Usage Guidelines

USING ESSENTIAL OILS LISTED IN THIS GUIDE

Suggestions for oral and internal uses of essential oils are based on my experience as a practicing aromatherapist as well as that of my family, friends, and clients. They are provided in order to offer choices and information for all types of therapeutic essential oil usage.

Internal use of essential oils is a choice that each individual must make for himself or herself. The oils listed for each condition are those that I (or someone I know) have used to remedy that condition, or those which are commonly recommended for the condition by other essential oil experts.

Some conditions are beyond the scope of treatment offered through using essential oils alone. In these cases, essential oil therapy provides a strong compliment to other forms of treatment. Please use common sense and see a health care provider when necessary. Recipes for DiamondHeart blends (marked as DH) are described on page 52.

Dilution rates and proper dosage, as well as essential oil quality and purity, are very important for therapeutic use. If you are not getting good results, chances are you are using low quality oils or too strong of a dilution. With essential oils, please remember that “more” is not “better”. Many people tend to think that they need a larger amount of essential oil than they actually do. The best results will come from using well-diluted essential oils for most conditions. Each drop of oil is equivalent to 30 to 75 cups of herbal tea. Many are effective even at a 1,000 to one dilution!


INTERNAL APPLICATIONS

Oral usage, short term: This application is best used for the following conditions:

  • Immune system support-for prevention when exposed to disease
  • Infections-respiratory, urinary, digestive, viral, fungal, bacterial
  • Indigestion-for immediate one dose treatment
  • Short, intense cleansing and detoxification programs, particularly heavy metals and radiation
  • Shock prevention from trauma or injury

Dosage: Use 4% dilution in a vegetable oil carrier for gelatin capsules OR 1 to 3 drops essential oil in each capsule. Take 2 to 4 capsules daily for 4 to 7 days.

Possible effects: Always check toxicology information on oils-some are toxic when taken internally. Generally, do not use essential oils over long periods of time at these dosages. (There are some exceptions.)

 
Oral usage, homeopathic dosage: This application is best used for the following conditions:

  • Gradual immune system support
  • Gradual strengthening or rebuilding of the whole body
  • Thyroid and endocrine balance
  • Hormone balance or menopausal symptoms
  • Long term cleansing programs
  • Emotional, spiritual and energetic balance
     

Semi-homeopathic dosage, strong level: Blend 1 drop essential oil with 1 oz. distilled or purified water. Formula must be shaken with every dose, as oil and water will separate. Take 1 drop up to 1/2 teaspoonful 2-3 times daily.
 

Homeopathic dosage: For a stronger energetic action and less physical effect, take 10 drops of semi-homeopathic level dosage above, add it to 1 oz. of water and shake well. Take 10 drops 2-3 times daily. At this dilution level, toxic effects of the oils have been eliminated. They may be used indefinitely without concern of harmful effects. Even oils that normally should not be used internally may usually be used at these dilutions.
Alternative: Add 1 drop essential oil to 16 oz. water. Take 1 tablespoonful 2-3 times daily.

 
Suppositories, vaginal: This application is best used for the following conditions:

  • Vaginal infection, candida, etc.
  • Fibroid tumors, uterine and ovarian conditions
  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Hormone imbalances, painful menstruation, PMS and related conditions

 

Suppositories, rectal: This application is best used for the following conditions:

  • Prostate infection or congestion
  • Cystitis, kidney or bladder infection
  • Colon or rectum infection or inflammation, other digestive disturbances
  • Candida infection
  • Detoxification and cleansing programs
  • Immune system boost or convalescence

Dosage for suppositories: Fill a gelatin capsule with 4% dilution of essential oil in vegetable oil carrier OR add 1-3 drops essential oil to a gelatin capsule with vegetable oil. Insert suppository before going to bed at night. Use for 4 to 10 days as necessary. If you intend to use the oils for longer time periods, check the toxicology information and take a 3-4 day break between treatments. Another alternative for vaginal suppositories is to place several drops of essential oil on a tampon and insert it overnight.

Possible effects: Some very sensitive individuals will experience an internal burning sensation from stronger oils such as thyme, oregano, etc. These oils can be very effective against certain kinds of infection. My advice is to try the less irritating oils at first; lavender, tea tree, naiouli, rosalina, etc. If stronger oils are needed, the individual must decide if they wish to use them knowing that there may be some discomfort when first applied.

 

EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS

Topical application: Use oils alone or with massage for the following conditions:

  • Stress reduction/relaxation
  • Adhesions, myofascial conditions
  • Athletic injuries
  • Circulatory conditions
  • Lymphatic drainage

Apply a compress for the following conditions:

  • Bruises, swellings, strains, sprains, injuries
  • Inflammation or imbalance in organ such as liver, kidneys, colon, etc.
  • Varicose veins
  • Deep muscular or bone pain, or neuralgia
  • Headache or migraine
  • Skin conditions

Apply diluted oils to the local area. Cover with a wet cloth and hot water bottle. Cover again with a dry towel and allow the compress to sit for 10 or 20 minutes. (If injury is very recent or has lots of swelling, it is better to use an ice pack in place of heat. For migraines, use cold water.)

 
Apply a spinal compress for the following conditions:

  • Immune disorders
  • Viral and bacterial infections
  • Degenerative disease
  • Nervous system and energy field imbalances
  • Structural/spinal disorders
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Convalescence-systems support
  • Fever reduction
  • Back pain and other pain conditions
  • Detoxification
  • Stress reduction, relaxation treatment

Drop the diluted oils onto the spine. Lightly spread oils over the whole spine and large muscles of the back. Cover with a warm, wet cloth and hot water bottles or other heat source. Cover again with a dry towel and allow the compress to sit for 10 to 20 minutes. Person receiving the treatment should lie comfortably while oils are working. Remove the compress as it begins to feel cool.


Inhalation Therapy: This application is used for the following conditions:

  • Respiratory conditions and infections
  • Prevention and immune system stimulation
  • Emotional, energetic, and spiritual clearing and balancing
  • Sore throat, snoring, sinus infections, headaches, appetite suppression

When using an aromatherapy diffuser, use only pure undiluted oils (Some exceptions apply with very thick oils such as amyris or myrrh which must be diluted with grain alcohol). Inhale oils for 5 minutes three or more times daily.

Alternatively, place a few drops of oil on a cotton ball, hold it up to nostrils and inhale deeply. Store in a Ziploc baggie and potency will remain high for hours to several days. (Or use inhaler blanks).

Sore throats can be treated with a spray of 8 drops cypress or clove blended with 4-6 drops orange, a small amount of raw cane sugar or stevia extract, and 1 oz. water. Spray into the throat and inhale every few minutes until pain goes away.