Essential oils are highly active natural substances that provide us with effective solutions to common health concerns. Because of their highly concentrated nature, it is important to keep in mind certain precautions to ensure we use them safely & properly.
In this article, we look at the different methods of administration (galenic forms) of essential oils. Pranarōm's various galenic formulations are designed for convenient and safe use of essential oils.
How essential oils are administered
Depending on their state, we can benefit from essential oils via 3 different methods:
The olfactory pathway
Since essential oils are made up of volatile aromatic molecules, this method of administration is often your first introduction to aromatherapy. In this way, scents make their way to the limbic brain, where emotions and emotional memory are stored.
Olfactotherapy techniques
- Palm inhalation: Apply a drop of essential oil to each wrist, gently rub together, then cup hands over nose and take 3 deep breaths.
- Aromatherapy inhaler: Add 1–2 drops to the cotton wick, place inside inhaler, and inhale deeply as needed.
- Straight from the bottle: Hold the bottle under each nostril and inhale gently, alternating sides.
- Diffusion: Use an ultrasonic diffuser with 4–6 drops for small rooms (100–200 sq ft) and up to 10 drops for larger spaces (600+ sq ft).
Important: Some essential oils are not suitable for diffusion, including oregano, savory, thyme, and wintergreen, as they may irritate mucous membranes.
The topical (cutaneous) route
The cutaneous route combines effectiveness and safety. Essential oils easily penetrate the skin’s layers to reach the bloodstream (capillaries, veins). This makes it one of the most effective methods for therapeutic use.
Best practice: Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil, lotion, or similar base before applying to skin.
Essential oils can be applied over targeted areas or specific points such as the inner wrists, soles of the feet, spine, and solar plexus for nervous system support.
A skin tolerance test in the crease of the elbow is recommended for at least 48 hours before full use.
Internal / sublingual use
The third method includes capsules (Aromaforce Mini-Caps & Pranacaps) and formulas (Aromaforce Throat Spray & Essential Syrup) designed specifically for safe internal use.
Pranarōm galenics
Bottle with dropper (orifice reducer)
Protective amber glass bottles help preserve essential oils from light while allowing precise drop-by-drop dosing. These are used for Single Note Essential Oils, Wellness Blends, Virgin Plant Oils, and Diffusion Blends.
Essential oil capsules
Our Mini-Caps and Pranacaps offer a simple internal-use format:
- Pre-dosed
- Easy to swallow
- Portable
- Neutral taste
Internal-use formulas
Products such as Aromaforce Essential Syrup, Soothing Throat Spray, and Throat Pastilles combine essential oils with complementary ingredients like fig syrup for throat comfort.
Room sprays
Room sprays such as Aromaforce Purifying Spray and Aromacalm Stress Relief Room & Linen Spray are designed to refresh living spaces.
- Freshen ambient air
- Support wellbeing
- Refresh linens and fabrics
- Help purify surfaces
Topical preparations
Topical products focus on skincare, first-aid, and muscle & joint care. Essential oils are properly diluted in carrier oils to ensure safe application.
As always, if in doubt, consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
Reference
Millet, F. Phytothérapie (2010) 8: 33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10298-009-0523-3
