Essential oils are administered medically by three methods: 1 - Cutaneous absorption 2 - Inhalation 3 - Ingestion

Cutaneous absorption is the easiest to use, but not necessarily the safest as some essential oils are not suitable for such applications. Monoterpene oils are dermo-sensitive and should be used with great care (e.g.: Pine ), Furocoumarine oils are photo-sensitive and should be used under strict conditions (e.g.: bergamot), Phenol oils are dermo-caustic and should hardly be used on the skin (e.g.: Thyme thymol), Finally, some are totally corrosive and should only be used in specific localized skin applications (e.g.: Thuya). As a general rule, all essential oils should be applied on the skin pre-diluted in a vegetal oil. Only a few totally skin safe oils can be applied pure on the skin (e.g.: Lavender).

Inhalations require the use of a nebulizer. Not all oils are suitable for inhalations. Phenol oils are aggressive to the pulmonary tissues (e.g.: Thyme thymol), whereas other are either deprived of any volatile properties, or simply hard to nebulize. The inhalation can be passive (room diffusion) or active (direct inhalation through the nose or mouth cavities). During the nebulizing process, the essential oils are ionized positively (e.g.: ), negatively (e.g.: ) or both (e.g.: Lavender). Negative oils are calming and sedative, Positive oils are strengthening and, bivalent oils are equilibrating. The choice of the oil is as important as the type of diffusion used.

Ingestion is not as fearful as it sounds. Some oils are meant to be ingested, and they are, in beverages, foods etc.(e.g.: lemon). Other are hepatotoxic and should be used with extreme caution (e.g.:Thyme thymol). In all cases, the essential oils should never be ingested pure, but always diluted with fatty substances for proper dilution, up to 20% maximum.

Whichever method is used, always make sure you have sufficient knowledge and the essential oils of adequate quality. Never use perfume or industrial oils. "High quality" essential oils doesn't mean anything, perfume oils can be "high quality". Rely only on "pharmaceutical quality" essential oils.

For further informations, ask us for our leaflets on - Inhalation Oils, Culinary Oils or Skin Care Oils.

To order essential oils please call 1 (888) 367-2529