Dilution Guidelines Using Essential Oils
When using essential oils, you also need to consider appropriate dilution ratios and application methods. That is considering all aspects that can be affected by your formulation – physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically, spiritually and environmentally.
Here are some easy to questions to ask to help you determine a proper dilution ratio blend.
- Physically – how will the body respond or react?
- Mentally – will the blend support balancing thoughts, or stir them up to much causing “action step paralysis”?
- Emotionally – will the blend help balance emotions or cause them to be more chaotic and confusing?
- Energetically – does the blend balance and harmonize you energy and aura field, or does it make it too jittery or numb?
- Spiritually – does the blend help you connect or reconnect spiritually, or create greater confusion?
- Environmentally – does the blend match the purpose and desired results needed for the environment?
Dilution Ratios for Sensitivities
When you are blending, do you have a heavy hand, a light hand or a moderate hand? That means when you formulate, you tend to use a 1% dilution ratio, 2%, 4% or 10+%?
As with cooking, there are variances in the amount of the ingredients used. You want to match up the right dilution ratio not only for the physical aspect (to avoid contraindications, allergies & sensitivities), you want to consider and include the mental and emotional aspects.
There are certain dilution guidelines using essential oils you can follow to ensure the recipient gets the best blend, custom to their needs. You can follow my Dilution Ratio Chart or feel your way through with your intuitive guidance.
Physical
Physically, have a balanced and proper dilution ratio can deliver results without causing allergies, reactions, sensitivities, and contraindications. For example, one drop of Rosmarinus officinalis in a blend may cause elevated blood pressure in someone who is very sensitive to its effects. So, for that person, balancing that out with 1-2 drops ylang ylang might be needed. However, someone who is not sensitive to Rosmarinus officinalis, thy might be able to handle 2-5 drops without the heating element causing blood pressure to rise. I have experienced these responses with several of my clients. Some can handle the Rosmarinus officinalis, and others, one drop caused a spike. Either way, review and implement aromatherapy safety guidelines to help you formulate adn blend essential oils.
When making this assessment, you will need to consider if a 1%, 2%, 4% or greater is needed, as well if it is necessary. Just becuase someone can “handle” a higher amount (or seems like they can), doesn’t mean their blend needs to be that strong. Yu want to cross reference all angles of the blend’s effect to confirm a formulation you have made.
Mental
Mentally, someone might be in a more down, defeated and mental chaos state. thus, more is not always better. One drop can go a long way and provide subtle shifts not to overwhelm the person’s thoughts and behaviors. If you go in too strong, it can add too much movement, making them more confused, agitated, irritated, frustrated, and angry. This is because they are feeling “pushed” or “shoved” into a movement pattern that does not feel in alignment. Think about it, when you are in a line, do you like to walk forward one step at a time, not bumping into something or someone? Or do you like to be pushed and shoved into the crown like sardines? Same philosophy when creating essential oil blends.
Emotional
Emotionally, you need to evaluate if someone is a balanced or strong emotional state. If so, they might be able to handle a higher dilution ratio. If they are in a delicate or hypersensitive state, someone might only be able to handle 1 drop. A great way to know where someone is at, is to listen. Listen to their words and description of what they want, where they are at, and what they are expecting as the outcome of a blend. Listen for defensive and hypercritical descriptive words. Things like –
- “I just can’t handle one more thing.”
- “My nerves are so frazzled and I feel I am about to break.”
- “I feel I am about to fall off the deep end”.
These are key words and phrases that indicate, a more subtle, soft and gentle blend may be needed.
Blend Ratio Recommendations
Sensitivity levels would include bother deficient (depression) and excess emotions (anger).
- Highly sensitive: .5% – 1% dilution
- Semi-sensitive: 1-2% dilution
- Balanced: dilution 2-4%
If you are interested in learning more about using essential oils safely for physical, mental, emotional, energetic and spiritual health, I invite you to the JennScents Aromaversity. We have several Masterclasses on special niche topics, as well as an aromatherapy certification program. CE’s available for LMTS; and nurses & dietitians in certain states.
Want to feel more confident in using essential oils safely to take care your family & others?
Looking to expand your knowledge and skills using essential oils?
Want to add aromatherapy to your client services to enrich your niche?
Or start a new career path in aromatherapy?
Glad you are here.
The JennScents Aromaversity has 3 training programs to meet you where you are, and help you grow to where you want to be.
Check out our Aromatherapy Certifications here.
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You just need the right education, mentor, and tools to get you there.
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