Which oil do I use and how?
The answer for me? It's been a process.
Probably one of the most intimidating things about using essential oils for me in the early days of use was knowing what to use for what concern. I think for most new to oils, this continues to be one of the big questions.
I'm not sure when I became more confident in my determining which oil(s) and how to use them but at some point, I did turn the corner. While this particular article isn't going to necessarily give step-by-step instruction on how (although in the future we will have more suggestion articles and videos) I hope what I do share will be helpful.
First, knowing others who have been using essential oils for some time are a big help to newer oil users. Don't be afraid to ask! I still learn from fellow essential oil users all the time as they try new things and share. There are also social media groups that oil users may be able to join where members share questions, helps, successes and such. And it's very easy to find information and help just by searching the internet but be careful to read closely all the information and note the sources (sometimes there is gain to the writer or a bias that is not helpful).
Second, for me it's been important to have some sort of reference book. I actually have several books I have purchased over the years but the two I reference the most are shown in the picture above. I purchased both of mine (and most of my oil using supplies) from Aroma Tools. You can check them out here: https://www.aromatools.com/ (Note: I do not get any commission or discounts from Aroma Tools or the authors of the books by showing them and referencing where I purchase from.)
What I like most about my main reference book is that it has so much helpful information as far as how to use essential oils (topically, aromatically, internally), suggestions for concerns, recipes, quick facts about many essential oils and nice reference charts. (here's another picture of one of the charts in the back of the book.)
Third, it's been important to me to keep a notebook of some sort where notes about how many drops were used, how often used, how applied, what the outcome was and anything else pertinent can be recorded. I find this incredibly useful when the concern comes around again or something like it as I can look back and see what I did the last time. If I try something new, I note that too.
Lastly, I think it's important to be patient and willing to research. While this may seem laborious in the beginning, as knowledge of essential oils increase and the use of essential oils increase, the confidence and the ability to determine more quickly what to use and how will increase.
While my process definitely looks lengthy all typed out (yikes!), and maybe even a bit confusing, as confidence grows it almost became second nature to make the choices. So here's a glance at what the process looks like for me:
a) Identify the concern
b) Does my reference book specifically name this concern and give possible helps?
c) If the answer to b is "yes", I write down the top oils it suggests and then I read more information on those particular oils to see if there is one (or more) that really stand out in addressing the concern.
d) If I want to go further, or if the reference book doesn't really list the concern, I then determine if there is a particular place in the body, or system, that this concern affects or stems from?
e) I then start my own research on the oils by asking what essential oils may address this concern? I use the reference guide to note all the various oils that may be used (see picture of chart in my book) and write them down.
f) I then do the same thing I do if the book lists suggestions: I read the properties of those oils and see if one (or more) stands out to me as a potential help.
g) I also take into consideration any medications being used and do any of the oils I have researched and may use pose any conflict. This is really important. Note: Make sure to tell a doctor of any essential oils or other herbal/homeopathic remedies being used at any appointment. This is important for them to know.
h) If I don't have the oil or oils it is suggesting, or if there may be a conflict due to medication or existing conditions, I look for another one that is similar in addressing the concern. I find often that there is a good second choice. And if a blend of oils is being used and I don't have one, that's okay too. I use what I have! In other words, I just don't give up.
My next step is determining how best to use that oil in the situation. Here are my choices:
a) Aromatically (inhaling the aroma or diffusing mist)
b) Internal Application (to be done only with high quality essential oils and those that have a Supplement Facts label on the bottle.)
c) Topical Application (making sure to note possible dilution based on the essential oil being used as well as how to deliver; i.e.: roller ball, direct application, massage)
My last step is determining how much. If my reference book has the concern and suggestions of what to use it generally tells me how much and how often. If I am creating on my own, I follow the less is best rule of thumb. Using more drops doesn't equal more success! Essential oils are potent and using more than what is actually needed is unnecessary.
My reference book helps in the area of my own creations as well with some general guidelines on how many drops and how often to use. There are also many great reference DIY charts for specific concerns out there that can be purchased or found online that list number of drops, how often and how to use. This has been very helpful to me too.
In closing, I have found that learning how to properly use essential oils is important and involves a process of education as well as a process of experimentation. I continue to commit myself to the process, always learning new things, and have found that over the past six years of essential oil usage, it's been worth it.