Essential oils are to be highly respected as they are high concentrations of plant energy. When cooking you may take a dried herb and add it to your recipe by the teaspoon whereas that flavour is very mild compared to even a drop of essential oils.
There are approximately 20 drops of essential oil in 1 millilitre of essential oil. It takes upwards of 100 pounds of some flowers, like rose for example, to be distilled down to 1 ml.
DILUTING FOR SAFETY
I suggest that all essential oils be diluted before applying to the skin. In other blogs I may talk about 1 drop of an essential oil on the palm of your hand or the bottom of your foot. I do not mean for you to rub that drop anywhere else on your body.
I will talk about individual essential oils in other blogs. Some oils I will mention if they may be applied neat (without a carrier oil).
Before using any oil, please research the contraindications. Clove oil, for instance, is great for relieving a tooth ache. However, one contraindication is the fact that it is a blood thinner and should not be used by anyone on medications designed to thin their blood.
This blog is to help you easily determine how to make a safe blend. The chart below guides you as to how many drops go into a blend. As you just read in the paragraph above, it’s not just the number of drops in your blend. As well, you need to take into consideration the age of the person you are going to apply the blend on.
If the blend you are making is something that is to be applied to the skin on a regular basis such as daily, I would suggest that you make it a 1% blend.
BABIES AND ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY
I highly recommend NOT using essential oils on babies nor their parents. Babies are still developing their lungs. As well, they also need to get used to the natural aroma of family.
Up to the age of 1 year I don’t recommend using any oils on an infant. IF it is really, imperative then I suggest using a mild hydrosol. A hydrosol is the aromatic water left over after the essential oil has been removed from the still.
For skin issues such as diaper rash, many of the organic carrier oils on their own or blended into a cream using a bit of shea butter or melted beeswax etc. is all you need. No essential oil added.
CHILDREN AND ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY
After the age of 5 or 6 you may use a 1% blend if necessary for such things as a cold or difficulty sleeping.
Using a diffuser may be a better solution for younger children.
SENIORS AND ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY
For people who are used to using essential oils and depending on what oil you are using, this figures in to what percentage your blend will be. I advise to blend on the side of caution and use a 1% blend.
Again, be sure to learn what medications they may be taking and check the oils for contraindications.
DIFFUSER USE AND SAFETY
It may seem that more drops going up into the air the better. NO!! As mentioned, each drop is a high concentration of plant energy and a little goes a long day. I would suggest you don’t drop in any more than 6-8 drops max and 4 or 5 drops is best.
It is also advisable not to run your diffuser for long periods of time. Some come with the ability to select how long you wish them to run. I would say that 30-60 minutes max then give it a rest for a good hour or longer. You become accustomed to the aroma in the air and don’t realize just how much you are inhaling.
If you are using it for a cold, I would suggest that you also run a vaporizer which can be on all night if you have the type that run that long.
BLENDING RATIOS
| 1% | 2% | 3% | |
| 1 oz/30 ml | 5-6 drops | 10-12 drops | 15-18drops |
| 2 oz/60 ml | 10-12 drops | 20-24 drops | 30-36 drops |
| 3 oz/90 ml | 15-18 drops | 30-36 drops | 45-54 drops |
SHOPPING FOR ESSENTIAL OILS
Looking to buy oils? Here is the link to some great oils at a 25% savings.
https://www.enfleurage-organics.com/shop-oils/
Thank you for reading my blog.
With love, grace & gratitude to you
Colleen