Essential Oils represent an effective therapeutic tool due to their very active substances. It is therefore necessary to keep certain precautions in mind in order to use them safely. In this article, we will review the different routes of administration for how to take essential oils. The different Pranarôm galenics are designed for easy use of Essential Oils .
Routes of administration of Essential Oils
Essential Oils, depending on their status, can be taken in three different ways:
Olfactory pathway
Essential Oils being composed of volatile aromatic molecules, this method of administration will certainly be the first contact you will have with the exciting world of aromatherapy. Through this pathway, odors are sent to the limbic brain, where our emotions and emotional memory reside.
Olfactotherapy techniques:
- Cathedral hands : Using a bottle, apply the essential oil to each inner side of the wrists and perform a small wrist-to-wrist massage. Then join your hands in a cathedral shape to cover your nose with your hands together. Then, take a long, deep breath, repeated 3 times in succession. The fragrance of essential oils will be captured by our olfactory neuroreceptors in order to be identified by memory, emotions, behaviors;
- The Aromastick inhaler: An additional, most comfortable way to benefit from the benefits of essential oils is called the Aromastick. This pocket inhaler is made up of a stick. Simply add a few drops of the chosen essential oil to benefit from its scent. Then bring the stick to the nostril to inhale deeply;
- Breathing from the bottle : Place the bottle of essential oil 2 cm from the nostrils and breathe without forcing. Inhale once under the left nostril and once under the right nostril;
- Diffusion : Apart from these three approaches, think about wet diffusion (ultrasonic diffusers) or dry diffusion of essential oils. This means is used for several reasons: to purify the air, cover or mask unpleasant odors, act on nervous disorders, concentration, alertness, etc. A room of 10 to 20 square meters will receive a diffusion of 4 to 6 drops of essential oils and around ten drops for a living room of 50 square meters.
All techniques are effective, it's up to you to find the one that suits you best and depending on the problem.
Precautions for broadcast:
- Some essential oils are not suitable or contraindicated for diffusion. Some are irritating to the mucous membranes (e.g. oregano, mountain savory, common thyme, wintergreen, etc.)
- Diffuse for a maximum of 10 – 15 minutes per hour.
- Do not diffuse in a child's bedroom in their presence.
Dermal
The cutaneous route is a route which combines effectiveness and safety of use . Effective because essential oils easily pass through the skin layers to reach the blood circulation (capillaries, veins). This is therefore the preferred route for taking essential oils . However, we always recommend diluting them in vegetable oil, milk, etc.
The areas of application of essential oils are done either in relation to the targeted organ or for an action on the nervous system (stress, sleep), on the four points of application which are: the wrists, the sole of the foot , the spine and the solar plexus.
Some oils can be irritating or particularly sensitizing. The majority of essential oils are used diluted in a vegetable oil on the skin. We recommend that you always carry out a skin tolerance test in the elbow crease for at least 48 hours before any use in pure or diluted form on the skin.
Oral/sublingual route
Ingesting essential oils under the tongue allows you to take full advantage of the richness of the blood and nervous network at the level of the oral and sublingual mucosa to allow instant and general action of essential oils. Orally, we will take capsules or pearls.
However, it is generally preferable to take essential oils in a neutral medium (e.g.: tea spoon, vegetable oil, honey, neutral tablet, sugar cube, etc.). Be sure to count the number of drops carefully and avoid overdosing . By this method of administration, essential oils deliver their biochemical, energetic and informational activities in a few seconds.
Pranarôm galenics
Unitary Essential Oils
Dropper bottle (= codigoutte)
The codigoutte amber glass bottles allow you to keep your essential oils, compositions and synergies of oils or active ingredients protected from light, but also to dose your liquids drop by drop.
Single essential oil pearls
Do you know our Essential Oil pearls ? These are alternatives to taking individual Essential Oils in the form of drops. This oral solution has many strong points:
- Pre-dosed – simplified dosage: One pearl is equivalent to one drop of essential oil, so it has never been easier to dose precisely;
- Easy to swallow;
- Practical size ;
- Neutral taste.
Finished products based on essential oils
These so-called “ready-to-use” products are made up of blends of essential oils. They can be produced in several forms: capsules, gels, creams, balms, gums or even capsules and each treat specific areas.
Our capsules
This galenic is available in several ranges and allows for greater ease of use.
The Aromafemina range was designed for female well-being . These capsules address three issues which are: urinary tract comfort , premenstrual comfort and female well-being . They are formidable natural allies whether you are a super mom, a businesswoman or a fulfilled retiree.
In the Aromalgic range designed to relieve joints and pain, we find joint capsules for daily well-being.
Usage tips :
- 2 to 3 capsules per day with meals, during the delicate period, without exceeding 14 days;
- To be swallowed with a little water.
In this range, mainly designed to treat winter ailments, we find capsules designed to maintain the health of the upper and lower respiratory tract (nose, throat, bronchi) or to strengthen the body's natural defenses.
For mental well-being and better sleep, capsules have been designed in the Aromanoctis range, they are called sleep and relaxation capsules.
Pranarôm recently renewed its Oléocaps + range. These 9 capsules each respond in a 100% natural way to a health problem: breathing difficulties, intestinal disorders, weakened immunity, cramps, heavy legs, stress, etc. Ready to use, these new capsules ensure the right dose to be taken, in complete safety.
However, if in doubt, do not hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
The importance of galenics according to Lorraine University
Galenics plays a major role in the efficacy and safety of treatments.
This importance was particularly highlighted in Tony Poirot's thesis, defended on July 13, 2016 at the University of Lorraine, dedicated to the proper use of essential oils, adverse effects and toxicology.
As part of this research, the focus was on safe and reasoned aromatherapy, highlighting the following aspects:
- Routes of administration and dosage: the thesis stresses the need to follow precise protocols for the oral administration of essential oils, favoring dilution and avoiding pure use. Caution is the watchword.
- Contraindications and precautions: research highlights the potential dangers of certain essential oils, depending on the route of administration. Knowing and respecting contraindications is essential to minimize risks.
- Effects on different population groups: increased vigilance is required when using essential oils on pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children. Drug interactions must also be taken into account to avoid undesirable effects.
- Precautions for use: research underlines the importance of understanding the biochemical composition of essential oils. Each family of molecules requires specific precautions.
Seek the help of a qualified health professional or aromatherapist to ensure the safe and effective use of essential oils.
Reference :
- Millet, F. Phytotherapy (2010) 8: 33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10298-009-0523-3
