How to Use Essential Oils

Here are the 10 most popular essential oils:

1. Frankincense oil
2. Lavender oil
3. Copaiba oil
4. Lemon oil
5. Wild Orange oil
6. Peppermint oil
7. Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca)
8. Ginger oil
9. Grapefruit oil
10. Eucalyptus oil

As you try different oils, you will learn which essential oils work best for you and your needs. For the best essential oil experience, it is important to use oils that are pure, potent, and safe.

Learn why doTERRA essential oils are some of the best on the market here.

Essential Oil Safety Guidelines

1. Avoid applying oils to sensitive areas like the nose, ears, eyes, or broken skin. Avoid using “hot oils” on the face.* 
2. Always read labels and package instructions before using an essential oil for the first time. 
3. Use dilution to minimize skin sensitivity.
4. Be aware of oils with sun sensitivity warnings.
5. Practice safe storage—keep oils out of reach of children.
6. Always supervise young children when applying essential oils.
7. If you have specific health concerns, talk to a healthcare professional before trying essential oils.

*Hot oils or strong oils include Cassia oil, Cinnamon Bark oil, Clove oil, Oregano oil, Thyme oil, and others.

Learn more about best practices for essential oils here:

Essential Oil Safety Guide

Aromatic use of essential oils is especially powerful.

The sense of smell is a tool that can elicit powerful physiological, mental, and emotional responses. Essential oils are quickly absorbed by smell receptors, which have a direct link to the limbic system, which is the part of your brain that stores memories and emotions. Some essential oils induce uplifting or invigorating effects, while others are more calming.

Diffusing is one of the simplest ways to use essential oils aromatically. You can use an essential oil diffuser if you’d like but using essential oils aromatically does not require any special diffusing devices. You can achieve the same health benefits by simply placing a few drops of essential oil in the palm of your hand, cupping it around your nose, and breathing deeply.

Other Ways to Use Essential Oils Aromatically:

• Apply oil to a cotton ball and place in the air vents of your vehicle
• Mix oils in a spray bottle with water and mist over furniture, carpet, or linens
• Add oil to a batch of laundry or to dryer sheets
• Use in household surface cleaners

Essential oils easily penetrate the skin for localized benefits, making topical (on the skin) application a great way to experience the benefits of essential oils. This is why doTERRA works to create potent essential oils that are powerful enough to promote healthy-looking skin, yet gentle enough to use on a daily basis.

When used topically, essential oils can improve complexion and skin tone. They can also be used as part of a soothing massage. Before topical application, be sure to follow all label recommendations and dilution instructions.

Beneficial Areas You Can Apply Essential Oils

• Neck
• Forehead and temples (unless the oil is classified as a “hot oil”)
• Chest and abdomen
• Arms, legs, bottoms of feet

Other Ways to Use Essential Oils Topically 

• Add a few drops of oil to a warm bath
• Make a hot or cold compress by soaking a cloth in water, adding essential oils, and then applying to the desired area
• Add oil to a lotion or moisturizer and then apply to skin

Sensitive Areas to be Avoided

• Some facial areas, such as the skin around the eyes
• Eyes and inner ears
• Broken, damaged, or otherwise injured skin

When ingested, essential oils directly enter the blood stream via the gastrointestinal tract, where they are transported throughout the rest of the body. Essential oils are readily transported to all organs of the body, including the brain.

Follow label recommendations and other professional guidelines for dosage when using essential oils internally.

Effective Methods of Internal Application

• Add essential oils to water, smoothies, milk, tea, or other drinks
• Put a drop under the tongue
• Take in a veggie capsule or add to a small amount of applesauce or yogurt
• Use oils in recipes for cooking or baking to replace fresh or dried herbs and spices (Remember, essential oils are much more potent than dried or fresh herbs and spices, so start with a very small amount. Use a toothpick for particularly potent oils.)

Looking for other ways to use essential oils? Click below to learn more about how to use essential oils.

How to Use Essential Oils