Getting Started with the Basics
Applying Essential Oils “Neat”
If instructions say to apply the oil “Neat” that means to apply the essential oil undiluted.
How to dilute Essential Oils
“Dilute” means to mix the essential oil with carrier oil before using. This is generally the preferred method for applying essential oils on the body. This allows for more controlled absorption into the skin as essential oils can evaporate quickly. It is also safer and lessens the chance of sensitivity.
How to use essential oils with Carrier Oils
Examples of carrier oils are jojoba, olive, sesame seed, grape seed, sweet almond, sunflower seed, wheat germ, and vitamin E oils. We have used organic coconut oil, organic olive oil, and Young Livings “V-6 mixing oil.” Whatever you decide to use should be organic if possible.
Young Living has combined seven of these carrier oils into a blend called “V-6 Mixing Oil.” This blend is highly nourishing and full of anti-oxidants. It is excellent for diluting essential oils.
How to dilute
Adults
Mix 3-4 drops of essential oil to ½ tsp. of carrier oil or
6-8 drops of essential oil to 1 tsp. carrier oil or
30-40 drops of essential oil to 1 oz. of carrier oil
Basic dilution recipe for babies and children (usually ½ to 1/3 adult)
1-2 drops of essential oil to ½ tsp. of carrier oil or
2-3 drops of essential oil to 1 tsp. of carrier oil or
15 drops of essential oil to 1 oz. of carrier oil
Safety
When learning how to use essential oils, safety is very important. Always do a skin test before using an essential oil. Keep vegetable oil nearby to wipe off the essential oil if sensitivity occurs. Do not use water!
How to use essential oils for Babies and Children
Many essential oils are safe to use on babies and children. Dilution is generally ½-1/3 that of adults. Always test the skin first for oil sensitivity,the bottom of the feet are the safest place.
How to use Essential Oils Safely
Avoid using peppermint oil on the throat and chest area of children less than 30 months of age.This could cause spasms of the larynx.
How to use essential oils for Infants and Babies “Indirectly”
Rub 1-2 drops of essential oil into the palm of your left hand until they are almost dry. Without touching the baby, hold your hands over the area of the body that needs attention. This works well for infants and babies without having to directly apply oils.
Mild Compress for Infants, Children, and Sensitive Skin
Place 5-15 drops of essential oil into a basin of warm water (approx. 100 degrees); use cool water if there are neurological problems. Agitate the water vigorously and let stand for 1 minute. Place a dry cloth on top of the water to soak up the oils that have floated to the surface. Wring out cloth and apply it to body. Cover with a thick towel to seal in warmth no longer than 1 hour.
How to use essential oils in Aromatherapy
Direct Inhalation: Essential Oils can be inhaled directly from the bottle or from the palms of your hands. Rub 1-2 drops of essential oil together in the palms of your hand. Cup your hands over your nose and breathe in deeply.
Essential Oil Diffuser: Eliminate bacteria and viruses in your home with an essential oil diffuser. You can create a germ free zone and therapeutic or healing zone by diffusing essential oils. This is an excellent way to get healing oils into the respiratory system of family members, especially during the cold and flu season. This is a wonderful way to add fragrance to the air and it can eliminate insects in your home.

Humidifier or Vaporizer: Place a few drops of essential oil in the medicine well of your humidifier or vaporizer.
Steam: Add a few drops of essential oil into a bowl that has been filled with hot water. Drape a towel over both the bowl and your head. Breathe in deeply. This is great for sinus congestion.
Perfume: Many essential oils can be worn as perfumes. This is a non-toxic and chemical free way of adding the nourishing benefits of oils into your daily routine.
How to use essential oils for Topical Application
Direct Application: Topical or direct application means applying the oils directly onto the skin. They can be applied on the back, along the spine, on the soles of the feet, the hands, ears, or the area of concern. *Dilution may be required
Essential Oil Massage: Essential oils can be used before massage, during a massage, and after a massage.
Soles of the Feet: One of the safest and most effective places to apply essential oils is on the bottom or the soles of the feet. This is recommended for children and those with allergies or sensitive skin. This is a good place to test for “oil sensitivity.” To target specific conditions we highly recommend the Vita Flex Technique.
Reflex points and “Vita Flex Technique”
This technique stimulates the nerve pathways that lead to internal body systems. This is a very effective way to deliver the therapeutic benefits of essential oils throughout the body. You can use this technique to effectively target specific areas of the body. Reflex points are located on both the feet and hands. Stimulating these pathways with essential oils can produce rapid results.
Auricular Technique (Emotional and Physical)
In this technique essential oils are applied to the acupressure points on the ears. This delivers the therapeutic benefits of essential oils into the body and mind to address not only physical issues but emotional issues as well.
Young Living has developed an essential oil kit, called the “Feelings Kit,” to help with depression, fear, anger, hate, guilt, rejection, feeling stuck, feeling overwhelmed, etc.

Raindrop Therapy
The raindrop technique combines essential oils with massage to bring the body into structural and electrical alignment. Viruses and bacteria can hibernate or lie dormant along the spine causing inflammation, disease, spinal disfigurement, and many other problems. Using highly antimicrobial oils in a structured sequence, kills the viruses and bacteria and reduces inflammation. This technique is relatively easy to understand and put into practice. Young Living Essential Oils carries a kit collection called the “Raindrop Technique” that includes the oils, a demonstration DVD, and brochure.
Compress: For deeper penetration of an essential oil you can create a compress. Rub 1-3 drops of essential oil on location. Cover with a comfortably hot, damp towel. Cover the moist towel with a dry towel for 10-60 minutes. You may experience warming. If it becomes uncomfortable apply a vegetable or carrier oil to location.
How to use essential oils in a Bath: Oils do not mix with water and if not properly dispersed can irritate the skin. Add 2-3 drops of essential oil to 1 cup Epsom salts or add 5-15 drops of oil to a bath gel base.
Foot Bath: You can use this to relax, to soothe tired or inflamed feet, treat fungal infections, etc. Add 5-10 drops of essential oil to warm water in a tub or basin and soak feet 15-30 minutes.
How to use Essential Oils for Disinfecting: Essential oils are a non-toxic and chemical free way to clean and disinfect surfaces. We use essential oils to clean our kitchen, bathroom, floors, walls, cars, toys, laundry, dishes….just about everything. Essential oils kill germs! You can make your own cleaning solution or disinfectant in a spray bottle.
Disinfecting Spray Recipe: Add 15-20 drops of lemon, thieves, or purification,etc. essential oil to a 4-6 oz. spray bottle. Fill with water.
How to use essential oils internally:
Caution! The following information is to be used with Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils Only! Their oils are backed by scientific documentation and they are guaranteed pure.
Certain oils are safe for internal use. In fact some oils work best when they are taken internally. Always double check to see if the oil is certified as “GRAS” meaning “Generally Regarded as Safe.” Remember essential oils are highly concentrated and you should always use with caution. The adults in our family add oils to our water, tea, etc. and we take them internally, especially during the cold and flu season. Be sure to follow instructions.