Safe use of doTERRA oils – Simple, effective, safe!
Essential oils offer many applications – aromatic, topical, and in select cases, internal. Conscious use is always crucial: quality, dosage, and individual circumstances play a central role. When used correctly, essential oils can provide support on both a physical and emotional level. Single oils and blends are easy to use and suitable for everyday life.
Aromatic
The scent of essential oils can have astonishing physiological, mental, and emotional effects. As soon as the scent enters the nose, it is quickly picked up by the olfactory receptors and connected via the olfactory nerve directly to the limbic system—a part of the brain responsible for emotions, behavior, and memory. This explains why the aromatic application of essential oils is so powerful.
Some oils have an invigorating, energizing effect, while others are calming and relaxing. The simplest way to use essential oils aromatically is through diffusion. Diffusers that use cool air or water are perfect for this. But you can also benefit from the same effect without a diffuser: simply rub a few drops of oil between your palms, hold your hands to your nose, and inhale the scent deeply—or enjoy the fragrance directly from the bottle.
External application
The external application of essential oils is incredibly effective because, thanks to their small molecular structure and fat solubility, they easily penetrate the skin. Once absorbed, the oils remain in the treated area for a while and exert their effects there.
The absorption capacity of the oils can be further enhanced. A gentle massage promotes blood circulation, which helps distribute the active ingredients more effectively throughout the body. Using a carrier oil is particularly beneficial for dry or flaky skin. This not only moisturizes the skin but also prevents the oil from evaporating too quickly.
Don't worry about where to apply the oil. Our skin is our largest organ, and no matter where you apply it, the molecules will quickly enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. For babies and toddlers, the soles of the feet are a particularly good place to apply it.
To avoid skin irritation, it is recommended to use a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil – especially for sensitive skin, when using an oil for the first time, or with very strong oils. A common mixture is one drop of essential oil with three drops of carrier oil (for adults).
It is better to apply smaller amounts several times a day rather than one large amount at once. Start with the smallest dose (1-2 drops) and repeat the application every 2-4 hours as needed.
Remember: Every person is unique, so the ideal dose varies depending on size, weight and general health.
The application of essential oils is particularly effective on the following areas of the body:
neck and shoulders
forehead and temples
breasts and abdomen
Arms, legs and soles of the feet
Internal use
Certain essential oils are not only known for their pleasant fragrances, but are also used in cooking and as dietary supplements. They can support various bodily functions and have a positive effect on overall well-being.
In concentrated form, essential oils can be used internally for specific purposes. It is important to understand that quality, dosage, and responsible use play a crucial role. Internal use is not suitable for everyone, nor is it suitable for every oil.
After ingestion, essential oils enter the bloodstream and are distributed throughout the body via the gastrointestinal tract. Because they are fat-soluble, they reach various organs, including the brain. Like other substances, they are ultimately metabolized by the liver and excretory organs.
The chemical composition of essential oils is complex. Their components interact with cells and organs in various ways. This is precisely why special care is required when using them internally – particularly in the case of pre-existing medical conditions or when taking medication, as interactions can occur.
The body can only process a limited amount of essential oils.
To avoid overdoses and unnecessary strain, it is important to adhere to recommended dosages and always take individual requirements into account.
Dilution of doTERRA essential oils for babies, children and teenagers
Some essential oils, especially the "hot oils" such as cinnamon, cassia, thyme, oregano and clove, should always be diluted before application to the skin, or not used at all (depending on age).
Dilution not only ensures optimal absorption of the oil into the bloodstream, but also protects against skin irritation. Without a carrier oil, applying these oils can lead to redness or irritation, and approximately one-third of the oil is lost through evaporation.
For babies, children, and teenagers, it's especially important to pay attention to the correct dilution, as their skin is more sensitive and thinner, which affects the oils' effectiveness. The dilution chart below provides valuable guidelines on how to use essential oils safely and effectively.
For sensitive skin or larger areas of skin, you should always dilute the oils with a carrier oil to avoid irritation. Carrier oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, or olive oil are excellent choices for making application safe and pleasant.
Here's how to calculate the dilution yourself
If you prefer to perform the calculation manually, you can use this simple example as a guide.
Example : 30 ml carrier oil, 2% dilution
Convert percent to a decimal number
2% = 0.02Calculate the amount of essential oil
30 ml × 0.02 = 0.6 ml essential oilConversion from milliliters to drops
0.6 ml × 20 drops/ml = 12 drops
➡️ Result: For a 2% dilution, add 12 drops of essential oil to 30 ml of carrier oil.
A notice :
The calculation is based on the assumption that 1 ml of essential oil corresponds to approximately 20 drops. Depending on the oil, the drop size may vary slightly.
How do you dose doTERRA essential oils correctly?
In the world of essential oils, the rule "less is more" applies. This means that you should start with a small number of drops per application and repeat this throughout the day.
The effects of the oils last approximately 4-5 hours, until our liver has broken down the molecules. Therefore, I recommend using the oils every 2-4 hours for acute symptoms. For long-term support of the body, it is sufficient to use the oils preventively once a day.
Always start with one drop and observe your reaction. If you don't notice any change after about 30 minutes, you can repeat the application or apply different oils one after the other to enhance the effect. This method is called "layering," where you apply several oils in layers to achieve the desired effect.
Did this information give you a good overview, but you're still unsure about some things?
Or would you like to delve deeper into the world of essential oils and truly understand why, how, and when they can be used effectively?
Especially with highly concentrated plant essences, sound knowledge is crucial. In my aromatherapy course, you'll learn step by step how to use essential oils safely, responsibly, and confidently – with a clear focus on quality, dosage, their interactions with the body, and mindful use in everyday life. This course is entirely online – you can complete it at your own pace, have one year of access to the course platform, and receive all the necessary materials.
