How to Use Essential Oils

Essential Oil can be inhaled directly from the bottle, but since essential oils are volatile substances that evaporate when exposed to air, it is preferred to dab a bit on a tissue or use a nebulizing diffuser.

Dilute your essential oils in a carrier oil and massage the blend over the affected area (see chart below). Dilution ratios vary for specific purposes, some of them are listed here:

Infants: Use 1% dilution and be mindful about which essential oils are used. Please refer to my article, Essential Oils for Babies and Children.

Children aged 5 to 12, you can start at 1% and increase up to 10%. Again, please refer to my article, Essential Oils for Babies and Children. Once a child is able to communicate if the oil is too strong for them or if they don't like the aroma, dilution ratios can be increased accordingly. (Some essential oils are considered very safe and can be applied to the soles of the feet without any dilution, such as Hawaiian Sandalwood, Vetiver, and Cape Chamomile. Please do not administer essential oils to children in concentrations that are not appealing to them.)

Sensitive individuals, and for application to the genitals or anus, we recommend a dilution ratio of 1%. That ratio can be increased up to 2.5% if 1% is well tolerated, but essential oils are so concentrated that they can be very effective at 1% dilution ratio.

Rash or Hives: 2.5% to 5% Dilution Ratio

General massage for adults: 10%-20% Dilution Ratio. 

Pain Relief: 10%-20% Dilution Ratio. 

Using essential oils should be a pleasant and uplifting experience. Sensory upliftment is a large part of what makes essential oils effective. 

Use 6-12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil (1-2% dilution ratio). Massage 3-4 drops of the prepared formula into freshly cleaned, damp skin and enjoy the glow!!

Place 4-5 drops into a handful of bath salt and disperse, or add 4-5 drops to an ounce of vodka, light cream or whole milk, and then disperse in the bath. (Note: for small children use 1-2 drops and refer to my article Essential Oils for Babies and Children regarding which essential oils to use.)

This is a great way to effectuate rapid absorption of essential oil. The combination of warmth and water open the pores and invite the essential oils into the body.

For adults and children 12 and up, soak in warm running water for a few minutes to open pores, then place 2-3 drops of essential oil directly on palms and distribute over the body from toes to shoulders, and rinse if desired. The shower method is not recommended for young children.

Fill a large bowl to about 2/3 with filtered water. (Warm water relaxes and increases circulation. Cool water invigorates and relieves inflammation.) Add 3-5 drops of essential oil and briskly stir. Lay in a washcloth, wring it out, and apply the washcloth to the affected area. Leave the compress in place for at least 5 minutes. Dip, wring, and re-apply as many times as desired.