A significant difference between synthetic perfumes and Itra is that the oil-based Itra can be applied directly on the body. The inside of the wrist, behind the ears, the inside of elbow joints, back of the neck and a few other parts of the anatomy. Itra can be directly applied. A small drop is enough to be used as a fragrance on the body. A few drops can be added to water and used with aromatic steam lamp. A few drops of some Itra are used with cold drinks, such as milk, to give fragrance.

Numerous varieties of Itra are available for use around the year. The warm notes of the Hina prepared from Musk and Saffron are popular in winters. Warm Itra such as Musk, Amber, Saffron, Oud are used in winters; they increase the body temperature. Cool Itra like Khus, Rose, Jasmine, Kewda, Mogra are used in summer, and it provides a cooling effect to the body and adds to the flavor notes of summer. Chameli can be applied any time around the year. From the early days, Itra has been used in medicines as the main ingredient. If the oil is extracted by cold rolling or by traditional Degs Steam Distillation, it is known as true Itra.