How to use essential oils?

AromaPremium Guide – safe and effective use of essential oils and synergistic blends.

Essential oils are concentrated, natural plant extracts with powerful aromatic and biological properties. To fully utilize their properties—while maintaining safety—it's worth understanding the basic principles of their use.

1. Inhalation – the simplest and safest method

Inhalation is one of the most effective and gentle ways to use oils. It can be done in several ways:
Ultrasonic Diffuser – Add 3–6 drops of oil or blend per 100 ml of water. The diffuser disperses microscopic oil particles into the air, allowing for gentle, even absorption through the respiratory tract.
Fragrance stone or wooden carrier – perfect for the office, bedroom or car.
Personal inhalation – apply 1–2 drops to a tissue or inhale from your hand.
Inhaling not only introduces a pleasant scent, but can also support the nervous and emotional systems – for example, lavender oil helps with relaxation, while citrus oils have a stimulating effect and improve mood.

2. Application to the skin – always in appropriate dilution

Essential oils are highly concentrated, so never use them undiluted (the exception may be spot-on use of certain oils, such as lavender or tea tree, only after consulting an aromatherapist). Always combine them with a carrier oil.
Tisserand and Young dilution:
Adults: 2–3% (approx. 6 drops per 10 ml of carrier oil)
Sensitive skin, elderly: 1%
Children over 2 years of age: 0.5–1%
Pregnant women: up to 1%, only after consultation with a specialist
Most commonly used base oils:
Jojoba, sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, fractionated coconut oil or apricot kernel oil.
After preparing the mixture, always perform a patch test – apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours to rule out an allergic reaction.

3. Aromatherapy baths

Add 3–5 drops of essential oil or blend, previously diluted in a tablespoon of vegetable oil, milk, or natural honey. Do not add oils directly to water – they are insoluble and may irritate the skin.

4. Observation and individual reaction

Everyone reacts differently. If you experience any discomfort, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, or skin irritation, discontinue use immediately. Some people may require a lower concentration or a shorter diffusion time (e.g., 30 minutes per day instead of 2 hours).

5. Storage

Essential oils should be stored in tightly sealed glass bottles, away from light, heat, and moisture. We recommend storing oils in a cool, dark place (1-5°C), away from direct sunlight. This will reduce oxidation and preserve their quality for longer.
Oil that is stored properly (e.g. in the refrigerator) ages much slower than one kept warm, even if the bottle has not been opened.
Some oils (e.g., cold-pressed citrus oils) should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent oxidation. Always keep the oil tightly closed. Tightly close the bottle after each use to minimize exposure to air.

6. Transparency and quality

Pay attention to:
Botanical (Latin) name – e.g. Lavandula angustifolia, not “lavender oil”.
GC/MS batch – chromatographic analysis confirming chemical composition.
Method of extraction (steam distillation, cold pressing, etc.).
Country of origin – plants from different regions have different fragrance profiles and compositions.
At AromaPremium, each oil has a full GC/MS card and a description of its properties and safety in accordance with the scientific literature.

7. Security

Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes and wounds.
Do not use internally (orally) without consulting a certified aromatherapist or physician.
Some oils (e.g. bergamot, lime, lemon) are phototoxic – do not apply them to the skin before sun exposure.
Keep out of reach of children.
In case of chronic diseases, pregnancy or lactation – consult your doctor.

8. Trust your body and your scent

Aromatherapy is a subtle practice. If a scent doesn't suit you or makes you feel unwell, it's a sign to choose a different oil. A scent that soothes you today may invigorate you tomorrow – listen to your body, as its reactions are your best guide.

9. First aid

Contact of essential oil with the eye

Symptoms: redness, tearing, burning; the child may rub his eyes vigorously.
What to do (first aid):

1. Rinse your eye with plenty of cool water for 15–30 minutes as soon as possible. The most important thing is the strong rinsing effect – that's why water is better than oil here (it's the mechanical removal of the oil that counts).
2. How to rinse effectively: Fill a bowl/sink with water, immerse your face, and open and close your eyelids, moving your eyes in different directions. You can also rinse with a gentle stream from the tap/shower.
3. Contact lenses: Remove after the first 5 minutes of rinsing, then continue rinsing. Do not reinsert until symptoms have completely resolved.
4. Make sure you rinse properly: gently spread your eyelids apart with your fingers to allow the water to reach everywhere.
5. If irritation persists (severe pain, redness, tearing, photophobia, blurred vision) after 15–20 minutes of rinsing, consult an ophthalmologist immediately or go to the emergency room. Take a bottle of oil with you.
   

What not to do: do not rub your eye, do not use alcohol or "brightening" drops, and do not put pure oils in your eye.

Essential oil ingestion
Note: Poisoning most often occurs in small children who drink the contents of the bottle. A "large dose" depends on the type of oil and body weight. Treat each case seriously.
Symptoms: irritation of the mucous membranes, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea; in severe poisoning, convulsions, CNS depression, and even liver and kidney damage are possible.

What to do (first aid):

1. Do not induce vomiting. There is a risk of aspiration (contents entering the lungs).
2. If the injured person is conscious and not convulsing, rinse the mouth with water, do not give alcohol.
3. Call a medical professional immediately (112) or a poison control center. Provide the name of the oil and approximate quantity.
4. If the injured person is having convulsions or is unconscious, do not administer anything orally; clear the airway and place the injured person in a recovery position (on their side, head lower than the body).
5. Take a bottle of oil to the hospital – this will make it easier to assess toxicity.
6. Activated charcoal is considered ineffective in essential oil poisoning.
   

Prevention: keep oils out of reach of children and animals, do not pour into beverage/medicine containers; do not use orally without the supervision of a qualified professional.

Safe aromatherapy is a combination of knowledge, quality, and intuition. Choose oils confirmed by GC/MS analysis, dilute them properly, and use them with respect for the power of nature. This is how aromas become an ally of health, balance, and daily well-being.