Expert: Cara Hembd - 6/18/2011

Question
Once I've determined what application method to use for an essential oil, how do I determine how often & for how long to continue the treatment?

Answer
This is a great question, but I'm afraid I don't have a clear cut answer for you.  Using essential oils is not as easy as pharmaceuticals because you don't come home with a neatly labeled bottle that tells you how much and for how long.  First you have to study the resources you have rather it be books, websites, etc.  Sometimes the book will tell you how long and how often.  If it does not, you have to use the scientific method on it. I know we all thought we would never use that from middle school science but we have to be willing to experiment with the oils.  

First I would determine if the ailment I am trying to treat is immediate and severe or is it a long term problem that took months or years come on.  If it is sudden and severe then treat it quickly and often.  For instance if it is a wasp bite treat it right away and keep applying oils every 15 minutes until you get relief.  If you do it twice maybe try another oil.  Same with something like Asthma.  Consider your oils an arsenal and fire all the resources you have at the asthma, bite or bleeding until there is relief.  

If the problem has been a long time coming on such as a cavity or mole then you can treat it a bit more methodically.  Pick your oil and then start with once or twice a day and be consistent for a few days.  If no results then increase the amount you are giving yourself and vary the application method and wait a few more days.  If still no results then try a new oil.  

If your ailment is a complex systematic problem such as adrenal fatigue, liver congestion, cancer, hormone imbalance..etc you will need to research your treatment well and understand you are in for the long haul.  Your adrenals don't go into failure overnight but are a result of years of bad health practices and eating.  So the relief from symptoms from the treatment won't happen overnight.  Plan on taking the oils for a few months before you determine their effectivness.

I know that was a long answer to tell you that I really can't tell you, but I hope I gave you some concepts and tools that will help you determine for yourself.  Don't underestimate your intuition or your ability to problem solve.

Please let me know if you have any more questions.