Diluting Essential Oils - How To
Have you ever wondered why essential oils come in the tiny bottles that they do? Usually, you can purchase plenty of essential oils in just a 10 ml bottle. That’s because the powerful plant compounds found in the oils you’re purchasing are so highly concentrated that a very small amount is more than enough to deliver thousands of health benefits. The problem is, those volatile plant essences can cause some serious adverse effects if not properly diluted.
WHY ESSENTIAL OIL DILUTION IS IMPORTANT
There are a number of different classes of compounds in essential oils. They can be divided into two groups called hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds. They can be further broken down into their chemical constituents: terpenes (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes), esters, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, phenols, and oxides. But there’s really no need to worry about those scientific terms.
All you need to know is that the active chemical constituents found in essential oils are powerful - so powerful that they can cause some very serious health problems if not used correctly including; neuro-toxicity, mucolytic irritation, convulsions, headaches, skin burning & discoloration, dermal sensitivity, danger to pets, infants and pregnant women, preexisting condition aggravation, illness or even death when swallowed (for particular oils). This is why it is so important to use caution when handling and applying the oils.
Specifically, there are compounds found in essential oils that are toxic when ingested: boldo, calamus, camphor, cassia, horseradish, mugwort, mustard, pennyroyal, rue, sassafras, savin, tansy, thuja, wintergreen, wormseed, and wormwood to name a few. These oils can be potentially very harmful if ingested or used improperly.
YOUR GUIDE TO DILUTING ESSENTIAL OILS
While some oils are downright poisonous when ingested, many of them are also dangerous when applied topically if not properly diluted in a carrier oil. By adding essential oils to a carrier oil, like coconut, or avocado oil, the active chemical compounds are not only better absorbed into the skin but they are also more easily spread over the surface of your body for better therapeutic benefits. We always recommend diluting essential oils with a carrier oil prior to applying topically.
How much or how little essential oil to use depends on what your purpose is. Here is a brief guide to dilution of essential oils:
.25% Dilution. This is ideal for those who intend to use essential oil on children 6 months to 6 years of age. Note: It is recommended that you do not use essential oils on children under the age of 2 unless directed by your healthcare provider.
.25% = 1 drop per 4 teaspoons of carrier oil 1% Dilution. This percentage is recommended for those children over the age of 6, pregnant women, elderly adults, people with a sensitive skin type, and those with preexisting conditions. This is the dilution recommended when using essential oils topically, for massage or in lotions and rubs.
1% = 1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil or 5-6 drops per ounce. 2% Dilution. This is ideal for most normal adults. For use in daily aromatherapy or topical application.
2% = 2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil or 10-12 drops per ounce 3% Dilution. This is ideal for treating temporary health concerns and topical application for muscle pain, injury or respiratory problems.
3% = 3 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil or 15-18 drops per ounce 25% Dilution. There are many essential oils that can be used at this strength. Some can even be used with no dilution, or “neat.” This dilution percentage is recommended for use with healthy adults, and still, we advise that you use caution as some people will notice irritation or increased sensitivity to oils at this potency.
25% dilution = 25 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil or 125-150 drops per ounce
GETTING TO KNOW CARRIER OILS
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to carrier oils. Here are 3 of our favorites:
Coconut Oil. This non-greasy oil is extremely nutritious and provides thousands of uses for health and personal care. It is uniquely solid when chilled and turns liquid when applied to the skin, or stored at room temperature. The Fractionated Variety has had the impurities & smelts removed to make the Perfect Carrier Oil.
Sweet Almond Oil. Rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, this softening oil has a thin consistency that makes it easily spreadable on the skin and hair. Keep it around as a carrier oil, and for use as a beauty staple.
Jojoba Oil. This odorless oil is known for its ability to maintain moisture in the hair, aid in retaining skin elasticity and balancing the oil production of the body. It makes for a fantastic carrier oil.
CAUTION
While the use of essential oils is considered safe, the compounds found within the plant essences are very concentrated and powerful. Take note to properly dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil prior to applying topically and perform a skin patch test either behind the ear or on your wrist prior to all-over application to check for skin sensitization. If ever you or a loved one ingests an oil, please do not hesitate to contact Poison Control.
A NOTE ON QUALITY
There are a lot of companies out there today that claim to make a high-quality essential oil product. But the sad reality is that there are so many different labels out there it can be difficult to know what you’re really getting.
When you are shopping for essential oils you might see labels like “Pure,” “All-Natural,” or “Therapeutic Grade.” What you may not know is that these claims are not always completely true. Today, essential oil companies can get away with adding all kinds of fillers, artificial additives and even water to their products in order to shave costs off of their bottom line. That means that when you think you’re getting a potent, pure and medicinal quality oil - what you are really getting isn’t even essential oils at all!
HEALING SOLUTIONS PURITY GUARANTEE
At Healing Solutions, we truly value the health and happiness of our loyal customers as well as new shoppers. That’s why every single batch of essential oils we make is tested, verified and certified 100% pure and unadulterated so that you get the results you expect when using them for health purposes.
*Caution: Natural Essential Oils are concentrated, use with care. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid eye contact. If pregnant or lactating consult a health care professional before use. Not for internal use.
Oil Safety Guidelines
Our 100% pure essential oils are pure, natural, and without diluents. Do not take essential oils internally and perform patch test for skin sensitization.
Legal Disclaimer
The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or diagnose any diseases or conditions. If you or your pet are suffering from any disease, illness, or injury it is your responsibility to consult with your physician or veterinarian.
All products are for external use only. For aromatherapy use or as directed by professional essential oil reference.