Essential Oils 102

I will restate the beginning, as it is that important: Essential oils (EO)
NEVER ever ingest essential oils. They are a pure and natural product made by concentrating the active components of pounds of plant material down into ounces of oil. A very small amount of some oils can kill if ingested. Likewise, essential oils are generally too strong to use undiluted on the skin, most must be first mixed into a carrier oil such as almond, grapeseed or olive oil in a ratio of drops of essential oil to ounces of carrier oil to be safe. If you are interested in using EO’s either internally or in direct application to the skin ALWAYS consult a knowledgeable source first to prevent possible serious harm.

I add essential oils for smell and effect to my cleaning products, either when I make my own or now when I use the much more effective or purchased natural cleaners .

Bay: About $36 per ounce. (Add 3 drops per ounce of olive oil for cooking too). Said to clear mental confusion and clarify thought processes. Calming, relaxing.

Lavender: About $34 per ounce; a familiar and popular smell, lavender is said to bring balance, lifting mood and energy when down, settling nerves and focus when anxious. Lavender mixes well with just about anything, try it with citrus or floral in the spring / summer and or pine or clary sage in the winter. Lavender is said to have antiseptic qualities so may be a good choice when someone in the house is ill.

(Sweet) Basil: About $18 an ounce. Member of the mint family with a well known fragrance. Sweet basil is said to be uplifting and a memory aid. Flies seem to hate it so I use a few drops or peppermint) in my non-toxic window cleaner during fly season, streak free and bug repellant windows, who could ask for more.

Rosemary: About $18 an ounce. “Rosemary for remembrance.” It is said to not only be uplifting in spirit but clears the mind and helps memory. Some have said that rosemary (and chamomile) are just as effective for a headache as a pain pill. Rosemary is said to have antiseptic and antibiotic properties, so you will often find it in my non-toxic all purpose cleaner . A drop on your hairbrush or in a pint of water as a final hair rinse may make your hair shine and help with dandruff.

German Chamomile: About $145 an ounce (ouch - hang on for floral water!) Smells somewhat like green apples and is said to be great for relaxation, the blues and headaches. German and blue chamomile are high in the chemical Azulene, which seems to lend anti-inflammatory properties to it. Roman Chamomile is the preferred choice for relaxation. Chamomile is a very thick oil, almost like cold pancake syrup, so is usually cut with a carrier oil for ease of use.

Pine: About $23 an ounce. Said to be energizing and uplifting, a great scent to start your day. Pine also has a reputation for helping aching muscles. The pines are one of the few oils with a short shelf life, you will want to buy small amounts and store them in the fridge.

Cardamon: About $90 an ounce. Said to add that “warm and cozy” feeling to the day. Uplifting. Try mixing one drop of cardamon with 3 drops of sweet orange during a winter snowstorm and wrap up with a good book. Just be careful you don’t wind up suddenly craving some holiday pie!

Other fun oils to play with are orange, lemon, clary sage, vanilla, cypress, bergamot, .... once you try them alone begin to combine for even more fun. Try tea tree and peppermint, orange and cinnamon, and lavender and lemon.

1 oz = 2 tablespoons or 6 teaspoons or 30 ml/cc or 28.35 grams or approx. to 580 drops

20 drops to one mL if the liquid is water and delivered from a burette or medicine dropper -1 ounce is equal to 29.57 milliliters