Jun 11, 2018

The Essentials of Essential Oils

by Eva Chacon

In my journey of the natural world, I’ve always turned to essential oils. Whether it’s the fact that they are marketed as being 100% natural or that they smell so great I’ve always been drawn to them, of all the natural options available they have always appealed to me. I love the idea of being able to use peppermint oil when my head hurts or rubbing some tea tree oil on a bug bite or a rogue pimple to help heal and disinfect. Essential oils seem to be the “hip” thing, so I’ve brought you some tips and tricks so you can get the most out of your essential oils.

Dilute Your Oil: To dilute your essentials oils, you’ll want to use what is referred to as a “carrier oil,” an oil that you mix with your essential oil. Many essential oils are very potent, so putting them in an oil can make them easier for your skin and help them last longer. Some carrier oils are sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and even grapeseed oil. 2% Dilution is ideal for most normal adults (2% = 2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil or 10-12 drops per ounce) For children, 1% dilution is recommended for those over the age of 6, as well as for pregnant women, elderly adults, people with sensitive skin, and those with pre-existing conditions (1% = 1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil or 5-6 drops per ounce). Diluting your essential oils is important to ensure you are using your oils properly and getting the most out of them. You can google essential oil dilution charts online as a guide.

Heat and Light: Essential oils are flammable, and every oil has a flash point. However, every oils flash point is different. These points tend to be quite high, so keeping your oils at normal room temperature is perfect, but storing above a hot surface or in a window sill is not recommended because the heat or sun rays may affect the oil negatively, possibly resulting in less potency.

Oxygenation and Moisture: Oxygenation occurs when your oil is exposed to oxygen. Consistently exposing your oil to the air can deteriorate your oil and cause it to evaporate, so always remember to close your oils completely. Moisture can get trapped in your oil if you leave your bottle open for too long, as well. When you get moisture in your oil it may become cloudy, or water may bead up at the bottom of your oil.

Safety: Essential oils are extremely potent. For example, one drop of peppermint essential oil is the equivalent of more than 20 cups of peppermint tea. Because of this,  you want to use great care. It is not recommended to ingest essential oils, as they are too potent for digestion and could disrupt your gut bacteria. Do not apply essential oils to your skin without a carrier (especially for children), or before exposing your skin to sunlight or a tanning bed (especially citrus-based oils, as they can increase the risk of photosensitivity). Carefully research all oils if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and if you wish to use on children.

Last few things to remember - not all oils come with droppers, depending on the thickness of your oil. It’s important to get a glass dropper for this. Never use the dropper as a cap, the rubber on the droppers are very pliable and can corrode. Clean with alcohol and keep in a dry place. Keep your out of reach from children and keep oils in a dark bottle out of the sunlight. If you are pregnant, always check with your medical provider before using essential oils.

Follow these simple tips and tricks for your essential oils and you’ll be surprised how long they last. Always treat your oils with care - after all, they aren’t cheap and you want to get the most out of them. Essential oils can be used for many different things, so experiment with your oils to find what blends you like best and how best to use them in your daily life.

Credits:

https://healingsolutions.com/blogs/essential-oils-guide/120900167-an-essential-oil-dilution-guide-for-beginners-and-beyond?savenow

http://www.rosesandherbs.com/essentialoiltips.htm

https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/essential-oil-storage-tips