Instructions for using essential oils in a massage blend....
When using essential oils in massage, it is important to dilute them in a carrier oil. The most common carrier oils are olive oil, grapeseed oil, or almond oil. Other suitable oils are apricot kernel, macadamia and hazelnut. Another well-known oil, jojoba, is actually a liquid wax. Jojoba is expensive and is generally only used for special applications, like massaging babies because it is so gentle and mild.
Note: Anyone with a nut allergy or sensitivity should avoid the nut oils: almond, macadamia and hazelnut. Apricot kernel oil is fine.
Mineral oils, such as commercial brands of “baby oil”, are NOT suitable as they are very harsh on the skin. Avoid them at all costs, especially for children and babies.
Essential oils are very powerful, extremely concentrated substances. Many of them are so powerful that they cannot be applied directly to the skin in their undiluted state without the risk of irritating or burning the skin.
Refer to the description of each oil to find out which oils are unsafe to use undiluted, and which ones are safe.
When using essential oils in massage, it is important to dilute them in a carrier oil. The most common carrier oils are olive oil, grapeseed oil, or almond oil. Other suitable oils are apricot kernel, macadamia and hazelnut. Another well-known oil, jojoba, is actually a liquid wax. Jojoba is expensive and is generally only used for special applications, like massaging babies because it is so gentle and mild.
Note: Anyone with a nut allergy or sensitivity should avoid the nut oils: almond, macadamia and hazelnut. Apricot kernel oil is fine.
Mineral oils, such as commercial brands of “baby oil”, are NOT suitable as they are very harsh on the skin. Avoid them at all costs, especially for children and babies.
- When you are applying essential oils to a large area of the body of healthy adults, the rule is not to exceed a 5% concentration of oils.
To make a 5% dilution, add 20 drops total of essential oils to 20 ml of carrier oil. If you are using several oils, the total amount of essential oil should add up to no more than 20 drops in 20 ml of the carrier oil.If you use a different amount of carrier oil, then vary the number of drops of essential oil accordingly (eg. 10 drops total in 10 ml of carrier oil). - For children, the recommended dilution is half, or 2.5%
(ie. 10 drops total of essential oils in 20 ml of carrier oil). - For infants, the recommended dilution should be halved again, or about 1%
(ie. 5 drops total of essential oils in 20 ml of carrier oil). - For babies, the recommended dilution should be halved again, or 0.5%
(ie. 2-3 drops total of essential oils in 20 ml of carrier oil). - For the elderly, infirm and invalids, the dilution rate should be around 2%
(ie. 8 drops total of essential oils in 20 ml of carrier oil).
Essential oils are very powerful, extremely concentrated substances. Many of them are so powerful that they cannot be applied directly to the skin in their undiluted state without the risk of irritating or burning the skin.
Refer to the description of each oil to find out which oils are unsafe to use undiluted, and which ones are safe.
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