is Abundant Health.  They have some fabulous books on everything from basic uses to using oils on babies to oils for pets.  

You will never regret the choice to use essential oils.  It may take time at first, but as you become more familiar and comfortable with them, you will truly see the amazing benefits they provide.