As Danièle Festy points out, cutaneous application is “the royal way” for essential oils, “fast, efficient”. On condition, however, of taking the precaution of testing the HE before the first use and of respecting the dosages. Namely that some HEY particularly allergenic (cinnamon, bay leaf, pine, basil, etc.) are not suitable for skin application even when mixed with vegetable oil.
In case of emergency, you can directly apply 3 to 5 drops of pure HE on the bend of the elbow or on the inside of the wrists. Penetration into the blood is then almost immediate since in 1 minute the majority 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 essential oils are contraindicated for such an application if you are exposed to the sun (angelica, lemon, bergamot, mandarin, orange…). Others, dermocaustics, must be sufficiently diluted before application.
Most often, a mixture of HE intended for cutaneous application (massage) consists of 95% vegetable oil and 5% essential oils (i.e. 1 tablespoon of HE and 15 drops of HE ). Theoretically, any HV can do, but the properties of this carrier oil can boost the effects of the essential oil. For example, arnica oil, well known for its painkilling effects, will complement the action of HEY anti-aches (helichrysum, rosemary with camphor, 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 EOs 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 on the part concerned (forehead, temples…), 3 drops of HE of peppermint diluted in 1 c. coffee vegetable oil (sweet almond …).
Anti-aches: dilute 8 drops of wintergreen HE and 8 drops of cypress HE in 1 tbsp. tablespoon arnica oil. Massage for a long time and repeat the operation if necessary.
Pro-digestion: massage the stomach with 2 or 3 drops of linalool basil HE diluted in 1 tbsp. tablespoons of vegetable oil (sweet almond, macadamia…).
Allergy skin test
Before considering skin application of the essential oil, it is important to test it directly on the skin to prevent any allergic reaction. For this test to be valid, do it with only one EO at a time, lightly rubbing a single drop in the hollow of your wrist. If, after 10 minutes, nothing happens, you can use EO without fear of intolerance. On the other hand, if a redness or an irritation, a burn, an itch, appears, abstain and choose another of the same invoice with the assistance of the pharmacist.
healthy precaution
Before and after any aromatic massage, wash your hands thoroughly. Before, for the sake of hygiene, of course. 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 torments you… Look no further! You’re good for a long rinse.
