Aromatherapy in practice

1. Internal use

Some essential oils can be ingested. Take 1 to 2 drops, no more than a maximum of twice each day. The drops must be diluted in a spoonful of honey or vegetable oil, or in a herbal infusion.

Although the internal use of essential oils can be highly effective, we recommend against conducting your own experiments! Only ingest these oils under the guidance of a therapeutic expert. Internal use of the different oils requires a thorough knowledge, since some of them can be harmful if not used properly. It is also strongly recommended not to use these oils internally for children under the age of 12 years and for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

2. Massage and bath oils

Essential oils are perfect for use during a refreshing massage, a relaxing bath or an invigorating shower. These oils penetrate the surface of the skin, where they can exercise their beneficial effects. Again, it is advisable to dilute the oils in a vegetable oil (e.g. sweet almond). These massage and bath oils are ideal for skin care, relaxation or the soothing of muscular complaints.

Local use

There are some uses for which dilution is less necessary or not necessary at all.

For example, for the treatment of a fungal nail infection the essential oil of tea tree can be applied to the nail in its pure form. Similarly, the treatment of painful muscles or joints is most effective with a mixture of 20% essential oil and 80% vegetable oil. As there are between 20 and 30 drops in 1 ml of essential oil, this ratio equates to around 50 to 75 drops of essential oil per 10 ml of vegetable oil: a much higher ratio than the ratios given above!

Remember: these applications should only be carried out under the guidance of a therapeutic expert.

3. Diffusion and inhalation

The diffusion of essential oils brings a pleasant fragrance into all your living and working spaces. For this application, it is advisable to use an electric diffuser that does not heat the oil but sprays it in the form of very fine micro-particles. 15 minutes of diffusion each hour is sufficient to achieve the desired effect. Use between 5 and 10 drops of oil in the diffuser, depending of the size of the room and your personal preference for the strength of the fragrance. Diffusion is an ideal way to help improve both physical (e.g. infections of the airways) and mental (e.g. sleep problems, anxiety, etc.) complaints. Oak organic works closely with diffusers of the DROP brand.

Inhalation of essential oils is also an excellent way to soothe irritating infections of the throat and airways. The oils help to free a blocked nose, so that your breathing becomes easier. Put 2 to 3 drops of oil into a bowl of hot water and inhale the resulting vapour for 5 to 10 minutes. (But be careful: avoid oils that can irritate instead of soothe!)