Carrier Oils
Most essential oils in their pure state are too highly concentrated to be used directly on the skin, so they are first diluted in a carrier oil. For example, 1 drop of essential oil may be all you need to use; that obviously will not spread very, but diluted in a base oil, it will cover quite a large area. Good carrier oils are : almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil and macadamia oil. Almond oil is easily obtained, has therapeutic qualities of its own, and can be used by almost anyone. Although olive oil has a venerable position in the Bible, it is too heavy for all-over body use.
There are a wide range of carrier oils available, and the words to look for on the bottle - which indicate quality - are 'organic', 'cold pressed' and 'virgin' 'organic' denotes that the plant material was grown without using biocides: that is pesticides, herbicides and fungicides made from synthetic chemicals or petrochemicals.
'Cold-pressed' indicates that the oil has not been through a heating process to extract the oil from the seed or other source material.
'Virgin' signifies that the oil came from the first pressing of the material.
Blending Essential Oils with Carrier / Base Oils For The Body
Quantities to Use
| Number Of Drops To Use | Blend the number of essential oil drops on the left into the volume of base oil on the right - which is either in ml or spoonfulls. |
| Essential Oils | Vegetable OilS | ||||
| Min Drops | Max drops | Per Ml | Teaspoons | Dessert Spoons | Table Spoons |
| 0.5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | - |
| 1 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | 10 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 3 | 15 | 15 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 4 | 20 | 20 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 5 | 25 | 25 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| 6 | 30 | 30 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
Pregnant and Lactating
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to be aware that there are certain essential oils which not be applied to the body at this time, and these are listed below. In all other methods, these women should use the minimum quantity of essential oil recommended in any particular section. (The oils listed here are in addition to those which should not be used by anyone which are listed under Safety and Precautions Below).
| Aniseed | Clary Sage | Marjoram | Rosemary |
| Basil | Clove | Myrrh | Sage |
| Bay | Cumin | Nutmeg | Spikenard |
| Birch | Fennel | Oregano | Tarragon |
| Black pepper | Hops | Parsley Seed | Thyme |
| Cedarwood | Hyssop | Peppermint | Valerian |
| Cinnamon | Juniper | pimento | |
| Cistus | mace | Berry |
People on Medication
Use half the recommended dosages. For example, if it states 'use 4-10 drops' use between 2-5 drops.
People Using Homeopathy
It's thought by some homeopaths that essential oils and other strong smells negate the effects of homeopathic treatments.
Tranquillizer Addiction
Use half the recommended dosage. For example, if it states 'use 4-10drops' use between 2-5 drops.
Substance Addiction
Use half the recommended dosage. For example, if it states 'use 4-10 drops', use between 2-5 drops.
Alcohol Addiction
Use half the recommended dosage. For example, if it states 'use 4-10 drops', use between 2-5 drops.
Safety Precautions
Not all natural or plant products are beneficial to health. Deadly nightshade can be poisonous and stinging nettles sting. The following essential oils shout not be use under any circumstances.
| Bitter Almond | Rue |
| Boldo Leaf | Sassafras |
| Calamus | Savin |
| Yellow Camphor | Southernwood |
| Horseradish | Tansy |
| Jaborandi leaf | Thuja |
| Mugwort | Wintergreen |
| Pennyroyal | Wormseed |
Not all natural or plant products are beneficial to health. Deadly nightshade can be poisonous and stinging nettles sting. The following essential oils shout not be use under any circumstances.
(List as recommended by the International Federation of Aromatherapists code of Practice.)
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant essences and should not be taken orally unless under medical supervision.
People with sensitive skin or allergic reactions to aromatic materials should always do a skin test twenty-four hours before use.
Some essential oils have been documented as being phot-sensitive and should not be applied to the skin before exposure to the sun. Of those mentioned in this web site, those that may fall into the category are among the citrus oils - especially bergamot, and also angelica.
Reference: The Fragrant heavens: Valerie A Worwood