There are many ways to use essential oils for their fragrance and balancing properties. The proportions given for diluting essential oils are a guideline and you can adjust them to your preference. The key is -a little goes a long way. One drop of essential oil is often equal to one ounce of the plant.
- Bath – Full bath: Add 8-15 drops of an essential oil to the tub after the water has finished running. Stir the water to mix the oils evenly. It is best not to use soap – simply the essential oils. Baths are very effective as you breathe the vapors and absorb the oils through the skin.
- Massage – Create your own massage oil by adding up to 18 drops of an essential oil to 1 oz of pure vegetable oil, such as jojoba, grape seed or almond. For children use only 6 drops of an essential oil per 1 oz of a carrier oil. The massage oil can be used for a full massage or spot massage at pressure points for quick effect.
- Compress – Add 6 drops of an essential oil to a bowl of hot or cold water. Submerse a cloth in the water, wring it out and place it on the area needing healing. Hot compresses are useful for muscular pain and cramp relief and cold compresses are useful for swelling or headache.
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