hi all,
i am doing aromatherapy training at the moment, and in my course we are being taught to use a 2% or 3% dilution for massage blends, for example 6 or 9 drops (in total) in 20ml carrier oil.
i just ordered a book "the complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy" by valerie ann worwood, which has loads of oil blends and recipes in it.
i am just a little concerned because the concentration of oils she recommends seems to be very high, for example for her "workaholics massage formula" she recommends 5 drops of neroli, 10 drops lavender, 5 drops geranium and 10 drops lemon, diluted in 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. she suggests using a dilution of 5 drops per 1 teaspoon of base oil.
i was just wondering what experienced practitioners think about this? would it be possible to reduce the quantities and still get the benefits?
also, there is a whole chapter in the book about using essential oils in cooking, including ylang ylang, jasmine, lemon, clove, rose, geranium, melissa, and peppermint among many others... i have been taught to NEVER ingest essential oils but this book says go ahead and put them in food!?
again, i am just interested in what experienced aromatherapists think, as i am only in the early stages of training. am going to have a chat with my teachers about it too and see what they say too, but any guidance would be gratefully received!
blessings and many thanks
xxx
Start with what you are taught. Worwood's dilutions are very much on the strong side and I would generally halve the number of drops she suggests in a blend. I would also not recommend ingesting the oils when you are training. When you have more experience, you may feel happier using stronger blends (or heaven forefend, neat oils - something else we are taught not to use, but they have their place).
Sometimes, less is more, particularly when using oils for emotional rather than physiological issues.
I've got about 4 of Valerie's books and I always half or even quarter her recommended amounts.
I was taught a very basic rule of thumb:
1 drop of eo to be diluted in 5ml of carrier oil
therefore if I was to follow her workaholic blend of
5 drops of neroli, 10 drops lavender, 5 drops geranium and 10 drops lemon, diluted in 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
1 would do 1 drop neroli, 2 drops lavender, 1 drop geranium, 2 drops lemon in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
also, we are not trained to use eo orally, although other countries like France use them in this method. I have gargled with tea tree and I have placed clove on a sore tooth before but probably wouldn't do it again!!!
thank you very much for your advice, this is how i felt too, the blends look lovely i will just reduce the dilutions as suggested.
🙂
Based on Valerie Ann Worwood's work:
“Jerry has researched the oils as a method to treat the whole person. By treating the constitution, the individual becomes stronger physically, spiritually and emotionally and is able to move towards healing of multiple symptoms. I use the oils for various acute concerns as I find solutions for constitutional concerns. I use his quiz in my classes and my private practice.” Yvette Chass, OT
Valerie Ann Worwood described "oil personalities" that can be understood as constitutional dispositions. Holistic approaches to health care focus on the unique qualities of the individual rather than seeking diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions understood according to common symptoms. [url]Essential oils can also reveal our constitutional dispositions and enable us to address their needs. Find your constitutional oils.[/url]