How to Use Carrier Oils and Essential Oil Dilutions

How to Use Carrier Oils and Essential Oil Dilutions

In Aromatherapy practice, it is best to use carrier oils blended with your Essential oils (EO) for better absorption and more lasting benefits.

A few essential oils are mild and can be used direct or ‘neat’, but about 90% of EO’s are stronger and maybe irritating unless added to a carrier.

Today, I will talk about several of these carrier oils and their benefits and will discuss the best methods for dilutions.

You can also refer to any substance that dilutes an EO; even body lotion, shampoo, or scrub or butter used in cosmetic skin cleansing.

 

Types of Carrier Oils

All carrier oils have many health benefits by themselves and when added to an EO they assist with carrying your essential oil into your skin.

These carrier oils come from the fatty parts of a plant’s seeds, nut or kernel. They normally have no scent or a very light aroma. It is a ‘fixed’ oil, it does not evaporate.

  1. Almond Oil softens and soothes inflamed skin, fights acne, and protects the skin from UV radiation.
  2. Coconut oil attacks bacteria and fungi reduces cellulite, protects the skin and hair. It is greasier unless you use the fractionated coconut oil, which is lighter and easier for EO dilutions.
  3. Evening primrose is high in fatty acids, reduces the pain of PMS and autoimmune conditions, and promotes hormone balance. It is a light, easily absorbed oil and very hydrating for skin and hair.
  4. Hemp oil is high in Omega fatty acids and packed with vitamins. This oil does not contain any of the THC (psychoactive) compounds found in Cannabis sativa. It alleviates sore muscles and joints and encourages toxin removal.
  5. Jojoba oil is the most used carrier oil with EO’s and is actually a liquid wax. It is very emollient and soothing, stimulates collagen synthesis and helps close wounds.
  6. Pomegranate oil has powerful anti-aging benefits. It can be used as a sunblock, anti-inflammatory, and boosts skin cell regeneration.
  7. Rosehips oil is a very effective carrier oil for hydrating the skin, relieve itching, and absorbs quickly. It minimizes the appearance of dark spots, scars, and wrinkles.
  8. Avocado oil is actually used as a drug in France to counter the negative effects of arthritis. It is actually made from the pulp of the fruit and is high in Omega fatty acids. It reduces inflammation and soothes psoriasis and other skin conditions.

 These are the most popular carrier oils but certainly not the only ones. Check out Apricot Kernel, Argan, Olive, Sea Buckthorn, and Tamanu oils which also have super benefits and can be used with essential oils for dilution.

 

How to Dilute Your Essential Oils for Use

Essential oil is highly aromatic and comes from different parts of the plant, flowers, leaves, roots, or bark. They are volatile meaning they evaporate quickly.

Diluting EO’s with a carrier oil increases their efficacy and helps the body absorb them better.

Easy Dilutions:

  • For children: 1-2 drops of EO of your choice to

                      1 teaspoon of carrier oil

  • For adults: 3-6 drops of EO of your choice to

                      1 teaspoon of carrier oil

  • Or to make a 1% dilution: 6 drops EO to 1 ounce of carrier oil

You can combine these in a small container or a dropper bottle for use.

As a reminder in the article Aromatherapy 101, you can use these blends topically by massaging were needed or inhaling for emotional and physical issues.

Summary of Carrier Oils

I have hopefully given you a few ideas to try out your Essential oils with some carrier oils.

Try several different oils or blends and different methods. See what you prefer or works better for your situation.

 

References:

EssentialOilsforAbundantLiving.com

 

Cindy Burrows, B.S., M.T., Herbalist and is a Nutrition and Wellness Consultant helping individuals with health programs to improve life and happiness. She is a writer, speaker and owner of several businesses.

 

 

                                

 

 

 

 

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