How to Dilute with carrier oils
diluting
Essential oils can be added to carrier oils or a carrier oil can be applied first to an area, followed by an essential oil, this process is referred to as dilution. It is usually specified in terms of either a percentage or a number of drops to be added to an amount of carrier oil. The descriptions in the chapters on Wellness Uses and Health Concerns often give either the number of drops or percentage.
The chart below helps to convert from percentage to the number of drops of essential oils required. Over time, it will feel comfortable deciding the amount of carrier to use for certain applications. The charts are mostly for beginners with essential oils who are still uneasy about essential oils and their carrier amounts.
The chart below helps to convert from percentage to the number of drops of essential oils required. Over time, it will feel comfortable deciding the amount of carrier to use for certain applications. The charts are mostly for beginners with essential oils who are still uneasy about essential oils and their carrier amounts.
mixture amount chart
Carrier
Mixture 1% 2% 5% 10%
1 Teaspoon 1 drop 2 drops 5 drops 10 drops
1 Tablespoon 3 drops 6 drops 15 drops 30 drops
1 fluid ounce 6 drops 12 drops 30 drops 60 drops
Choose the amount or carrier being used in the 1st column. Then find the number of drops of essential oil in either the 1%, 2%, 5%, or 10% columns. For example, to make 1 tablespoon of ointment with a 2% mixture would require 6 drops of essential oil.
Mixture 1% 2% 5% 10%
1 Teaspoon 1 drop 2 drops 5 drops 10 drops
1 Tablespoon 3 drops 6 drops 15 drops 30 drops
1 fluid ounce 6 drops 12 drops 30 drops 60 drops
Choose the amount or carrier being used in the 1st column. Then find the number of drops of essential oil in either the 1%, 2%, 5%, or 10% columns. For example, to make 1 tablespoon of ointment with a 2% mixture would require 6 drops of essential oil.
CONVERSION CHART
The chart below is just a helpful measurement conversion chart for milliliters (ml.), teaspoons, tablespoons, and fluid ounces (fl.oz.).
The chart below is just a helpful measurement conversion chart for milliliters (ml.), teaspoons, tablespoons, and fluid ounces (fl.oz.).
1▼ is how many ►
Drops Teaspoons Tablespoons
ml (milliliter) 20 1/5 1/15
Teaspoon 100 1 1/3
Tablespoon 300 3 1
fl. oz. 600 6 2
As you gain experience with essential oils, you will find that you can quickly make your own carrier mixtures that you are confident in, without careful measuring or precise calculations.
Included below are some common examples of what typical applications are like:
Situation: A minor cut or scrape
Solution: Direct topical application of Lavender essential oil. This is a mild oil and with very few exceptions, 1-2 drops can be dropped directly on a wound after cleaning. Repeat 2-3 times per day as needed.
Situation: Uneasy sleep or restlessness
Solution: Lavender, Ylang Ylang or a calming blend essential oil as a foot rub before retiring. Make a 2-5% mixture with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and 3-5 drops of essential oil. The carrier oil facilitates the rub and allows adequate massage of both feet. Don’t forget to cup and inhale the residue of the mixture remaining on the hands.
Situation: Coughing and mucus after a cold
Solution: Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Cypress (if available) essential oil. Add 2-3 drops of each oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil and apply as a massage to the neck and chest. Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. (Similar to Vicks™ rub)
Premixing Salves, Ointments, and Spritzers
Sometimes it is wise to have a premixed salve, ointment, or spray for emergencies that may come up or for a concern that requires periodic application. Here are some hints on premixing:
· If making a premixed spritz for applications, it is usually done with water as a carrier, because the two will separate, therefore, shake vigorously before using and continue shaking often. Typical use of 4-6 drops of oil per 1/2 cup of water is sufficient. Use a quality spray container and apparatus.
· A common ointment to have handy is 6-8 drops of Peppermint to a teaspoon of a carrier oil for headaches. A small amount of this mixture placed on the temples, forehead, or back of the neck is very effective for many people.
· If a carrier/essential oil ointment is pre-made, be sure to use a tight sealing and low light container, or store them out of the light.
· It is handy to keep a pre-made, relaxing foot rub ointment next to a child’s bed so that a parent can quickly and easily give a child a relaxing and calming foot rub at bed time.