This is a general guide to buying essential oils, which includes recipes and suggestions for good uses of the oils, information on how the oils are produced, and how they should be stored and cared for.  I hope you find it helpful.

What are "Essential Oils?"

"Essential oils" are the natural, volatile oils extracted from plants which retain the characteristic odor or flavor of the plants from which they are obtained.  They are generally produced by steam distillation, though some oils are extracted by cold pressing.  These highly concentrated oils contain potent natural compounds that can be used as medicine, for beauty and skin care, for perfumes and aromatherapy, and for household purposes such as cleaning, polishing, and disinfecting.

What are "Carrier Oils?"

A "carrier oil" or "base oil" is a vegetable oil in which essential oils are diluted to create massage blends and body care products. A good rule of thumb is 1 to 2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil (there are six teaspoons in one ounce, or about 30 milliliters).  You can use any kind of natural carrier oil except mineral oil.  1 to 2 oz of carrier oil will be enough for a full body massage.

What to Look For When Purchasing Essential Oils:

Pure, undiluted essential oils suitable for aromatherapy are termed "therapeutic grade." A simple test to determine the purity of an oil is to place a drop on a coffee filter. Since a true essential oil is a volatile substance, it will evaporate without leaving an oily residue.

Essential oils are volatile and can be damaged by light.  They should be stored in bottles in a light-blocking color such as amber or green.  Essential oils can deteriorate plastic and dissolve rubber, so choose glass containers and bottles without rubber droppers. It’s best to keep droppers entirely seperate.

Cautions:

The concentrated plant essences are very powerful. With the exception of tea tree and lavender, essential oils should never be used directly on the skin without diluting them in a base/carrier oil.  If you are working with essential oils for extended periods of time, consider using latex gloves to minimize skin contact, and take frequent breaks to get some fresh air.

A "patch test" is recommended when trying new oils; rub a very small amount of the diluted oil into the crook of your arm and wait 24 hours to watch for any sign of redness or other allergic reaction before using in larger amounts. 

Be aware that all citrus oils can make skin more sensitive on exposure to sunlight or any form of ultraviolet light (such as tanning beds).

If you are pregnant or have any kind of serious health concern, please consult with a licensed medical practitioner before using the oils.

Recipes and Ideas:

To tone the skin:  Place 2 oz.brewed green tea, 3 drops lavender, 3 drops lemongrass, and 3 drops geranium in a glass bottle.  Essential oils do not dissolve in water or tea, so shake well before using.  Use a cotton pad to apply to face and neck area after cleansing, or take an atomizer with you to mist your face periodically in dry climates or during air travel. This balances the pH of your skin.  Create your signature blend of oils from the many that are used to refresh and balance the skin.

A good basic body/massage oil to soothe dry skin:  Combine six tablespoons of sweet almond or other carrier oil with 5 drops geranium and 10 drops lavender essential oils.  Or try making your own blend of oils known to be effective in treating dry skin .

To fight colds, congestion, and flu:  Eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint and tea tree help fight viral infections and support the immune system, while lifting the spirits.  Mix 10 drops of a combination of these oils in 1 tablespoon carrier oil and massage upper chest and back; or simply place a few drops on a tissue or cotton ball and inhale deeply.  These oils are especially effective when used as a steam inhalation.  Boil a pot of water and remove from the stove. While still steaming, add 2 drops each of eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint and tea tree.  Cover both the bowl and your head with a towel and inhale for at least 3 minutes. Be sure to keep your eyes closed!

For booklovers:  Here's a thoughtful gift. If you're giving a book as a gift, why not add a bookmark to which you've added a few drops of essential oils?  If you know someone who likes to read before retiring, choose something soothing like lavender or ylang-ylang.  Peppermint would be a good choice for a scented bookmark for students, to help keep them alert while studying.  Peppermint would also be suitable for a yuletide present, as would cinnamon.  Give the recipient a small bottle or atomizer of the oil so they can refresh their bookmark.

To alleviate insomnia: Add lavender, tangerine, or ylang-ylang to any carrier oil or cream for a sensual massage; add a few drops to a warm bath; add a drop or two on a tissue or cotton ball and place it in your pillowcase.

To soothe a headache: Add 2 drops each of lavender and peppermint to a teaspoon of carrier oil and rub lightly into the temples and base of skull at the neck. Or, put 2 drops on a tissue and simply inhale for a few moments. Use at the very first sign of a headache for best results.

To relieve muscle cramps, sore muscles and aching joints:  Try a massage oil blended with any of the stimulating oils, such as black pepper, cinnamon, rosemary, tangerine, eucalyptus, and/or basil.  Alternatively, try adding 10-20 drops of the essential oils to a warm bath with epsom and sea salts.

To lift the spirits/overcome sadness & negativity:  Be kind to yourself and relax in a bath with a few drops of orange, geranium, lavender, and/or ylang-ylang. Or create your own blend - many oils are known to have mood-uplifting effects.

To 'fire up' the libido:  Create a sensual massage oil or take a relaxing bath with oils of ylang-ylang and patchouli.  Many oils are known to have aphrodisiac effects.

This is only a brief guide.  I hope you found it useful and I encourage you to perfect your own blends.  Explore and experiment!

Lynn Phillips
Typing Monkey Apothecary