Usage FAQs
I'm new to essential oils. How do I use them?
Essential oils are potent gifts from nature and can be more powerful than expected, especially if you've only used drugstore "oils" and not pure therapeutic. A drop or two will do you with our oils, start slow.
Our bottles are labelled with directions for how to use; these directions vary based on what country you live in. For instance the USA market has over 20 essential oils labelled for internal consumption. We have less than 10 labelled for food flavoring in Canada.
Please consult the product label for appropriate usage directions.
What is a Carrier Oil?
A carrier oil is a vegetable oil—such as coconut oil, olive oil, or grapeseed oil—that can be used to dilute essential oils. Young Living’s V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex is an excellent carrier oil for all applications.
Carrier oils ensure that essential oils applied topically are comfortable to the skin. Dilution with a carrier oil does not dilute the effect of the essential oil. In fact, it prevents waste due to excessive application. Look for dilution ratios on Young Living essential oil bottles.
Vegetable shortening, butter, margarine, or petroleum derivatives (such as mineral oil, baby oil, and petroleum jelly) should never be used as carrier oils.
What is a Hot Oil?
“Hot” oils are oils that can cause a hot or warming sensation when applied to the skin. Examples of hot oils and blends include Cinnamon, Clove, Lemongrass, Oregano, Thyme, and Thieves®. For some people, peppermint’s cooling sensation can be too intense.
You can do a patch test prior to first use. Apply 1–2 drops of essential oil to a patch of skin such as the forearm. Observe that area of skin over the course of 1–2 hours for any noticeable reaction; however, reactions occur usually within 5–10 minutes. If you experience a hot or burning sensation or develop a rash, add V-6 or another carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed.
What if I experience skin irritation or discomfort?
If discomfort or irritation occurs, stop using the essential oil and apply V-6 or another carrier oil to the affected area. If a rash occurs, this may be a sign of detoxification. Drink adequate water to encourage the release and removal of toxins in your body.
Toxins present in petrochemical-based soaps and skin care products, detergents, and perfumes may trigger some of the detoxification reactions. Consider replacing your household products with safer Thieves Clean products.
Before using the essential oil again, perform a patch test and dilute with a carrier oil as needed.
Be aware that some documents suggest diluting the oil with water, but water actually drives oil into the skin and eyes. Never use water in an attempt to flush the oil off of the skin, as this may increase discomfort. If essential oil gets in your eye, flush with V-6 or another carrier oil as quickly as possible to alleviate any discomfort.
Avoid contacting sensitive areas such as eyes, ears, genitals, and mucous membranes with essential oils. If you choose to use the oil in any sensitive area, dilute 1 drop of the essential oil with 5–10 drops of V-6 or another carrier oil.
Children
Essential oils are appropriate for use on children and can be diluted with a carrier oil prior to use. Some Young Living products come prediluted with a carrier oil, as indicated on product labels. They are intended for direct application on children.
You can dilute 1–2 drops of essential oil such as Gentle Baby™, and Peace & Calming® with a carrier oil and apply to the bottoms of the feet or you can use your diffuser.
There are lots of reference books available at your library or online.
Sun Exposure
Some essential oils, especially citrus oils, contain natural molecules that react with sunlight (UV light) and cause a sensitivity reaction. Young Living labels the essential oils and oil blends that contain these compounds with a warning to avoid sun/UV light for 12–48 hours after applying. Always use caution when starting to use a new oil.
To reduce the risk of sensitivity, do a patch test and apply oil to skin that will not be exposed to sun/UV light.
Young Living formulates its beauty and cosmetic products to remove sun-sensitizing agents to reduce the risk of sun sensitivity.