The Potency of Essential Oils
When working with artisan essential oils it’s important to remember how powerful they truly are. Every drop of essential oil produced contains the aromatic equivalent of 50 to 70 cups of herbal tea. One pound of lavender essential oil takes 1,000 pounds or more of lavender blossoms to produce. These are clues to use them sparingly and dilute well, honoring the true value of these natural gifts from the plant world. Below are helpful guidelines for both external and internal essential oil dilution rates.
External Essential Oil Dilution Rates
When applying essential oils to skin, dilution creates a better potential for success. If oils are not properly diluted, they can create an unintended effect.
Essential oils should be diluted to a strength that imitates the way they are available in nature. Between a 1% to 4% dilution is a very good starting point for oils that will be applied to the skin.
1% dilution
For children, elderly, pregnant, very sensitive, inside nose, mouth, or ears
•8 drops essential oil in 1 oz. carrier
•4 drops essential oil in 1/2 oz. carrier (or 1 Tablespoon carrier)
•3 drops essential oil in 2 drams carrier
2% dilution
For full body massage, spinal compresses, and most applications
•15 drops essential oil in 1 oz. carrier
•8 drops essential oil in 1/2 oz. carrier (1 Tablespoon)
•5 drops essential oil in 2 drams carrier
4% dilution
For local inflammation, pain reduction, burns, wounds, sprains, funguses, infections, organ compresses, whenever stronger effects are desired
•30 drops essential oil in 1 oz. carrier
•15 drops essential oil in 1/2 oz. carrier (or 1 Tablespoon carrier)
•10 drops essential oil in 2 drams carrier
Stronger dilutions
Stronger dilutions are sometimes useful for certain applications. Wounds, burns, skin funguses, insect bites, and topical infections will often call for an oil from 50% to 100% essential oil (pure undiluted oil is referred to as “neat”).
Equal amounts of essential oil and carrier make a 50% dilution
Nature’s Dilution Ratio
Keeping in mind the extreme concentration of essential oils, it is usually more effective to use highly diluted formulas, as they mimic the levels of aromatic substance as they occur in nature.
Internal Essential Oil Dilution Rates
Essential Oil Quality
Many essential oils available on the market are produced for profit rather than for the good of those who are using them. They often contain synthetic chemicals, solvents, and other trace adulterants. Sometimes they are not made from the species that is listed. And often they are mass produced in a way that compromises quality. It is highly important to know that you are using the highest quality essential oils if you choose to use them internally.
Please research essential oils thoroughly before taking them internally, or obtain the advise of a Health Care Professional. It is advisable to become familiar with your source as well.
Dilution Rates for Essential Oils in Capsules
Essential oils can be taken internally for short duration, by capsule. Use a full capsule of 4% dilution in cold-pressed olive or other vegetable oil.
Alternatively, 1 to 3 drops of pure undiluted essential oil can be placed in a capsule.
Note: Many oils will dissolve the gelatin capsule quickly! Some may be stored for 24 hours under refrigeration; others must be taken immediately before they dissolve.
Use this method for short time periods only. It is best for treatment of severe bacterial, viral, or fungal infections; immune system boost when exposed to diseases; short intense cleansing programs for detoxification, particularly for cleansing heavy metals and radiation; and indigestion as an occasional treatment.
Dilution Rates for Semi-Homeopathic Remedies
Semi-homeopathic dilutions contain a similar amount of essential oil to herbal tinctures. They have a stronger physical effect than true homeopathic dilution remedies, and a softer energetic or vibrational effect.
Blend 1 drop essential oil with 1 oz. (or 30 ml) distilled or purified water.
Shake at least 100 times to activate. Formula must be shaken with every dose, as oil and water will separate.
Dosage is 1 drop up to 1/2 teaspoonful 2-3 times daily.
Note: Several drops of stevia extract may be added to improve flavor if desired.
Dilution Rates for Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies contain a trace, or no actual plant material, and are more active on the mental, emotional, and energetic levels of our being. There are several ways to make them, involving different methods of transferring the energy pattern of an herb or mineral into the base medium, usually water.
Use 1 to 10 drops of a semi-homeopathic dilution from above, added to 1 oz. (or 30 ml) of water. Shake at least 100 times to activate. To make an even stronger homeopathic remedy, this can be diluted out again, using the remedy you just made and repeating the dilution rate.
Dosage is 10 drops 2-3 times daily.
Note: At this dilution level, chemical effects of the oils have been eliminated. Homeopathic dilutions may be used long term without concern of harmful effects. Even oils that normally should not be used internally can be used at these dilutions.
None of our products are recognized or approved by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. This information is anecdotal, and is provided for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be taken as medical advice. See a health care professional for medical advice. More about our disclaimer.