Aromatherapy & Do-It-Yourself Recipes

When creating an essential oil blend, the oils are chosen first for their therapeutic effect and then consideration is given to creating the best aroma. This can be done using top, middle, and base notes.

When you create a blend it is called synergy. This means that when certain oils are blended together they have a mutually enhancing effect upon one another so that the effect of the whole is greater than the sum of its individual parts.

BLENDING 

You can use up to 5 essential oils in a blend. Research has shown that you get better results using more than one essential oil at a time. 

You can use up to 5% essential oil, but usually 3% is quite effective. Never use more than 2.5% on the face. Use only 1% in children and elderly. 

When you are treating a localized area for a specific condition it may require a stronger formula. You can experiment with this, gradually increasing the strength until you get the desired response. Another alternative to increasing concentration is choosing alternative forms of absorption (topical and inhalation). 

Once oils are blended they keep for 3-6 months, longer if using fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil. As long as they have their odour they are good. Oils will start to crystallize around the cap when they have expired and will go "flat". Always keep bottles covered and closed.

BLENDING FORMULA

This formula can be used to determine how many drops of essential oils are required to create any concentration of solution, based on the size of the bottle being used (in mls). 

20 drops = 1 ml of essential oil

Take 20 (drops) X size of bottle (example: 30mls)

20 X 30 = 600

To find 2.5% of 30mls: 2.5 X 600 divided by 100 = 15 drops

RECIPES FOR ROLLER BOTTLES

The recipes below are basic blends that have been tested and are safe for most people. Add the requested number of drops to each roller bottle then fill with a carrier oil of your choice (fractionated Coconut, Jojoba, Sweet Almond etc.), install the roller ball assembly, seal with the cap and shake to mix. 

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Did you know…

Niaouli is the #1 essential oil for sinus congestion, exuding decongestant properties even stronger than Eucalyptus? High in oxides, Niaouli is a superb stimulant and expectorant making it  a must have for cough and cold season!

Quick Recipe for Topical Application:

In a 10 ml roller bottle, combine 10 drops of Niaouli with your favourite carrier oil creating a 5% solution.  Apply to the forehead and cheeks to alleviate sinus congestion.

OR

Create a synergistic blend using 4 drops of Niaouli, 3 drops of Eucalyptus and 3 drops of Lavender with your favourite carrier oil in a 10 ml roller bottle and BREATHE DEEPLY.

Back in March 2021 we held a Facebook Live workshop focusing on the basics of natural skincare for different skin types using combinations of essential oils and natural carrier oils.

To watch the actual video to get all of the information please follow this link.

As we get older, hormonal changes, heredity, and the aging process begin to change the texture of our skin. We need to consider our individual skin type and take care of it in order to keep it at its best for as long as possible. Essential oils carry many healing benefits for all types of ailments of the skin. The first step in creating a personalized skin care regime that will work for you is to determine what kind of skin type you have.

NORMAL SKIN

Normal skin is fine-textured, smooth and soft, with no apparent large pores, blackheads, blemishes, flaking, or broken veins. Steps should still be taken to protect normal skin from environmental irritants by using light and gentle moisturizers, cleansers, and toners.

Essential Oils: Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Palmarosa, Rose, Rosewood

OILY SKIN

An easy test to determine if you have oily skin is to press a tissue to your face first thing in the morning. If it captures quite a bit of oil all over then you should look into skin care regimes designed for oily skin. Because the pores become blocked with excessive sebum, oily skin is coarsely textured, with visible large pores. It has a tendency toward blackheads and blemishes. The upside of having oily skin is that it is less prone to wrinkles than dry or normal skin. Also, it will become less oily as you get older. It is a mistake to use harsh soaps and strong, alcohol heavy astringents to try to control excessive oiliness. These products tend to stimulate the skin to produce more sebum, so over the long term, they will likely make matters worse. In general, oily skin needs an oil-free moisturizer, except around the eyes, lips, and throat, where richer moisturizing is required. Oily skin benefits from regular masks and steams to unblock pores and prevent blackheads from forming.

Essential Oils: Basil, Cedarwood, Cypress, Fennel, Geranium, Grapefreuit, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Petitgrain, Ylang ylang

COMBINATION SKIN

Combination skin is a mixture of normal or dry and oily skin (T-zone). You may have a tendency toward blackheads around your nose and pimples on your forehead or chin. There are often small oily areas along the jaw line as well. A skincare program for this type of skin should combine remedies for both oily and normal or oily and dry skin, depending on your particular combination.

Essential Oils for oily and normal or oily and dry skin can be used in combination.

DRY SKIN

Dry skin is fine-textured, delicate, and thin, with a tendency to line easily. For many people with dry skin, washing with soap and water makes their face feel as though it is going to crack. Cleansing creams and lotions are preferable alternatives. If you have dry skin, use masks and steams with great care, as they may encourage broken veins, to which dry skin can be prone. Neroli and rose hydrolats are excellent toners for dry skin.

Essential Oils: Balsam, Benzoin, Bergamot, Carrot seed, Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Palmarosa, Petitgrain, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood