how can i use essential oils?

[spooky]

i'm stilll not really clear. what will denature them? can i put them in vinegar to make my cleaning solution smell more pleasant? what about my leave in conditioner?

[inkywitch]

You can use essential oils (depend on the oils, some aren't good for certain things, or whilst pregnant, or certain allergies etc) in just about anything. Definitely in your conditioner. I used them in my cleaning products... however mine are 'natural' products, so I'm not sure if they go well in normal chemical bases cleaners...

Eucalyptus oil, vinegar and metho is good to clean mold though (much better and breathable than those awful store products like Mould OFF), and I know it goes in vinegar and methylated spirits fine.

ETA: If you dont already, get a book on essential oils and their uses. You can pick small ones up for cheap. A book will also list when not to use certain oils, and what contraindications can arise).

[Tanya]

1. add them to olive oil for massage oil
2. add to homemade soaps and lotions
3. add to handmade candles
4. dot on your dusting cloth to rub on leather furniture and wood
5. add a few drops to potpuri
6. add a drop or two to the ends of your hair
7. add a drop or 2 inside your shoes
8. leave a rag with a few drops on it under your car seat/in lockers/laundy baskets/ any place that gets smelly

[Brightshores]

Check out www.aromaweb.com (http://www.aromaweb.com); there's lots of useful tips and advice in there.

Safety tip: most aromatherapists suggest that if you're going to use most oils on bare skin (except tea tree and lavender) that you dilute the oils first in a base oil to avoid skin irritation. The general recommended strength is 5%, or 1 drop EO per milliliter of base oil, or 5 drops per teaspoon. Any unscented oil will do, either canola oil or olive oil from the grocery store, or specialized aromatherapy base oils like grapeseed, sweet almond, jojoba, or avocado oils. Diluting the oils in your shampoo or cleaning products is also fine and will do the trick.

I use my oils all the time, every day - some examples:
I have a facial treatment oil I apply in the mornings. (oils will vary depending on your skin type)
I treat headaches with a cold damp washcloth with a few drops of peppermint oil on it. - place washcloth over eyes and forehead and lie down for 15 minutes
I use them in soaps, candles, lotions, massage oils, and cleaning products
I treat colds with diluted eucalyptus, pine, tea tree and/or peppermint.

I agree with inkywitch - definitely pick up a book if you are interested in aromatherapy. Anything by Jeanne Rose or Valerie Ann Worwood is particularly worthwhile. :)

[spooky]

why thank you! i was under the impression that they would become unstable with little provocation. i have been hoarding my oils because i was afraid to waste them. i checked around the pagan home board, and it seems that essential oils will survive in vinegar. yay that! i've started cleaning with it (it's so cheap) but the smell is pretty pungent.


1. add them to olive oil for massage oil
2. add to homemade soaps and lotions
3. add to handmade candles
4. dot on your dusting cloth to rub on leather furniture and wood
5. add a few drops to potpuri
6. add a drop or two to the ends of your hair
7. add a drop or 2 inside your shoes
8. leave a rag with a few drops on it under your car seat/in lockers/laundy baskets/ any place that gets smelly

[Lyrien]

I put a couple of drops into a humidifier when there is a need for one.

I've also used a few drops in one of those oil burner things, but you have to break up an unscented candle to mix with it. Let the candle bit melt then add the oil.

I too have put some on a paper towel and placed it under the seat of my car.

[Brightshores]

I've also used EOs in oil burners, but I use them by putting water into the cup and dropping oils into the water. It works just fine, but you do have to be careful not to let the water all evaporate.

Great idea, though, with the broken candle. I'll have to try it.

[Astara Seague]

I use them like airfreshners in the house, I have a old crockpot that I fill with water and add whatever essential oil (s) that I want.. It beats those potpurris that you buy in the store and lasts longer to, you only need a few drops.
I also use them in baths and creams and such, also in my hair to add a little scent now and again{not to much though}
I use them in my spellwork as well sometimes in place of herbs if I am out

[Lyrien]

Great idea, though, with the broken candle. I'll have to try it.

I usually take one of the unscented tea light candles (that I buy in bulk to feed my addiction) and break it up, using just a few little pieces for each use. They last a really long time and you'll have to completely burn out the candle wax if you want to change the scent of oil.

[Darbla]

I add lavender to my facial cleanser (Cetaphil + olive oil + few drops of lavender EO).

Darbla