How To Use Essential Oils?
Essential oils can be used in massage, in fragrance or therapeutic bathing, applied to the skin for minor first aid or cosmetic skin care, in personal perfume, or by vaporizing the oils for environmental fragrances. They can be used for the treatment of a multitude of different conditions whether they are emotional or physical complaints. Some of the more common uses would be the treatment of coughs and colds, muscular aches and pains, cuts, burns and insect bites, cosmetic skin care including eczema, blemishes, wrinkles, or in everyday cleansing, toning and moisturizing of the skin. They can also be used to help relieve stress-related symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nervous tension, depression and insomnia. The oils may be evaporated into the air for purification, to repel insects, or just for their pleasant aromas.
- anti-bacterial
- anti-septic
- anti-depressant
- anti-spasmodic
- anti-fungal
- anti-toxic
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-viral
- anti-neuralgic
- diuretic
- anti-rheumatic
- sedative
What important cautions are there?
Essential oils are not to be used internally as they are very concentrated, and can be potentially irritating when ingested or used undiluted. For that reason most of the oils should be diluted before application to the skin. A few of the oils may be applied undiluted as perfume or in spot application in minor first aid treatments. Essential oils should not be used on young babies, and should be heavily diluted for children under twelve; pregnant women should use caution and consult a guide when choosing their oils.
How do I dilute essential oils?
Some of the more common dilutants would be carrier oils such as sweet almond oil, wheatgerm oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil, amongst others. All of these may be used for body or facial massage, as an emollient for the skin, or put into the bath water for a fragrant bath.
1% blend is recommended for skin care and children. 2% blend for massage and 3% for both blend in carrier oil or a non-scented bath and shower gel.
|
Bottle Size |
1 % | 2 % | 3 % | Dilution |
| 10 ml | 2 | 4 | 6 | drops of essential oil |
| 15 ml | 3 | 6 | 9 | drops of essential oil |
| 25 ml | 5 | 10 | 15 | drops of essential oil |
| 50 ml | 10 | 20 | 30 | drops of essential oil |
| 100 ml | 20 | 40 | 60 | drops of essential oil |
How do I convert different measurements?
| Ounces |
Mls (approx.) |
Drops (approx.) |
Grams (approx.) |
Tbs. (approx.) |
| 1 | 20 | |||
| 1/4 | 7 | 148 | 2 | |
| 1/3 | 10 | 200 | 3 | |
| 1/2 | 15 | 296 | 4 | 1 |
| 3/4 | 22 | 444 | 6 | |
| 1 | 30 | 591 | 8 | 2 |
Not familiar with essential oils? See our page on essential oils for more information.