Hi all,
I intend to make up an oil for home/family use.
I have Sweet Almond Oil as the carrier oil.
Can people advise me on the following?
1. Up to how many essential oils can/should be added or is desirable mixed with a carrier oil?
2. In what proportion or ratio should essential oils be added to a carrier oil?
3. Any comment on my favourite essential oils which are Lavender, Bergamot, Geranium, Ylang Ylang and Lemon.
4. Does mixing up the oil mean that it then has a shorter or longer 'shelf life' than when left unmixed?
5. If it smells good (to recipient) does it do you good!?
I posted this in the massage section because my interest is in a good smelling massage oil not as an aromatherapy treatment oil although I know there can/may be some benefit's using particular oils.
I don't believe that I will come to any harm using any mixture of essential oils on myself or partner as it is so diluted.
I realise some people may disagree with my personal belief.
Thanks for any comments and advice.
Luke.
Well, as an aromatherapist, I could take the high and mightly stance and say that you couldn't possibly know all there is to know about essential oils.
However, they are available for sale to the general public and I believe that as long as you are only using them for family/friends/personal use and are reasonably cautious and do a bit of homework (which you are obviously doing asking the questions on this forum), you should be OK.
Don't underestimate the power of the oils, though. Becuase as much as they do good, they can, if used incorrectly, cause harm. So google the oils that you are planning to use to read about their benefits and more importantly if there are any contraindications.
There really is no limit on the number of oils you can mix in a blend, but I would suggest no more than 5 drops of essential oil (whether individual or combined) per 10mls of carrier (sometimes less is more, particularly if working on an emotional rather than a physical level) and I would certainly use less on the elderley or very young.
Lavender is a good 'all round' oil and blends well with most other oils. It can be used for muscular problems, skin irritation, sleep problems etc.
Bergamot is quite relaxing and good for some stomach problems. It should be avoided if the person is planning on going in the sun as it is phototoxic.
Geranium is a very balancing oil, making it particularly good for any type of hormone imbalance. It's also good for people with IBS and also some circulatory problems.
Ylang Ylang is great for anxiety and an overactive mind, but it can be quite overpowering in a blend. Some people do find that it can give them a headache, so I would recommend you use it sparingly.
Lemon is quite uplifting and is good for strengthening the immune system.
The shelf life of an essential oil can vary. Usually, citrus oils have the shortest shelf life, but there should be an expiry date on the bottle. Adding it to a carrier oil, often reduces the shelf life, although adding wheatgerm can prolong it slightly. But I probably wouldn't use a blend much after six month, although you can usually tell when they go rancid.
Most definitely the smell of an oil plays a big part in how much it can benefit a person. I would try to avoid using an oil in a massage that a client didn't like. However, there are some oils which I personally don't like the smell of (chamomile and tea tree come to mind), but I have the utmost respect for their properties. So sometimes, I do ask a client if I can use a particular oil on an area which I feel needs treatment, rather than for a whole massage as I know it will benefit them.
And, yes, the oils are diluted, but essential oils, in their natural form are highly concentrated, so as I said earlier, don't underestimate their potency.
I probably haven't covered everything above, so continue to do your research and enjoy the oils.
If you are not an aromatherapist or have no knowledge of essential oils and their properties I would advise you not to make up your own blend. I am sure you must have seen an aromatherapist, or know one who can make up a blend for you.
Of the oils you mention Lavender and Ylang Ylang are usually well tolerated but both are contraindicated in cases of low blood pressure, and the former in the first trimester of pregnancy. Bergamot and Lemon are essential oils that have photosensitising properties and should not be applied on the skin if you are out an about in the sun.
If you want to buy a ready mixed up blend you can get some really good ones from Neals Yard, far safer in my mind, though of course you must carefully read if there are any contraindications.
binah
x