Aromatherapy works through inhalation and skin absorption, and because of this there are many ways of using essential oils:

By mixing together two or more essential oils you are creating a synergistic blend which can increase the potency without having to increase the dosage.  A good example would be the anti-inflammatory properties of Chamomile are greatly enhanced by blending with Lavender.

Body Method: massage. Essential oils are too concentrated to be used directly on the skin so need to be diluted in base oil. 1 drop of essential oil to each millilitre of base oil.

Inhalation method: on a tissue: 1 drop, sniff when required.

Inhaled as a vapour: 2 – 3 drops added to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl, eyes closed. Breathe deeply through your nose for about 1 minute.

Water method: add a maximum of 8 drops to a bath. Run the bath first; then add the essential oils, and close the bathroom door to keep the vapours in the room. Soak for at least 10 minutes and breathe deeply to aid relaxation.

In the shower: wash as usual. Then add a maximum of 8 drops of essential oils to your flannel or sponge and whilst standing under running water rub over your body briskly. Breathe the steam in deeply.

Foot bath: 2 – 6 drops in a bowl of warm water. Soak your feet for 20 minutes.

Hand bath: 2 – 4 drops in a bowl of warm water. Soak for 10 minutes.

Room method: Oil burners, fill the bowl with water and place 1 – 6 drops of essential oils in the water, place a lighted tea light underneath to allow the molecules into the air.

Room sprays: 4 or more drops to 300ml water. Use a plant spray. Use warm but not hot water, add essential oil and shake before use. Spray into the air, on carpets and other soft furnishings. DO NOT allow to fall on to wooden furniture and TV or computers.

Radiators: place 1 – 9 drops on a cotton wool ball and lodge by the pipe so it has direct contact with the radiator.

Water bowls: 1 – 9 drops. Put boiling water in a bowl, add the essential oils. Close doors and windows and allow the aroma to fill the room.

Base Oils

Essential oils need to be diluted with base oils to use for massage.  These oils are vegetable, nut or seed oils and have their own therapeutic properties. Vegetable oils are mainly produced for consumption so for aromatherapy cold pressed oils are required, which means that they are made without heat or chemicals.  

There are many base oils available; here is a short list and their uses:

Grapeseed Oil: suitable for all skin types. Base oil: can be used 100%

Sweet Almond Oil: suitable for all skin types. Good for dryness, itching and inflammation. Base oil: can be used 100%

Safflower Oil: suitable for all skin types. Base oil: can be used 100%

The following base oils MUST be diluted further (use any of the above)

Borage Seed Oil: suitable for all skin types. Good for psoriasis, eczema, prematurely aged skin. Good for regenerating and stimulating the skin. Base oil: use a 10% dilution

Carrot Oil: (also an essential oil, often used as a base oil) Good for itching, dryness, eczema and psoriasis, premature ageing, reduces scarring. Base oil: use as 10% dilution. Never use undiluted on skin.

Evening Primrose Oil: Good for PMT, menopausal problems, psoriasis, eczema, premature ageing skin. Base oil: use as a 10% dilution.

Jojoba Oil: Suitable for all skin types. Good for inflamed skin, psoriasis, eczema, acne, hair care. Base oil: use as a 10% dilution.

Diluting Essential Oils with Base Oils

Here is a guide to diluting essential oils with base oils:

0-1 drop           1ml base oil                        

2-5 drops          5ml base oil                      

4-10 drops        10ml base oil                    

6-15 drops        15ml base oil       

8-20 drops        20ml base oil         

10-25 drops      25ml base oil

12-30 drops      30ml base oil

5ml = 1 teaspoon

As an approximate guide: 1ml essential oil = 20 drops

Final Tips

When buying essential oils, make sure you are buying pure essential oils and not fragrance oils. It is fine to buy ready blended oils if that is what you need. Make sure you read the label on the bottle carefully and that you know what you are buying. Some essential oils are very expensive and may well be diluted in base oil or be a fragrant version. A good example is Rose Otto Essential Oil. It takes between 4,000kg and 8,000kg of flowers to produce 1kg of essential oil, so not surprising the high cost of the essential oil. Rose Otto currently retails at around £90 for 5ml bottle.

It is very important to store your essential oils in dark coloured bottles away from heat and light. Shelf life of essential oils varies but on average will last about 3 years. Essential oils do not become rancid with age but their therapeutic properties may diminish. They can still be used as room sprays and for fragrant uses. Base oils generally have a much shorter shelf life and will remain in good condition for between 9 and 18 months. They will eventually go rancid, if this happens do not use. Keeping them refrigerated can prolong shelf life. Jojoba and Coconut oil are the exception and will keep for many years.

Safe use of essential oils:

  • Keep all essential oils away from children and pets.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, do not use internally.
  • Before using an essential oil, understand its properties.
  • ALWAYS dilute essential oils before applying to the skin.

USE LOWER CONCENTRATIONS FOR CHILDREN, THE ELDERLY AND DURING PREGNANCY. SOME ESSENTIAL OILS NEED TO BE AVOIDED COMPLETELY DURING PREGNANCY.