Ways to use essential oils

Dilution guide: 

1% - 2 drops of essential oil per 10ml of carrier oil (eg jojoba, coconut, sunflower etc).

2% - 5 drops of essential oil per 10ml of oil

3% - 7 drops of essential oil per 10ml of oil

In general the dilution rate for healthy adults is 2%-3%, pregnant women 1%, elderly or frail 1%, babies (3mths+) only 1-2 drops per 50ml of oil, 12mths+ 4 drops per 50ml of carrier oil, children 2 years+ 1%. 

Massage- 7-8 drops of essential oils (face massage 2 drops – 1%) mixed in 10ml carrier oil.

Bath- fill the bath with warm water. When the bath is ready to get into, mix 8-10 drops of oil into one tablespoon (or more) of full cream milk, sea salt, apple cider vinegar or a carrier oil and then stir to distribute evenly through the water. Do not put the drops straight into the water as they will just float on the top and could cause skin sensitivities. Also be careful not to put the oil into the bath while the water is running as the essential oils being volatile will evaporate.

Inhalations- inhaler, tissue, cotton wool, use 2-4 drops and breathe deeply

Compress- Fill a bowl with hot (arthritis, rheumatism, muscular pain) or cold water (swelling, inflammation). Add 3- 5 drops of essential oils and wipe a cloth over the top of the water, wringing out excess water and apply it to the affected area.

Shower -Put 2 drops into a small clay saucer/lid/tea saucer and put at the bottom of the shower so that the water hits it. Or put two drops of essential oil onto a sponge and use it to wash yourself.

Steam inhalation- pour hot water into a glass bowl. Add a maximum of 4 drops of essential oils and immediately place your head over the bowl covering your head with a towel. Breathe deeply for 5 minutes. This method should not be used with asthmatics and is not recommended for people with broken veins on their face (couperose).

Oil burner/ diffuser- Add 3-6 drops to water at the top of the oil burner/diffuser.

Oils, creams, lotions and gels- Add 25 drops to 100 ml of unperfumed lotion, gel or oil and mix thoroughly. For face only 10 drops to 100ml of cream, lotion, gel or oil.

Spray- 20-30 drops essential oils in 100ml of water

Sitz bath- Fill a large basin with water (large enough so that when you sit in it the water will reach hip level) and mix 5-7 drops with one tablespoon of full cream milk, sea salt or apple cider vinegar and sit in it for 10-15 minutes.

Washing clothes- Instead of a commercial fabric softener you can use 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 10 drops of an antibacterial oil such as Eucalyptus, tea tree oil or thyme. 

Cleaning- You can add 5 drops of an essential oil to the water you water before mopping the floors. Or add a couple of drops to the cloth when cleaning the kitchen or bathroom.

Photo from Unsplash by Kelly Sikkema