Ways to Use Your Essential Oils
- DIFFUSER (to protect your diffuser, use pure essential oils only). 6-7 drops per 100ml water and diffuse intermittently in open area
- OIL BURNER 3-4 drops essential oil, or your favourite essential oil blend, diluted in water
- ROLLER BOTTLE apply to wrists, neck, behind earlobes, forehead or temples every 2-3 hours. Avoid sensitive areas and eyes
- SKIN CARE Face Oil as moisturiser 8-15 drops essential oil in 2 tbsp (30ml) of carrier oil
- HAIR CARE add 20 drops essential oil (based on your skin type) to approx 120ml of your existing shampoo and conditioning products
- SHOWER 2-3 drops essential oil onto washcloth or sponge while under running water
- OIL CLEANSING METHOD (OCM) 80% Jojoba & 20% carrier oil (specific for your skin type). Optional: Customise blend based on your skin type by adding 2-3 drops essential oil per 1 tbsp (15ml) carrier oil
- BODY CREAMS & LOTIONS 10-20 drops essential oil (based on your skin type) to each 30ml of natural, unfragranced lotion or cream
- BODY MASSAGE 5-7 drops essential oil diluted with 2 tsp (10ml) carrier oil.
- COMPRESS Soak a washcloth in a bowl of hot or cold water. Add 7-10 drops of essential oil. Wring out cloth and apply to affected area
- FULL BATH 10-20 drops essential oil diluted with 1 tbsp (15ml) carrier oil
- FULL BATH 1 tbsp (15ml) of a diluted massage blend
- CAR DIFFUSER add 20 drops essential oil to the highly absorbent pad. Clip to car vent
- HAIR CARE SPRITZ add approx 20 drops essential oil to 100ml spray bottle of water to use as daily Spritzer
- INHALATION 1-2 drops essential oil from a tissue with eyes closed
- INHALATION (as vapour) 3-5 drops essential oil per bowl of hot water; inhale 5-7 minutes with eyes closed
Did you know?
An essential oil blended 3% into a carrier oil will have the same healing properties as a full-strength oil, so there is no need to apply essential oils neat onto your skin (you might burn your skin, and it is a waste of oil). If in doubt, always do a patch test first.
When applied topically, it takes 2-3 minutes for an oil to reach the bloodstream and 20 minutes to affect every cell in the body. Apply every 2-3 hours to reap the full benefits, as the oils metabolise out of the body in about 2 1/2 hours.
When essential oils are inhaled, it takes 22 seconds to reach the brain. Pharmaceuticals cannot act that fast, but essential oils can!
Essential oils for diffuser
Essential oils for diffuser
Essential oils for diffuser
Diffusing essential oils is an easy and effective way of dispersing aromatic molecules into the air. When inhaled, the scent molecules travel from the olfactory nerves (nerves that convey sensory information related to smell) directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional centre of the brain. The scents then trigger our emotional response. Aromatherapy and inhalation by diffusion, is safe and effective because when you inhale essential oils you're doing more than simply smelling them. Molecules of essential oils also make their way to your lungs where they can be absorbed into your bloodstream.
When using your essential oil diffuser, it is more beneficial to diffuse intermittently than constantly. Ideally, diffuse essential oils for 30-60 minutes on, then 30-60 minutes off. This is not only safer, but it is also more effective as both our bodies and our nervous system habituate to essential oils after this length of time. When diffusing, ensure the room is open and ventilated to maximise the benefits and effects.
Did you know? With continuous diffusion, while benefits do not increase, there is evidence to suggest that the body becomes stressed in various ways. However, very low levels of diffusion – so the essential oil is barely noticeable – are beneficial anywhere, for any length of time.
With essential oils, less is more, and intermittent diffusion is more effective. Dilutions Guide: 6-7 drops essential oil per 100ml water.
Essential oils in bath
Essential oils for diffuser
Essential oils for diffuser
Relaxing in a bath is heaven at the best of times. Adding essential oils to your bath, takes aromatherapy to a whole new level! Most of us have run a bath and thrown in random drops while the tap is running - right? Guess what? We not only wasted our oils, but we risked irritating our skin in places that don't like being irritated!
Hot running water causes the oils to escape the bath tub and merely scent the bath room. So fill the bath, and turn off the taps before adding essential oils to get the full effect. Oil and water do not mix; essential oils are not water soluble. The oil drops sit on top of the water which may cause tingling, stinging, or burning to your tender and sensitive regions ... So the best advice is to dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil (Jojoba works best and is slightly less greasy).
Depending on the need and/or treatment required, it is safe to mix 5-20 drops of essential oil per tablespoon (15ml) carrier oil (see directions of use on our ready-made products). Agitate the water with with your hands before stepping into the bath to ensure the essential oils are dispersed.
What about Epsom salt baths? Salt is fully soluble in water and will dissolve once added to your bath. However, salt is not a carrier for essential oils, nor is it a proper dispersant. The experts say to first dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil and then add to salt to create a “wet” mixture.
Optional: Add candles and wine :)
Recommended Dilution Rates
PLEASE NOTE: DILUTION RATES DIFFER DURING PREGNANCY
VIEW OUR PREGNANCY-SAFE RANGE OF BLENDS
OR
FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME FOR AROMATHERAPY ADVICE
For normal, daily use, a 2% dilution is recommended. For acute situations, like an injury or temporary condition you can dilute up to 5%-10% for a period of no more than two weeks.
1% Dilution
This dilution works well when applying essential oils to a large area of the body. This rate is recommended for children over the age of 2, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with sensitive skin, serious health issues, facial applications, long term use and daily use.
· 10 ml/2 tsp carrier oil = 3 drops essential oil
· 15 ml/1 tbsp carrier oil = 4 drops essential oil
· 30 ml/2 tbsp carrier oil 9 drops essential oil
2% dilution:
This rate is recommended for children, bath and whole body products. It is ideal for most adults and can be used for most situations including daily skincare routines.
· 10 ml/2 tsp carrier oil = 6 drops essential oil
· 15 ml/1 tbsp carrier oil = 9 drops essential oil
· 30 ml/2 tbsp carrier oil = 18 drops essential oil
3% dilution:
This rate is recommended for specific localised discomfort.
· 10 ml/2 tsp carrier oil = 9 drops essential oil
· 15 ml/1 tbsp carrier oil = 13 drops essential oil
· 30 ml/2 tbsp carrier oil = 27 drops essential oil
5% dilution:
This rate is recommended for short term use for a specific concern, no longer than two weeks.
· 10 ml/2 tsp carrier oil = 15 drops essential oil
· 15 ml/1 tbsp carrier oil = 22 drops essential oil
· 30ml/2 tbsp carrier oil = 45 drops essential oil
10% dilution:
This rate is recommended for small areas of concern and acute situations. Short term only. Use with caution!
· 10 ml/ 2 tsp carrier oil = 30 drops essential oil
· 15 ml/1 tbsp carrier oil = 45 drops essential oil
· 30 ml/2 tbsp carrier oil = 90 drops essential oil
Essential Oils for Children
This chart shows the range of topical dilutions & recommendations for using essential oils with children. Please contact me directly if you prefer a specialised formulation. There can be exceptions when lower (or higher) dilution is appropriate, or where an oil should be avoided altogether for safety reasons.