The common methods
- Diffuser — an appropriate diffuser disperses the aroma into the room.
- Personal inhaler — a small aromatherapy inhaler you use just for yourself.
- Topical — appropriately diluted oil applied to skin, where that is suitable for the oil.
- Household — cleaning, freshening and other around-the-home uses.
- Personal care — folded into routines like a body butter or bath salt.
Dilution is the habit to learn first
Essential oils are concentrated. For skin, they are normally combined with a carrier oil rather than used neat, and aromatherapy safety guidance treats dilution as the default for topical use.
Let the label lead
Products are labeled for particular routes of use, and those directions differ between manufacturers and even between two products from the same brand. Follow the directions on the bottle you actually own.