Style: October 02, 2020

26 Style | Feature
Dilution
For using topically, the safe amount is 1 per cent dilution with a
carrier oil (see below). As a guide, 3 drops of essential oil to 10ml
carrier oil; 6 drops to 20ml carrier oil and 15 drops to 50ml carrier
oil. But it is always important to check the instructions that come
with the essential oil.
There are different dilution rates for babies and the elderly,
so care is required. Only those professionally trained use higher
percentages, and then only for a very short time, says Jytte.
Carrier oils
The ‘carrier oil’ is what you use to dilute your essential oil in order
for it to be used on your skin. Look to nut or seed oils, like almond,
apricot or blackcurrant. You can also use lotions and moisturisers
with the same dilution rate of 1 per cent.
“Carrier oils can have their own wonderful properties; they can
be so moisturising. Some are very calming, like tamanu oil, which
can help eczema and psoriasis,” says Jytte.
Diffusers
In an average-sized room, aim for about six drops of essential oil to
100ml of water, and don’t have it going for more than an hour. You can,
however, switch it back on after another hour has lapsed. Have it on too
long and you may start to feel unwell – with a headache or nausea, for
example.
“After a while, the scent disappears because you have become so
infused and can’t smell it anymore. The enjoyment is no longer there.”
How do I know which oil to use?
Consider what you are trying to achieve (calm, motivation, health) and do
some research around which oils are known for supporting the desired
result. Not every essential oil will resonate the same way with everyone,
however, so trust what you are drawn to.
“For example, vetiver is very grounding and soothes the nervous
system, but not everyone responds well to it,” Jytte explains. “For some
it is lavender; others don’t respond to lavender. At different times we will
be drawn to different oils, depending on what we need at that time.”