Essential Oils: How to Use Them Safely

 

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. 

Used correctly, they can become part of gentle daily rituals that support wellbeing, sensory pleasure and cleaner lifestyle.

This guide shares how I personally approach essential oil use- with respect, simplicity and intention.

Culinary & Supplement Use

Only essential oils specifically labelled for internal use and produced to food-grade standards should ever be used in culinary or supplement rituals. 

I choose these oils as a way to:

  • reduce artificial flavourings
  • avoid synthetic additives
  • bring plant intelligence into everyday nourishment

How I use them:

  • one drop diluted in water, honey or plant-based oil
  • added to homemade recipes, dressing or warm/cold  drinks
  • always diluted-never used directly.  

Where they belong: 

  • unconscious, minimal amounts
  • as part of mindful routines, not excess
  • never as a replacement for a balanced diet

Internal use is about quality, sourcing and moderation - not quantity.

 

Aromatic / Scent Use 

Aromatic use is one of the gentles and most natural ways to experience essential oils.

What we breathe directly influences:

  • mood 
  • nervous sytembalance
  • sense of safety and calm

How I use scent oils:

  • in diffuser 
  • as part of evening or morning rituals 
  • to replace synthetic fragrances  in the home 

Why scent matters:

  • the olfactory system is deeply connected to emotions
  • natural aromas feel cleaner and softer than artificial perfumes
  • scent rituals help slow the pace of daily life

This is not about overpowering fragrance.

It is about subtle presence.

 

Skin & Body Use 

The skin is the body's largest organ. What we apply to it matters.

Essential oils should always be diluted before skin contact.

How I use them on the skin:

  • blended into plant-based carrier oils 
  • added to body oils, balms or massage rituals
  • used in warm bath or after shower care

Why I choose this approach:

  • to avoid synthetic fragrances
  • to minimise unnecessary chemical exposure
  • to support a more natural body-care routine

Benefits of mindful skin use:

  • sensory pleasure 
  • ritual and self-connection 
  • gentler daily care

" Less is always more "

A Note on Intention and responsibility 

Essential oils are not about trends or extremes. 

They are about respect-for plants, for the body and for balance.

I believe in:

  • conscious sourcing
  • proper dilution 
  • education before use

These rituals are meant to support daily life - not complicate it.