What does it mean to dilute essential oils?
This means that for most common uses of essential oils it is necessary and resourceful… to combine the essential oils with carrier oil.
What is a Carrier oil?
A carrier oil is any vegetable or nut oil that is appropriate for topical use. Oils included in this list are Golden Jojoba, Almond, Apricot, Coconut, Grapeseed, Peanut, Olive. Always use carrier oils that are cold pressed and organic – why put your treasured essential oils into anything less.
Does mixing my essential oils with a carrier reduce the healing power?
Blending your essential oils with carrier oil does not reduce the effectiveness of essential oil treatments. The structure of the essential oil molecules stays the same – meaning it still will reduce inflammation, etcetera, diluted or straight. Don't confuse diluting essential oils with carriers, with adulteration of essential oils. Which means that the oil has been tampered with in some way in the manufacturing process. Sometimes, for mass market, commercially used oils like peppermint or some lavenders, manufacturers want a consistant product - they always want it to smell the same. This is fine as long as you know what your getting. They will add more or take away - from the chemical structure of the oil - so that it is the same as the last batch. Here we are talking about reducing the concentration for application to the skin.
Why are your blends called "Ready to use".
That means that I have done the dilution for you. Most people just want to drop the oils right onto their skin, and not worry about mixing it. I want people to use the oils safely, so I dilute my blends. Typically they are diluted to a ratio of 30- 40% essential oil to carrier oil.
I don’t want you putting a blend on a little child – and burning their skin!! I do not dilute the single oils that I sell, they are sold straight, no dilution.
How much should you dilute?
Depends on what you are using the blend for, the health condition of the person receiving the treatment, and the oils that you are using. See below for some ratios and measurements to study.
The most important reason to dilute is that some oils are irritating to the skin and may burn, cause redness, welting, or can even blister. Some examples are Oregano, Clove bud, Cinnamon leaf and Cinnamon bark, Black Pepper, Pine, Citrus oils. Sometimes also if you oils are not fresh, have oxidized (been exposed to air for too long) they can become irritating, but didn’t start out that way.
Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little can go a long way. I will add here my own bias – many companies that are very Sales focused – don’t overly promote cutting the oils down to lower concentrations, because you will use more and then of course buy more. Or try to instill the idea that if they oils are of highest therapeutic quality – they can’t possible hurt you. Nonsense. Any professional resource you consult will tell you to dilute your oils.
It is smart to consult a good resource book on essential oils for this information, or take my classes. See my resource page for some suggestions.
I find that people tend to use way more than they need to produce the results they are after. Essential oils can be expensive, why use it full strength when 10-50% strength will do?
What is appropriate dilution? – moderate approach 5%, severe situation, up to 50%.
How else are essential oils diluted?
For skin care, hair care, use any lotion or cream that is organic and natural, not petroleum based For Sprays: Witch hazel, Aloe juice, 100 proof vodka, distilled water, green tea
Typical Dilution Rates:
1% - 2 ˝ % for children under 12, elderly, pregnant or nursing mothers, highly sensitive skin, most massage and body lotions.
5% – 10 % dilution for baths, concentrated body work, overall wellness support, energetic healing.
10% & higher for use with injury, consult quality reference material.
10% and higher: Occasional use of high concentration oils is rarely a problem, as long as you understand the oil your are using, and the person you are using it on.
Use these measurements to help figure out
amount of essential oils to add to carriers.
20-27 drops of essential oil = 1ml
100 drops EO = 1 teaspoon or 5 ml
10 ml = 1/3 ounce or 2 tsp.
30 ml = 1 ounce or approx. 568 drops
To make a 2.5% Essential oil blend - a good ratio for lotions, general purpose massage oils, children’s blends.
Use 10 ml or 2 tsp carrier, and then add 8 drops EO.
To make a 5% Essential oil blend – double these ratios as needed for stronger blends.
Use 10 ml or 2 tsp carrier, and then add 16 drops of EO.
