As Danièle Festy emphasizes, skin application is “the royal road” for essential oils, “Fast, efficient”. On condition, however, to take the precaution of testing the EO before the first use and to respect the dosages. Namely that some HEY particularly allergenic (cinnamon, bay leaf, pine, basil …) do not lend themselves to skin application even when mixed with vegetable oil.
In an emergency, 3 to 5 drops of pure EO can be applied directly to the crease of the elbow or to the inside of the wrists. Penetration into the blood is then almost immediate since in 1 minute most of the active ingredients reach the body through the bloodstream. The effect is generally quite spectacular when treating congested bronchi, with green myrtle for example. Be careful, some photosensitizing EOs are contraindicated for such an application if you are exposed to the sun (angelica, lemon, bergamot, tangerine, orange …). Others, dermocaustics, must be sufficiently diluted before their application.
Most often, an EO mixture intended for skin application (massage) consists of 95% vegetable oil and 5% essential oils (i.e. 1 tablespoon of HV and 15 drops of EO ). Theoretically, any HV can do the trick, but the properties of this carrier oil can boost the effects of the essential oil. For example, arnica oil, well known for its pain relieving effects, will better complement the action of HEY anti-stiffness (helichrysum, camphor rosemary, lemon eucalyptus). Ask your pharmacist for advice or opt for a versatile HV: sweet almond (massage for children) or macadamia (for adults).
The skin can absorb EO via bath water by mixing them with a solubilizing excipient (such as labrafil, solubol, etc.), or in the shower (20 drops of EO in 100 ml of organic shower gel, for example) , or using hot or cold wet compresses (tap water + HE) or even poultices (clay base + HE).
Special massage
Against the headache: apply to the affected part (forehead, temples …), 3 drops of essential oil of peppermint diluted in 1 tsp. teaspoon of vegetable oil (sweet almond …).
Anti-stiffness: dilute 8 drops of essential oil from wintergreen and 8 drops of essential oil from cypress in 1 tsp. tablespoon of arnica oil. Massage for a long time and repeat the operation if necessary.
Pro-digestion: massage the stomach with 2 or 3 drops of essential oil of linalool basil diluted in 1 tsp. tablespoons of vegetable oil (sweet almond, macadamia …).
Anti allergy skin test
Before considering skin application of the essential oil, it is important to test it directly on the skin to prevent allergic reactions. For this test to be valid, do it with one ET at a time, lightly rubbing a single drop into the palm of your wrist. If, after 10 minutes, nothing happens, you can use HE without fear of intolerance. On the other hand, if a redness or an irritation, a burning, an itch, appears, abstain and choose another one of the same invoice with the help of the pharmacist.
Healthy precaution
Before and after any aromatic massage, wash your hands thoroughly. Before, for the sake of hygiene, it is obvious. It would be a shame to pollute the mixture of essential and vegetable oils. Afterwards, it is to avoid any incident: if you have forgotten that you have just handled essential oils and a sudden and unpleasant itch in the eye is tormenting you … Look no further! You are good for a long rinse.
