Essential Oil Application: Aromatic

“Aromatic application involves inhaling either a fine mist of the oil or a vapor of volatile aromatic components that have evaporated from the oil. Inhalation of the oil, or the aroma from the oil, can be a powerful way to affect memory, hormones, and emotions through the olfactory system. Inhalation of oils can also be a quick and effective way to affect the sinuses, larynx, bronchial tubes, and lungs” (Modern Essentials, 7th Edition, p. 60).

Diffusion

The easiest way to spread essential oils throughout a room is with the aid of a diffuser. When diffused, essential oils have been found to reduce the amount of airborne chemicals and to help create greater physical and emotional harmony. Only 15 minutes of diffusion every hour can provide the greatest therapeutic benefit, because the olfactory system needs a little time to recover before receiving more oils. The easiest way to do this is by using a timer that can be set to turn the diffuser on in 15-minute increments over a 24-hour period. Click here to learn more about the different types of diffusers.

If you are unsure about what oils to start diffusing, we have created various diffuser blends that you can try in your diffuser.

Direct Inhalation

Direct inhalation is the simplest way to inhale the aroma of an essential oil in order to affect moods and emotions. Simply hold an opened essential oil vial close to the face, and inhale. You can also apply 1–2 drops of oil on your hands, cup your hands over your mouth and nose, and inhale. Or place a couple drops of essential oil on a paper towel, tissue, cotton ball, handkerchief, towel, or pillow case; hold close to your face and inhale for similar results. A nasal inhaler can be a useful tool to carry around with you to use whenever you need to inhale a little oil.

Hot Water Vapor

Though heat may reduce some of the benefits of essential oils, you can create a hot water diffuser by putting 1–3 drops of an essential oil into hot water and inhaling the vapor.

Vaporizer or Humidifier

A vaporizer or humidifier can also be turned into an essential oil diffuser. Keep in mind that the cool mist types are best since heat reduces some of the benefits of the oils. There are some commercially available diffusers that utilize ultrasonic vibration to vaporize water into a cool mist. These work well with essential oils since they produce a very fine mist that helps suspend the oil particles in the air for extended periods of time.

Fan or Vent

You can also use a fan or vent to spread the aroma of an essential oil throughout a small space. Simply put a few drops of oil on a cotton ball, and attach it to ceiling fans or air vents. This works especially well in a vehicle. Check out our Car Charms Diffuser or Clothespin Air Freshener for a simple, cute air freshener that you can make yourself.

Perfume

Wearing the oils as a perfume or cologne can provide some wonderful emotional and physical support—not just a beautiful fragrance. A simple way to use essential oils this way is to apply 1–2 drops to the wrists or neck. This solid perfume locket is not only a fashionable accessory that can provide a wonderful aroma, but the solid perfume can also be applied to the wrists or neck as needed throughout the day. AromaTools offers a variety of essential oil diffuser jewelry that can be used to provide a personal aroma.

Roll-on Perfume or Cologne

Time: 5 minutes active | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients & supplies:

• 20 drops vodka or perfumer’s alcohol
• 15 drops desired essential oil or oil blend
• 1 tsp. distilled water
• 1/6 oz. or 5 ml roll-on bottle

Instructions:

1. Place the alcohol and essential oil in the roll-on bottle. (Use a funnel if needed to avoid spills.) Swirl the bottle and allow to sit for a couple minutes.
2. After the alcohol and essential oils have combined, add the distilled water until the bottle is filled.
3. To use, simply roll the perfume or cologne on wrists or neck. Reapply as needed.

If you want to try creating your own essential oil perfume blend, Modern Essentials contains information about blending essential oils (pp. 62–63). Also, each page in the Single Oils section contains a small section about the other oils each oil blends well with.

Want to learn more about aromatic application of essential oils? See Modern Essentials for more information on aromatic use of specific oils and more.

Source: Modern Essentials, 7th Edition, pp. 60–63.

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