Different Ways to Use Essential Oils in Everyday Life

Jan 27
5 min read

Essential oils are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to support your wellness routine. Whether you’re looking to create a calming atmosphere, support your immune system, or incorporate oils into your daily self-care, understanding the different methods of use is key.

Below are several safe and effective ways to use essential oils, along with helpful tips to get the most out of them.

Aromatic Use (Diffusion & Inhalation)

One of the most popular ways to enjoy essential oils is aromatically. This method allows the oil’s natural aroma to disperse into the air, creating an inviting environment while supporting mood, focus, or relaxation.

Diffusion

Add 3–4 drops of essential oil to a diffuser filled with water, following the manufacturer’s instructions. As the diffuser runs, it disperses the aromatic properties throughout your space, making it perfect for homes, offices, or bedrooms.

Diffusion is especially helpful for:

Creating a calming or uplifting atmosphere
Supporting immune health
Promoting relaxation or better sleep

Immune-supporting blends like On Guard or calming oils such as Lavender and Bergamot are excellent choices for diffusion.

Inhalation

For a quick and simple option, inhale directly from the bottle or place one drop in your palms, rub them together, cup your hands over your nose, and take a few deep breaths.

This method is great when you need fast support for emotions, focus, or relaxation on the go.

Topical Application

Applying essential oils to the skin allows them to be absorbed locally and can be a powerful way to support targeted areas of the body.

Dilution Is Important

It is recommended to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin.

Common carrier oils include:

Fractionated coconut oil
Jojoba oil
Sweet almond oil

Where to Apply

Apply diluted oils to pulse points such as:

Wrists
Neck
Behind the ears

Other effective application areas include the bottoms of the feet or specific areas of concern.

Recommended Dilution Rates

Adults (general use): 2–3% dilution (2–3 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil)
Facial use: 1% dilution (1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil)
Children 6+: 1% dilution or less (consult a healthcare provider)
Sensitive areas: 0.5–1% dilution

Always avoid the eyes, ears, and mucous membranes. Performing a patch test before full application is highly recommended to ensure there is no sensitivity.

Internal Use (When Appropriate)

Some doTERRA essential oils are safe for internal use when used correctly and responsibly. Know that there are certain essential oils that should never be used internally. However, there are plenty of essential oils that have been approved for internal use, which will provide the body with a variety of powerful benefits. Always refer to the directions and instructions on the label before ingesting any oil.

Internal Applications

Certain oils, such as Lime, Lemon, or On Guard, can be taken internally by:

Adding one drop to a glass of water
Placing a drop under the tongue (when appropriate)

Culinary Use

Essential oils can also enhance food and beverages. For example:

Lemon can be added to water, teas, or recipes
Oregano can be used to boost the flavor of savory dishes

Because essential oils are highly concentrated, a little goes a long way.

Important Safety Guidelines

ONLY use essential oils internally if:

The product is clearly labeled for internal or dietary use
You have consulted with a qualified healthcare professional
You are following professional guidance on proper dosage

Internal use is not recommended for children, during pregnancy or nursing, or for individuals taking certain medications or managing health conditions, unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Supplements

doTERRA also offers a variety of supplements designed to support overall wellness. These products include essential oils, making it easy to benefit from their internal properties in a safe, pre-measured form.

Keep a Journal

A great way to personalize your essential oil journey is by keeping a journal. Track which oils you use, how you apply them, and how they make you feel. Over time, this can help you discover your favorite oils, blends, and application methods that work best for your lifestyle.

Essential oils offer endless possibilities when used safely and intentionally. By understanding the different ways to use them, aromatic, topical, and internal, you can confidently incorporate them into your daily routine and support your overall wellness naturally

An Overview of Essential Oil Safety Guidelines

Here are some of the best practices for safe essential oil usage:

Always read the labels. Pay attention to any specific warnings on your essential oil packaging and adhere to any recommendations provided by the manufacturer.

Avoid certain areas. Avoid putting oils into your nose, inner ears, eyes, broken skin, or other sensitive areas.

Dilute oils. To minimize skin sensitivity, dilute essential oils using a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. The suggested dilution ratio is one drop of essential oil to five drops of carrier oil. Always dilute an oil when using it for the first time, applying it to sensitive skin, or when using essential oils with children. When using oils with a particularly strong chemistry, you will want to dilute one drop of essential oil to ten drops of carrier oil.

Know your strong oils. Some essential oils should always be diluted with fractionated coconut oil before putting them on your skin. Some of these oils include Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Oregano, and Thyme. Keep in mind, this is not an exhaustive list, so always pay attention to labels with warnings about strong oils.

Be careful of sun sensitivity. Some essential oils can pose a risk for sun sensitivity, particularly citrus oils. Some of these oils include Bergamot, Green Mandarin, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, Wild Orange, and any essential oil blends that contain these oils. Again, this is not an exhaustive list. Before applying an essential oil topically, check the label for any sun sensitivity warnings. Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for at least 12 hours following the use of these oils on the skin (this includes tanning beds).

Practice safe storage. Make sure to store essential oils out of reach of children. This measure will help prevent accidental ingestion. You’ll also want to keep your oils away from excessive light or heat, as this can alter the chemical properties of an essential oil significantly.

Supervise young children. Always supervise essential oil application with your children. Because children have more delicate skin, it’s a good idea to dilute oils before applying them topically. Try applying the oil to the bottom of a child’s feet before you try other areas. In addition to safe storage practices, you can also use Child Resistant Caps to ensure that your children don’t accidentally ingest oils on their own.