HOW to use Essential Oils...How many drops?

(These are taken from The Aromatherapy Practitioner's Manual  by Sylla Sheppard-Hanger.)

Massage

Use 15 drops of oil per ounce of carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil, olive, jojoba or other vegetable oil)  This is approximately dilution to 3%.  For a 2% dilution, use 12 drops per ounce.

 (Use this massage dilution for deodorant. DO NOT EVER USE NEAT OILS AS DEODORANT.  The skin under the arms is just too sensitive.)

Topical Use  (accupressure, pressure points, feet, emotional work, Aroma Touch Technique, Raindrop Technique, or perfume)

Use 50 drops per 1 ounce (2 Tablespoons) of carrier oil--that is about 8 drops per teaspoon.   This is approximate dilution to 9%. 

Neat (undiluted)

Use 1-2 drops of non-irritating oil (lavender, tea tree, rosewood, thyme linalol, ravensara or helichrysum)  on stings, pimples or fresh bruises. 

Facial Mask

Add 3-5 drops to clay, yogurt or avocado.

 Inhalation

5-7 drops in a bowl of hot water.  Or use a micro-diffuser.

 Bath

Add 1 Tbl. of Massage or Topical Use.   BE SUPER CAREFUL ABOUT ADDING ANY OILS DIRECTLY.  WATER intensifies the action.  Also be super careful about the "stronger" oils--spices, lemongrass, citronella etc.

Water Spray (Spritzer)

Add to 4 oz. distilled water, shake and spray.  AGAIN, I WOULD BE SUPER CAREFUL ABOUT SPRITZING ANYTHING DIRECTLY ON THE SKIN. 

Face=8-10 drops

Body=30-40 drops

Room=80-100 drops (1/4 oz) 

(Here is a recipe I got from Dr. Eric Zielinski:  In a 2 oz spritzer bottle, put 10-20 drops grain alcohol, 10 drops Witch Hazel, then add 10-20 drops of preferred essential oils.  Mix thoroughly, then add distilled water to fill bottle.)

Shower

4-8 drops. After shower, apply to washcloth, rub over body briskly 

May be added to herbal powder. (5-10 drops per ounce) and then put in capsules.  

Note:  Essential oils DO NOT need to be ingested or put in the mouth to work.  In fact, they work faster and better if inhaled!  Then, they go directly into the bloodstream and do not have to go through the digestive process.  (Some sources say to put 1-2 drops in a gel capsule, then add carrier oil, but I have never done this.) 

  Inhalation can still happen if oils are put in the mouth, but this is not recommended because of the high sensitivity of mucus membranes.  Topical use is a "2 for 1" because you get the benefit of both inhalation and skin absorption.

One of the best ways to use essential oils is on a terra cotta diffuser worn around the neck.  This method is safe and effective.  Here is a link to a supplier 

(who also offers wholesale prices).  https://terra-cotta-pendants.com/how-they-work/

 

Moderation in All Things.
Be moderate in your use of essential oils as they are just not sustainable for the environment. Be selective and more moderate in your usage. Use the herb first as a tea or the infusion. —Jeanne Rose 2014