One of the most common questions we hear is, “So how do I use essential oils?” This question can get pretty tricky simply because there isn’t just one tried and true answer for how you can use essential oils, but there are three different techniques when it comes to using Young Living essential oils that we practice daily in our homes. 

Let’s take a look, shall we?

TOPICALLY: This simply means to directly apply essential oils to your skin. A great rule of thumb is to apply oils to pressure points, allowing them to get to work fast and effectively, but you can also apply them straight to the source of need. We always recommend you dilute your YLEO with a carrier oil – like coconut oil or almond oil – until you know how your body is going to react to the oils. Diluting your oils does not mean you are watering them down. It simply means you are slowing the rate at which they seep into your skin, allowing the carrier oil to slowly “carry” the essential throughout your body. Many essential oils are “hot” oils, meaning they can cause a burning sensation to the skin,  so you’ll always use a carrier oil with them. Thieves, PanAway, Wintergreen, and Peppermint are all examples of hot oils that should always be diluted.

AROMATICALLY: This means to breathe in the essential oils through the use of a diffuser or inhaling them straight from the bottle or once applied to your skin. Your Premium Starter Kit comes with a diffuser of your choice and we feel that using a diffuser is the easiest way to use your oils for your entire family to benefit all at once. You can also put a drop or two in your hands and cup them over your nose and mouth and breathe deeply when diffusing isn’t an option or you’re on the go.  We have even seen people drop a few drops of essential oils on a cotton ball and stick it into the vents of their car! Genius, really. Or if you want to get super fancy, you can purchase a car diffuser and never miss an opportunity to inhale the sweet aromas of essential oils. 

INTERNALLY: Which simply means to ingest your essential oils. You can do this by adding them in with food or drink, or by filling a vegetable capsule with your desired blends. Some people are very comfortable with ingesting oils and others are not, which is totally understandable. This is a personal choice and we don’t judge you based on your decision. Please be aware that not all oils are intended for internal use, so be sure to refer to the label of each oil for proper usage instructions. “Vitality” essential oils are part of Young Living’s dietary oils line and are Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS), meaning they are able to be ingested if you choose to do so.

So can all of Young Living’s oils be used all three ways? As we mentioned above, no. Certain oils are not recommended for internal use if you make the choice to use oils as a dietary supplement. The label on each oil bottle contains the recommended usage and you can also find more specific usage information on each of the oil product pages on Young Living’s website HERE. Always be sure to check this information before getting started with a new oil and cheers to using (and loving) your essential oils!