Aromatherapy massage blends* offer you an opportunity to explore unique base or carrier material. For blending into a base or carrier oil a dosage of 2.5 - 5% is recommended.

A 2.5% dilution = 15 drops per ounce with an average 'swing'** ratio of 10 - 20 drops per ounce. A 5% dilution = 30 drops per ounce which is currently considered to be a more 'clinical' dilution of essential oils. A 5% dilution has a 'swing'** ratio of 25 - 35 drops per ounce. Much research in current years has shown that "less is better" when utilizing essential oils. Therefore a 2.5% dilution is an appropriate and recommended dosage.

TERMS: A Blend can be defined as the end product of combining 3-5 different essential oils (e.g. Geranium, Clary sage and Lavender) into a carrier or base material (e.g. creams, cleansing bases, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel etc.)

TERMS: A Synergy can be defined as the end product of combining 3-5 different essential oils (e.g. Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Laurel) without the use of a base or carrier oil.

** Swing ratio is what I have always used depending on the strength of the essential oils chosen. At times when a blend contains highly aromatic essential oils I recommend to reduce the overall drops by 5. At other times when the blend is constructed with highly volatile or with less powerful aromatic essential oils, I recommend to increase the overall drops by 5. The swing ratio allows us to more completely customize our blends without getting to caught up in exact drops.

A 5-10% can be beneficial for acute conditions especially in such cases as: acute constipation, muscular aches and pains, arthritis, and migraines.

Bath therapy with essential oils can have profound effects on the healing of skin disorders, alleviating muscular aches and pains, enhancing respiratory functions, reducing levels of stress, as well as increasing and supporting blood and lymph circulation. Essential oil baths or Aromatic bathing can begin to facilitate healing on numerous levels both physiologically as well as psychologically.

Dosage is recommended at 5-10 drops in a full body bath depending on which essential oils you choose. Customize drops based upon choice of oils. The water should be warm but not hot and the essential oils should be added to the bath either once the individual is in it or right before the individual is getting into the water. Always suggest the swishing around of water in order to disperse concentration of essential oils in the water.

One can also dilute essential oils in powdered milk, sea salts, milk, and carrier oils to reduce any possibility of irritation.

Essential oils float on the bath water and may leave a thin film of undiluted oil on the skin in certain areas when leaving the bath. Therefore oils that are potentially irritant or sensitising may cause reactions in people with sensitive skins. It is better therefore to solubilize a small amount of a non-irritant essential oil in a non-petroleum derived detergent or liquid soap (say 5-10 parts solubilizer to 1 part of essential oil) and add this to the bath water to reduce "filming" effects.

Safety Note: If any irritation occurs on the skin while bathing it may be that too much essential oil was added to the bath. Should irritation occur, rinse the area with cool water and apply a light cream without essential oils, the irritation should dissipate within an hour.

Foot and Hand baths can be utilized in the treatment of: arthritis, athletes foot, poor circulation, low energy, stress, nail fungus and other skin disorders of the hands and feet. Dosage: 5-7 drops of essential oil in a basin of warm/hot water. Let feet or hands soak for 10 - 15 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salts for added benefit.

Inhalations can be utilized for the treatment of a variety of respiratory disorders as well as emotional states. They are most effective for treating nasal or chest congestion where there is an excess or deficiency of mucus. (E.g. Sinusitis, bronchitis, hay fever, post nasal drip etc.) Inhalations range in methods of application and consist of the following:

a. Steam Inhalation

Bring 2 cups of water to boil, reduce heat and let water cool for 5-10 minutes. Add 2-5 drops of essential oil (or a combination of 2-3 essential oils). Inhale vapors for 5-10 minutes. You can also place a towel over your head to increase concentration. Inhalations can be used 2-3 times a day in treatment of specific respiratory disorders.

b. Handkerchief or tissue paper can be used as a wonderful tool for inhalations

Dosage: Place 2-4 drops of essential oils on the tissue or cloth. Hold cloth in the palms of your hand and take 2-3 deep inhalations through the nose. Suggested time: 7 times a day or as needed to keep sinus area clear.

Another variation on this theme is to place 2-4 drops on your pillowcase during the night. This will keep the sinuses open throughout the night and if you have trouble falling asleep with 'eucalyptus' then add a drop of lavender to aid sleep!

c. Aerial dispersion via electronic glass diffusers

"The nebulising diffuser consists of two parts: an air pump and a hand blown glass expansion chamber (nebuliser) with special internal tubes and baffles. As air is pushed from the pump into the glass chamber the essential oil 'breaks' against the baffles where by the essential oil is discharged into the atmosphere in a fine mist of micro droplets. Aerial dispersion is best utilized in short durations. Recommended time usage: 15 minutes every two hours. The ionized micro droplets will stay suspended in the air."
(Jan Kusmirek)

Aerial dispersion or electronic diffusion is best used for: Respiratory ailments, environmental fragrancing, energy sedation or stimulation, emotional upsets, and to clean the air of bacteria and microbes./font>

d. Clay candle or electric pottery diffusers