Vital Force Naturals

Essential oils are the aromatic non oily highly volatile substances that all plants produce. No one is entirely sure why, some say they are the ‘life force’ of the plant, others say for protection, but whatever their role within the plant we harvest them for their therapeutic and aromatic properties (more on aromatherapy and essential oils here)

As they are highly potent substances they should never be used neat on the skin, with the exception, in certain circumstances, of lavender true. Their molecules are tiny, hence the reason they evaporate so easily, so the skin will absorb them quite quickly. This can result in irritation so all oils must be diluted in a carrier.

The aromatherapists favourite carrier is a cold pressed organic vegetable oil of course, great for massage and each vegetable oil has it’s own therapeutic qualities (see here) However, many things can be used as a carrier – water (think bath or compress), air (think diffusers, inhalers), lotion (think body lotion, hand cream), not to mention shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, soaps, face creams, balms, butters, pretty much anything you can put on your skin. Depending on your aim, why you’re using oils and your resources each method has it’s own benefits.

So how much oil do you use?

Do you smother yourself with the good stuff? Or do you treat it like an expensive perfume and only apply to the pulse points. First, if you’re mixing a lotion, oil or cream, make sure your base product is free from other fragrances or essential oils. It is possible to have too much of a good thing, and with essential oils, less is more. Pick a maximum of four essential oils, and put a drop of each on a tissue to inhale to get some idea of your end aroma. Better to experiment at this stage than make up a whole batch that doesn’t smell so good. For every 100ml of carrier, add a maximum of 30 drops total of essential oil. So for example, 12 drops lavender, 5 drops sandalwood and 13 drops lemon. Remember the aroma will be subtle in the bottle and will become stronger as you apply it to the skin.

Want to use your oils in the bath?

There’s a few ways of doing this. Add 8 – 10 drops total of pure essential oils to your bath, say 5 drops lavender, 2 drops sandalwood and 3 drops lemon. You could make your mix up already, as above, or keep them separate. Or you could add your mix to a teaspoon of carrier oil, honey or milk for a more luxurious bath. Always add once the bath is full and swish to disperse before climbing in. Or you could massage the ready mixed blend in a carrier over your body and get in the bath (you can also do this in the shower if you don’t have a bath) Lay back and enjoy the aroma. Just be careful as you get out as the bath will be slippery.

When using oils in a diffuser bear in mind that some essential oils are not great for pets. Make sure the room is big enough for the amount of oil you’re using and well ventilated. Electric diffusers will have their own guidlines, but for the old school water bath and candle set up I’d suggest no more than 10 drops in 2 or 3 tablespoons of water. Keep the neat essential oils away from the naked flame, they are highly flammable, and again less is more. You can always add more later if you need to.

Want to know more?

Why not come on my Essential Oil Savvy workshop. 3 hours of aromatic fun, try all my oils, learn what oils help what conditions, how they affect the body, skin anatomy, how to use them safely, blending, mixing and all washed down with tea and cake. You’ll be provided with a workbook with all the information included and will have the opportunity to make some oils and creams to use at home.

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