Why dilute essential oils?

The word “dilute” usually makes you think of making something less strong or less effective. But it’s actually the opposite when it comes to essential oils.

When using oils topically (on your skin), I recommend using a “carrier oil”. A carrier oil is a fatty oil that makes the essential oil more spreadable on the surface of the skin. The carrier oil actually “carries” the essential oil deeper into the skin so it can be absorbed into the capillaries. When no carrier oil is used (when it is applied neat), some of the oil will be absorbed but most of it will actually evaporate from the skin.

The most common carrier oil for use with essential oils is fractionated coconut oil. (“Fractionated” simply means that the fatty solids have been removed so that the oil can be liquid even at room temperature.) This is recommended because it has no scent and is easily absorbed by the skin. Coconut oil is also antibacterial which give it a long shelf life. Other potential carrier oils include jojoba, almond, grapeseed, olive oil and other food oils, and you could even use unscented lotion.

You could use diluted essential oils to address just about anything, but it is the best way to treat skin issues, muscle tension or soreness, tendonitis, digestive or menstrual cramps (apply right to belly). To affect other body systems you can apply to soles of feet, back of neck or along the spine to allow the oil to absorb into the body.

DoTerra has some products that are already pre-dilued for immediate use. The 10 mL roller bottles that say “touch” on the label are diluted as are the Balance and Serenity blends. They are all diluted with fractionated coconut oil (FCO). The children’s roller ball set are all diluted as well. They are safe to use on babies (bottom of feet with socks) or on skin. (It’s still always a good idea to test out a small area to make sure there is no sensitivity even with dilution.)

It’s fun to customize and create your own single oil or diluted blends. You may want to create a delicious smelling after bath moisturizing oil, in which case you could blend 2 to 3 oils that smell great together. Or you may want to do something specific like help support your immune system, in which case the healing property of oil becomes more important than how it smells. For instance, oregano oil is a very strong oil that has a pungent smell but can be amazing when applied topically to warts or on bottoms of feet to help with immune support.

I like to “stretch” out my essential oils by making roller bottles with carrier oil for topical use.

>> To make a roller or “touch” I recommend filling a 10 mL bottle 1/3 full with essential oil and the rest carrier oil.

For young children under 2-6 make 1/4 essential oil and rest carrier oil.

For babies under 2, make it with 1/10 essential oil and rest carrier oil.

The reality is that sometimes its easier and faster to just quickly dilute without measuring, which can be ok as well. Sometimes I don’t measure so much….I just add a 2 to 3 drops of essential oil to my hand and then pump a quarter sized amount of coconut oil to it and rub into skin. I love to do this with Frankincense after a shower.

Here are some great roller ball recipes from The Essential Oil Hormone Solution by Mariza Snyder.

Motion Sickness Rollerball blend

• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops ginger essential oil
• Carrier oil of choice

Add essential oils first then fill rest with carrier oil. Replace rollerball top and cap, and shake gently to blend. Apply behind ears and back of neck ever 15 to 20 minutes or as needed.

Overwhelm Reset Rollerball blend

• 8 drops geranium essential oil
• 8 drops clary sage essential oil
• 6 drops cypress essential oil
• 3 drops patchouli essential oil
• 3 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Add essential oils first then fill rest with carrier oil. Replace rollerball top and cap, and shake gently to blend. Apply to back of neck, temples, behind the ears, and wrists.

Motivation Rollerball Blend

• 5 drops Basil essential oil
• 10 drops Grapefruit essential oil
• 10 drops Wild Orange essential oil

Add essential oils first then fill rest with carrier oil. Replace rollerball top and cap, and shake gently to blend. Roll on palms, wrists and ankles.

Hope you found those helpful!

Be well,
Danielle