As we approach the end of our essential oil series, we will start to go over advanced ways of applying essential oils based on therapeutic purposes. If you would like to go over some basic application techniques please read "EOS Part II: Applying & Using Essential Oils" for a quick refresher.
LAYERING Our first method for applying essential oils will be Layering, which can be achieved by using multiple essential oils, but massaging one essential oil at a time topically, on and affected area. This process allows the essential oils to be fully absorbed into the skin, while increasing circulation and facilitating chemical responses. It is highly recommended to use carrier oils through this process, please read "EOS Part III: Intro to Carrier Oils" to touch-up on the benefits of using a carrier and essential oils together.
Below is a simple Layering Routine for muscle fatigue or soreness from an excessive lactic acid build-up. We will go through the thought process as well so that you can create your own combinations and routines.
1st Step: Identify the purpose
In this example, we will be targeting a leg workout injury effecting both connective and muscular tissue.
2nd Step: Research Essential Oils
Spend time reading and searching the internet for the best oils for your purpose. Many oils assist with multiple ailments, so you may find an abundance of essential oils to choose from. Keep things simple and choose your top 3 based on their therapeutic benefits as well as your personal preference. For this example, we will use the following three essential oils and carrier oil.
Lemongrass - helps with connective tissue health and muscle recovery.
Marjoram - assist with muscle pain and recovery.
Cypress - increases blood circulation and supports muscle recovery.
Black Currant Oil - Helps with joint pain and arthritis.
Step 3: Prep the affected area Use some cotton swabs with soapy water to wash the affected area and use an aloe sanitizer to minimize drying. Use a warm damp washcloth to ensure there is no residue from the soap or sanitizer.
Step 4: Begin layering with a carrier oil
If you have not made an infusion with your carrier oil its best to use the carrier oil first in the layering process. This will allow the essential oil to be diluted on-contact and even be carried further into the skin. Once you have applied the carrier oil on the area, put two drops of the essential oil into your palm, rub your hands together and massage into skin. The oil has been fully absorbed when the skin is no longer slippery but still smooth. Repeat these steps with the following two oils until fully absorbed. Depending on the severity you can repeat this routine numerous times a day. Decrease the frequency of the application as the pain subsides and ailments recover.
BLENDING
The second method of application is Blending and it differs from layering. In blending you combine a variety of essential oils together, instead of applying them topically one at a time. By combining essential oils you allow the chemical profile to change as different compositions combine and create synergistic effects. In the example below we will be treating and assisting with the same situation from our Layering example, but use a different set of essential oils based on blending compatibility.
What is blending compatibility? Not all essential oils work well together and oils that are very compatible have more potent synergy effects. There are a variety of factors to keep in mind if you are working with professional blends. Keep things simple with the following tips when making a blend
1. Essential Oils that come from the same botanical family tend to blend well together
2. Essential Oils that have the same or similar constituents work nicely and quickly
3. Search for which Essential Oils blend well with the oil you chose on the internet from tried formulations
4. Work in small quantities until you find the correct proportion
5. Your formulations should always be balanced and aromatically pleasing
6. Professional blends are already balanced and should be left as is.
Step 1: Identify the purpose
We will be working with a leg injury from a workout. Targeting both connective tissue and the muscular tissue to help speed up recovery.
Step 2: Choose two essential oils and one compatible essential oil
Choose your first two essential oils based on their therapeutic effects and research which third oil will work best with them. Use the above factors to determine how compatible an essential oil is with your formulation. If you have a hard time finding a third oil don't be afraid to change up your first two!
Here we will be using: Lemongrass - For its support with connective and muscular tissue.
Ginger - Increases circulation and helps with muscle spasms.
Basil - Tonic for connective, muscular, and nervous tissue.
Step 3: Combine Essential oils
You can combine your essential oils in a small amber bottle. The amount of each oil is determined by factors known as odor notes and blending classifications. These concepts will be discussed in a future post: "EOS Part VII: Advanced Blending and Layering". For now, we will use one of our tried formulations and describe its process in part VII of the series.
In your amber bottle add in the following order and quantities:
1 drops Ginger Essential Oil
2 drops Basil Essential Oil
1 drop Lemongrass Essential Oil
Step 4: Leave oils for a few hours
When you combine your oils you may see a slight separation between them. Stir slightly until the separation is gone and then let sit for a few hours. Each hour place a drop on your arm and smell while taking notes of any changes in the aroma. Once a few hours have passed you can use the oil for application. You can combine this with a carrier oil to make an infusion or use it in a layering routine.
Now we know the difference between blending and layering and how we can apply these techniques effectively. Take some time before moving onto the final part of this essential oil series to come up with some of your own blends or layering routines. Our next section will be going over blending classification and odor notes.
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