Essential oils have become more and more popular due to their healing and relaxing qualities. Many people enjoy the wide range of scents available when purchasing essential oils for themselves. But, do you know where to apply essential oils topically?

Essential oils don’t just have to be used aromatically, like in a diffusing device for inhalation purposes. In fact, these natural aromatherapy oils have many topical uses that can be quite beneficial to your health.

Throughout this post, I will go over how to use essential oils topically. I will also talk about where you can use your essential oils! This way you can successfully and fully enjoy the benefits of essential oils!

What Does Topical Use of Essential Oils Mean?

Essential oils are popularly used in diffusers and other bath and beauty products, as I mentioned. However, you can also topically apply these oils to several areas of your body. What this means is that you can put your essential oil on your body.

Still, you want to be careful about how you apply essential oils to the body and where you put it. In particular, I would suggest using a carrier oil when doing any type of topical application to the skin.

It is possible for your skin to break out or have an allergic reaction when using essential oils directly to skin without dilution. So, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and other oils should be used to dilute your essential oils for topical use.

Where Can You Apply Essential Oils On Your Body?

Overall, there are many great topical uses for essential oils for various parts of your body. Usually you will apply to the location that requires attention. Here are some popular places you can topically apply essential oils!

1. Place Essential Oil on Your Back

Many essential oils can be used on your back area. Rubbing essential oils in this area of the body can help reduce muscle tension, soreness, and pain dramatically. But, you want to use the right oils to get this effect.

I recommend using eucalyptus essential oil because it creates a nice cooling effect.

Black pepper essential oil is also nice for a back massage, as it causes a warming sensation on the skin.

In addition to these two oils, you can add other essential oils to the mix to enhance the smell of your massage oil and induce relaxation!

2. Place Essential Oil on Your Feet

Essential oils can also be put onto your feet. You can rub essential oils directly into the skin with the aid of carrier oil, or you can also soak your feet in an essential oil foot soak.

There are a lot of options with your feet. And you can really reduce pain and tension in this area of your body with topical essential oil use!

3. Place Essential Oil on Your Arms and Legs

Try using essential oils topically if you have pain, soreness, or dryness in your arms and legs. For instance, you might want to use essential oils in this area of your body after a tough workout, or after a long day at work.

When looking at specific oils, lavender oil and chamomile oil are particularly good as they have a nice calming effect on the body.

They can also help with muscle stiffness and soreness. But you can use other essential oils that suit your needs!

4. Place Essential Oil on Your Neck

The neck is another area of high tension. Stress can create a lot of pain and discomfort in this portion of the body. That is why I suggest using an essential oil on the neck.

Black pepper essential oil can be particularly good for any neck soreness, stiffness, and pain. But you can also mix in lavender and peppermint for pain-relieving effects.

Other calming essential oils can be used to reduce stress and tension, as well!

5. Place Essential Oil on Your Face

Certain essential oils can be placed on your face safely. There are many ways to use essential oils on the face.

For instance, you might want to improve your complexion or get rid of dark spots and other signs of age. There are a few essential oils that can help with this aim.

Still, not everyone will want to do a full face mask. Essential oils can also be placed at the temples and forehead. This can help relieve tension and stress in the body.

6. Place Essential Oil on Your Hands

Our hands need to be cared for, just like any other part of the body. Whether you are having pain in this area, or just want to moisturize your hands a little, essential oils can be the perfect natural remedy!

Essential oils also have antimicrobial properties, this means that your hands will stay clean and well hydrate. For your hands, in particular, I suggest using chamomile, lavender, rose, sandalwood, or frankincense.

Chamomile is especially good for sensitive skin, while the other essential oils mentioned can help you stay relaxed and well moisturized.

I also recommend using DIY essential oil lotion blends for your hands if you really want to keep your hands in good condition!

7. Place Essential Oil on Your Chest

Finally, essential oils can also be used around the chest area. Placing a few drops of essential oil into a carrier oil can clear up breathing problems and help with congestion and coughs.

I would suggest using eucalyptus oil, peppermint, or lavender oil. You can also combine these for a potent effect.

Favorite Essential Oil Combinations for Topical Use

Looking for some favorite essential oils combinations? Whether you're new to using essential oils or a seasoned pro, these combinations can provide you with some ideas to try. From invigorating and refreshing blends to soothing and calming concoctions. So get ready to start mixing and blending!

Lavender and Geranium Oil - Balancing, calming to mind and body, improves mood

Lavender and Peppermint Oil - Breathing, pain relief, itchy skin, stress and tension, headaches, sunburns

Chamomile and Grapefruit Oil - Inspires courage, calming to mind and body, cleansing

Frankincense and Bergamot Oil - Improves mood, clears head, uplifts spirits

Cedarwood and Orange Oil - Stress relief, digestive issues, renews skin

Grapefruit and Bergamot Oil - Stress relief, uplifting, air freshening

Pine and Patchouli Oil - Meditation, stress, tension relief, grounding

Eucalyptus and Lavender Oil - Healing, respiratory support, clear sinuses

General Essential Oil Precautions

Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.

Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. Plant Therapy clearly labels their oils "KidSafe" on the bottle if the oil can be used for children ages 2–10).

If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 1-2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil, read more here.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues here.

Newbie to Oils? Read More: Essential Oils for Beginners

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