Taken orally:
When to take? To be taken usually by adults to improve digestive comfort and as a general cleanser. This is not advised if suffering from gastritis, oesophageal reflux or a peptic ulcer. May be incompatible with certain treatments. Do not take with medicines, take at least 2 to 3 hours before or after taking medicine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How? Essential oil should never be taken pure. But they are not soluble in water. Due to this, we recommend you dilute it in a teaspoon of oil (olive, sunflower, etc...) or mother tincture (available in pharmacies). In any case, you should place a few drops onto a lump of sugar or a piece of bread and afterwards drink a glass of water (lukewarm water if possible).
Taken via the skin:
The essential oils are easily absorbed through the skin layers and are incorporated into the blood flow. Their effect is local or general. Certain oils can irritate skin or even be dermocaustic (see the section "precautions" of the guide). In any case, avoid sensitive areas and mucosae.
When to use? Skin application can be useful in a number of cases. It can have very pleasing body and cosmetic care applications.
How? EOs are generally diluted in a plant oil. You massage this mixture onto skin, rarely via friction, either near the area affected, onto the nerve centre (solar plexus, spine, etc...), or onto an area with good blood flow (the wrists, elbow joints, sole of the foot, etc...).
Taken via the air:
Certain EO can be used pure via electric diffusion or cold spray. This technique is more effective to ensure proper essential oils diffusion. Without being warmed up, the EOs are projected via miniscule droplets which disperse into the atmosphere (on a surface of about 20 to 100m2). Used like this, most EOs are suitable only for adults and the rest only for children over 7 years old.
When to use? Atmospheric diffusion is particularly suitable with EOs designed to cleanse or relax. It is the ideal way to cleanse your living spaces... and to relax!
How do I do it? Never diffuse continuously. Suggested rhythm:
- In an empty room, for 15 to 20 minutes two to three times a day.
- In a room with people, 5 to 10 minutes every hour or every two hours.
Quantity for 24 hours: 20 to 30 drops (depending on the power of the device).
Good to know: Some EOs have a very strong scent (may cause headaches), they should be diffused in moderation or mixed in with something else.
Tips: Do not forget to clean the diffuser regularly (the nozzle may become blocked).
Olfactory ambiance:
Pure EOs are also used for the pleasing effects associated to their fragrance. Diffused in an electric diffuser via regulated soft heat, the EO's molecules are not altered by the low heat and they preserve all of their olfactory qualities.
Via this method, the EOs can be used in the presence of children over 7 years old.
When to use? When you wish to perfume your interior spaces.
How do I do it? Never diffuse continuously. Suggested rhythm for one room: 30 minutes two to three times a day.
Quantity per sequence: 5 to 10 drops.
Tips: Never leave an EO various days in the aroma diffuser as due to the EO's contact with the air, it may oxidize.
Taken via inhalation:
The aromatic molecules easily penetrate the blood capillaries of nasal mucosae; they act via olfactory intake. Damp inhalation is notably used to soothe the upper air ways. This is not suitable for a child under 12 years old, nor is it suitable if suffering from asthma, facial erythrosis or facial irritation.
When to use? Mainly when you wish to increase respiratory well-being and relax.
- Damp inhalation: Pour boiling water in a bowl or better still in an inhalator, by adding 1 or 2 drops of the EO. Close your eye and breathe in the steam for 5 minutes.
- Dry inhalation: Pour a few drops onto a napkin and place it under the nose (do not use it later to blow your nose or dry your eyes.
Taken as a facial sauna:
For facial care (particularly if you have oily skin), we follow the same procedure as we use for damp inhalation, over a bowl of warm water.
Do not use in pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
Do not use in children under 7 years old without medical advice.
Do not use in case of epilepsy or allergy to one or more of the aromatic molecules.
Elderly people: Consult your doctor.
Do not use continuously.
Do not use the EO in its pure state, unless advised to do so.
Do not apply near eyes, in ears or in the nose (unless there is a specific indication to the contrary).
Wash hands with water and soap after application.
Do not apply continuously, nor in the presence of a young child.
Keep away from children.
