"Pure essential oils have a wide range of therapeutic benefits. The method applied can effect the results you receive. First of all, please remember that almost no essential oil should be applied neat (undiluted) to the skin. "Normal dilution" is 2.5%, ie, 15 drops of the essential oil or synergistic blend to one ounce of carrier oil. Less is more when we speak of these powerful healing essences.
Because we are so often asked "how to dilute"..."how many drops" etc we've moved the dilution and measurement charts from the end of this document to the beginning:
How to achieve a specific dilution:
For one fluid ounce (600 drops) of carrier oil:
1% of 600 = 6 drops
2% of 600 = 12 drops
2.5% of 600 = 15 drops
5% of 600 = 30 drops OR 1.5 ml
10% of one oz = 60 drops OR 3 ml
Measurements/conversions (volume)
30 ml 1 fl oz 600 drops 2 tablespoonsfull
15 ml 1/2 oz 300 drops 1 tablespoonfull
5 ml 1/6 oz 100 drops 1 teaspoon
1 ml 1/30th oz 20 drops 1/5 teaspoon
The most popular or common way that the oils are usually administered, in the USA at least, is through an Aromatherapy Massage. Blend your chosen blend or single oil into your choice of carrier. You don't need to be a trained massage therapist Warm hands and a gentle touch may not produce the deep muscle results that a trained Licensed Massage Therapist can produce, but long sweeping strokes can relax tensions and relieve anxiety. There are many introductory massage books on the market today, some may be ordered from our online bookstore Massage, however, is only method to receive the healing gifts of Aromatherapy. Please bear in mind that from a scientific standpoint the path the oils take to effect our bodies is through the olfactory system. It is by inhaling the aromatic chemicals that comprise these natural oils that they effect our central nervous system, and cross the "blood-brain" barrier. The issue of whether the oils are absorbed through the skin is often hotly contested. Traditionally, aromatherapists have believed and taught that the oils did enter the skin during massage, but modern testing indicates that this may well be wrong. So many other methods of delivery that allow you to inhale the volatile aromatics may be at least as effective.
The choice of delivery method often depends on the intended goal.
For Skin Care:
Facial Steam:
for skin care, part of a deep cleansing routine: 5 or 6 drops in a pint of warm water or in facial steamer.
Facial Masque:
add 3 to 5 drops to moistened clay, honey, mashed avocado, egg white, etc.
Facial Oil Blend:
use up to 15 drops of Essential Oil to your chosen carrier oil, or unscented cream or lotion.
Dry Brushing:
To stimulate the skin, and the lymphatic system all over the body use a natural bristle bath brush with two or three drops of a stimulating essential oil (rosemary or pink grapefruit are good choices if not contraindicated) to the bristles and brush your skin, from the toes up to the heart, from the fingers to the heart, always working from the extremities toward the heart. Brush lightly but cover your whole body. This is effective either before or after your morning shower. I would omit the face and neck from this process.
Microdiffusion:
Use a nebulizing diffuser that will break the oil into millions of micro-particles. In case of illness, inhale near the "mouth" of the nebulizer. Only four or five minutes worth should be sufficient, repeat every few hours.
Humidifier:
(cool mist). Add from 3 to 9 drops of your chosen EO to the water of the humidifier. Run overnight, or add the essential oils two or three times a day, if running continuously. Please note, the essential oils can conceivably damage a humidifier. I've never had this happen, but it is a slight risk. This is an effective method if using the essential oils with a sick child, since there is not risk of danger from hot water, etc.
General use, for colds, flu, sore muscles, relaxation:
Bath:
from 5 to 10 drops in a tub of warm water. Fill tub, add oils, swish to disperse in the water. you might try adding the oils to a spoonful of honey, a small cup of milk or cream, or to your favorite carrier oil, and then adding to the water.
Spritzer:
The amount of Essential Oil used depends on the purpose of the spritzer.
For 4 ounces of distilled water use:
8 to 10 drops for the face
30 to 50 drops for an all over body spritzer
80 to 100 drops for a room spray/air freshener
This mixture will require a lot of shaking, since the essential oils do not dissolve in water. If you add them to water without first "solublizing" them they will float to the top of the bottle and just sit there (possibly dissolving the bottle if it is plastic.)
Best and easiest to first dissolve the essential oils in two or three times their quantity of our Polysorbate 20 or in the same quantity of either high proof vodka or grain alcohol.
Having predissolved the essential oil in your diluent or solublizer, then add distilled water to fill the bottle.
Shake well, spray. May be used as facial toner, to moisten a body wrap or as an all over freshener, or as a room spray.
Jacuzzi:
add three drops of essential oil per person. This may be repeated every 30 minutes. Be aware that some sources warn that the oils may do damage to plastic plumbing.
Shower:
After a shower, apply 5 to 7 drops to a damp wash clothe. Rub briskly all over the body. Preferably allow to air dry.
Bath Salts:
Use a blend of Epsom Salts (good for sore, aching muscles), Sea Salt, Baking Soda. Add 6 to 10 drops of your chose oil blend. Either add to warm bath, or use as a 'salt glow' rub before the bath. Adding a spoonful of your favorite carrier oil to the salt glow leaves your skin feeling soft and silky, but makes the tub harder to clean.
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