How to Determine how Much Essential Oil to Use

Essential Oils must always be diluted in a Carrier Oil before they are applied to the skin. However, when working with Essential Oils, it can be confusing trying to figure out how much to use, particularly because they may be sold in ounces, millimeters or by the pound. It's difficult because different writers use different measurements when describing formulas for blending Essential Oils. Read on to determine exactly how much you should use.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. For use on the skin, use the standard amount of 2 1/2 percent (2.5 percent) dilution of your Essential Oil to the Carrier Oil. Follow the ratios below.
   
   1 tsp. Carrier Oil = 5ml or 1/8 oz.
   Use 1 drop Essential Oil for a 1 percent dilution
   Use 3 drops Essential Oil for a 2.5 percent dilution
   
   2 tsp. Carrier Oil = 10ml or 1/4 oz.
   Use 1 drop Essential Oil for a 1 percent dilution
   Use 5 drops Essential Oil for a 2.5 percent dilution
   
   8 tsp. Carrier Oil = 40ml or 1 oz.
   Use 8 drops Essential Oil for a 1 percent dilution
   Use 20 drops Essential Oil for a 2.5 percent dilution
   
   1 cup Carrier Oil is 240ml = 8 oz.
   Use 75 drops Essential Oil for a 1 percent blend
   Use 150 drops Essential Oil for a 2.5 percent dilution

2. A quick way to figure out how many drops to use for a 2.5 percent dilution is simply to divide the amount of Carrier Oil by two (half). This result is the number of drops of Essential Oil to use. For example, 40ml divided by 2 is 20; so you would use 20 drops of Essential Oil for this amount of Carrier Oil.

3. For children and the elderly, use only ½ the adult amounts as given in Step #1. Essential Oils must be used at a 1 percent dilution for pregnant women, and 1/2 percent dilution for babies.

4. For inhalation, use 2 drops of Essential Oil on your handkerchief or piece of tissue. Steam inhalation calls for 3 to 4 drops of Essential Oil in your bowl of hot water.

5. For a warm bath, use 5 to 6 drops of Essential Oil. Remember that hot water will cause the Essential Oils to evaporate rapidly.

Tips & Warnings

• 3 tsp. make 1 US tbsp.; 4 tbsp. make 1/4 cup or 2 oz.; 16 tbsp. make 1 cup or 8 oz.
• Used with care, Tea Tree and Lavender Oils can be used undiluted or in higher percentages.
• All Essential Oils must be used at a 1 percent dilution for pregnant women, and 1/2 percent dilution for babies.
• Essential Oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. They must never be consumed internally or applied undiluted to the skin. They must be kept out of children's reach.