Essential oils are generally absorbed into the body in one of two ways: either through the
pores of the skin into the bloodstream during massage or through the nasal cavities during
inhalation.

In the previous section we discussed how inhalation goes thru the olfactory system into
the brain, sending chemical messages traveling via the nervous system, to give
instructions to the rest of the body. A small amount of the inhaled oil passes into the
lungs and takes part in the gaseous exchange between the air sacs of the lungs and the
capillaries of the bloodstream and enters the circulatory system.

Minute essential oil molecules can easily penetrate the skin's layers. Once in the dermis
(the layer of skin that gives it it's elasticity), they can enter the blood vessels and be
transported around the body via the circulatory system.

Essential oils are rarely used straight, undiluted on the skin, due to them being so highly
concentrated. They should always be diluted. The only essential oils that can be used
"neat" (applied without dilution right on the skin) are lavender and tea tree oil. Even then,
test a small area of your skin first in case of any allergic reaction.

There are several ways you can dilute the essential oils. Carrier oils are very common for
massage applications. Carrier oils are vegetable, nut
or seed oils such as avocado, wheat germ, sweet
almond, jojoba or grape seed oil. Use good quality
oils stored out of the heat, and be careful to not let
them go rancid. Experiment with different carrier oils
to find the ones you like best. Vitamin E oil added
to the carrier oils can help preserve them. Jojoba
oil does not become rancid as quickly as some of
the others, as it is a liquid wax that solidifies when
allowed to cool.

Once diluted in a carrier oil, add essential oils a drop at a time, depending on the amount
of carrier oil, to obtain the desired scent. Remember, as the oils blend and sit, the scent
will become more prominent, so don't add too much too soon of the essential oil or blend
of oils.

Another way to use essential oils is in the bath. You can fill a tub of full of water, then add
your essential oils - up to 15 drops per tubful. Experiment with different blends. Some of
my favorites are: Lavender/rose geranium/ylang-ylang or just lemon for a quick pick-me-
up, or lavender and peppermint for a hot summer evening. (Caution should be used when
using peppermint in the tub - only use one drop as it can be caustic to your skin). You
can also take a cup of milk, add about 12 drops of essential oils and pour this into your
tub full of water - you'll enjoy the silky softness of the milk bath and feel like Cleopatra!!

I make bath salts using sea salt and essential oils that can also be added to the bath - it
all depends on what you like!

Some methods of using essential oils in aromatherapy are:

Precautions:
Essential oils are safe, enjoyable, and therapeutic when diluted and used properly.
However, exercise caution. Do not take internally unless supervised by and experienced
and qualified practitioner. Never apply undiluted oils directly to the skin, unless you are
certain they are completely non-toxic. Avoid rosemary and scotch-pine oil if you have high
blood pressure.

Babies and children:
Treat essential oils as you would medicines and keep them well out
of children's reach. Mandarin, lavender and Roman chamomile can be used in a vaporizer
for the benefit of babies, but should not be diluted on the skin until the child is at least a
year old. Children are very sensitive to the properties of essential oils and the dosage has
to be much smaller - one drop of essential oil to 2 tsp of sweet almond oil for a massage,
but do a patch test first.

Pregnancy:
Oils such as mandarin and rose are perfectly safe to use externally during
pregnancy, but are generally used in low dilution (five drops essential oil per 4 tsp. Carrier
oil). Many oils regulate the menstrual cycle and must be avoided in pregnancy - thyme,
clary sage, and rosemary in particular. If in doubt, do not use.

Sun exposure:
Do not use any of the citrus oils when you are going to be in the sun. Bergamot, lemon,
orange, etc. can increase the skin pigmentation in some people, also their sensitivity to
the sun.