Essential Oils 101 – Mixing Ratios

Today:

• Mixing Ratios
  • Undiluted Application

Mixing Ratios

When blending essential oils, it often works best to use an essential oil from each perfumery note.  A 3:2:1 ratio is a good place to begin – three parts top note to two parts middle note to one part base note and is best to use up to between three and a maximum of five different essential oils.  If you use too many then the oils may have an antagonistic effect on each other and the benefits of the therapeutic actions will be reduced.

Another good rule of thumb is the 30-50-20 rule, which is to prepare your oils by using 30% top notes, 50% middle notes, and 20% base notes.

.25% Dilution. For use on children 6 months to 6 years of age.
.25% = 1 drop per 4 teaspoons of carrier oil

1% Dilution. For use on children over the age of 6, pregnant women, elderly adults, people with a sensitive skin type, and those with pre-existing conditions.
1% = 1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil or 5-6 drops per 30ml

2% Dilution. For use on all normal adults.
2% = 2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil or 10-12 drops per 30ml

3% Dilution. For use in treating temporary health concerns, muscle pain, injury or respiratory problems.
3% = 3 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil or 15-18 drops per 30ml

25% Dilution. There are some essential oils which can be used at this strength. A few can even be used with no dilution, or “neat.”
25% dilution = 25 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil or 125-150 drops per 30ml

Once the essential oils are mixed, set the blend aside to rest for 24-48 hours. This resting period allows the chemicals and constituents of the different essential oils to meld together, helping them blend better.  Thereafter, mix with the carrier oil.

Undiluted Application

Undiluted or “neat” application is the use of essential oils applied directly to the skin without a carrier or base oil. An undiluted application is only applied in a specific localised area.  It is important to only use a small amount (1 to 2 drops) of oil and not to continue use for extended periods. There is also a school of thought you must not use essential oils undiluted.

• Acne spot treatment
• Bruises
• Carpal Tunnel
• Cold sores
• Ear infections
• Headaches
• Insect bites
• Migraines
• Minor burns
• Minor skin infection or trauma
• Whip lash

Oils considered safe to use undiluted

• Bergamot (sun sensitive)
• Chamomile, Roman
• Cinnamon
• Eucalyptus
• Geranium (Rose)
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
• Lemon  (sun sensitive)
• Lemon Balm
• Myrrh
• Orange, Sweet (sun sensitive)
• Peppermint
• Rose
• Sandalwood
• Tea Tree

 

DISCLAIMER

Information provided is for personal information and interest only, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and does not offer medical advice or treatment for any condition. It is recommend you consult your doctor or aromatherapist if you are pregnant, nursing, take medication, have any health/medical conditions and want to include using essential oils.