Product Education

1. Safe Use of Essential Oils

Essential oils are concentrated, active, plant extracts; thus care and responsibility must be taken with their use. On this page you will find recommended safety guidelines as well as precautions and contraindications.

SAFETY GUIDELINES

The following are standard, recommended safety guidelines for using essential oils.

Keep essential oils out of reach of children.
Essential oils are intended for external use.
Dilute essential oils in a carrier before they are applied to the skin.
Test for sensitivities. Wash and dry an area on the inside of elbow. Apply the diluted oil, preferably cover and leave for 24 hours. If redness or irritation occurs apply a vegetable oil, then wash with soap and water.
Avoid essential oil contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and other sensitive areas.
Keep essential oils away from open flames.
Dilute essential oils in a carrier before adding them to your bath. (Essential oils do not dilute in water due to their hydrophobic nature.)
Keep a carrier oil readily available when using essential oils. In case of skin irritation, apply the carrier directly to the affected area. If no carrier is available, flush area with water for 15 minutes.
Do not use essential oils rich in menthol, such as peppermint with children under 3 years of age.
Overexposure or sensitivity to an essential oil through inhalation may result in nausea, headache, emotional unease or a “spacey” feeling. Getting some fresh air and drinking water will help to ease these symptoms.
Store essential oils tightly closed in dark, glass bottles, away from heat and light.
Use only pure essential oils from plants; Gas Chromatography (GC), Mass Spectrometry (MS) tested to insure quality.

This material is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Any attempt to diagnose or treat an illness should be done under the direction of a healthcare professional.

2. Essential Oil Quality

To ensure that we consistently provide our customers with the purest essential oils, Sika House works with an independent lab that utilizes all techniques available to test for purity and quality.

Gas Chromatography (GC), Gas Liquid with (GLC), Mass Spectrometry (MS):

GC or GLC: Gas Chromatography or Gas Liquid Chromatography is a measurement tool that is able to vaporize each molecule of the essential oil and quantify the percentage of the constituent present. It DOES NOT tell us what that constituent is. The percentage information is the area under the peak represented on a graph; while the peaks represent the individual constituent. (Individual constituents identified by MS testing).
MS: Mass Spectrometry determines the molecular mass of each molecule, identifying each constituent of the essential oil; each constituent being represented on the graph as a peak.

GC/GLC & MS Testing performed to ensure quality and purity:

Essential Oils are free of pesticides.
Essential Oils are free of synthetics.
Essential Oils are unadulterated.
Essential Oil chemical constituents are in the range necessary to be effective for intended use.

To preserve freshness and potency:

Store essential oils in glass containers.
Store essential oils in a dry, dark area that is kept at a constant cool temperature.
Tightly secure all caps to limit air exposure and minimize oxidation.

3. Have you ever had a recipe with the measurements listed in drops but needed to convert the recipe to milliliter or ounces?

This convenient conversion chart can help you to make your blend with ease.

Convenient Conversion Chart

Size	Drops*	Oz.
2.5 ml	50	.08
5 ml	100	.169
7.5 ml	150	.25
10 ml	200	.338
15 ml	300	.507
18 ml	360	.608
30 ml	600	1
1/4 oz	148	.25
1/2 oz	295	.5
1 oz	591	1
2 oz	1183	2
4 oz	2366	4
6 oz	3549	6
8 oz	4732	8
12 oz	7098	12
16 oz	9464	16
32 oz	18927	32
64 oz	37854	64

* Drops are approximate based on .05 ml per drop

4. Why Dilute Essential Oils?

In most cases, we recommend diluting essential oils with a carrier when you’re applying an essential oil topically (on your skin). You can view our list of recommended carriers below.

Suggestions for carrier:

Jojoba oil
Rose hip oil
All natural unscented lotion or cream
Vegetable oil
Liquid soap
Aloe vera

Diluting minimizes risks

Pure essential oils are highly concentrated and if not properly diluted they can cause skin irritation, or after long-term use, sensitization which is a type of allergic reaction. Many are under the incorrect impression that since essential oils are natural there is no need to worry about misuse or overexposure. Unfortunately, only after an adverse reaction do they realize they can no longer continue using their favorite essential oil. By diluting you minimize the risk of sensitization.

Diluting enhances effectiveness

The good news is that using a carrier actually enhances the effectiveness of the essential oil. The carrier not only dilutes the concentration, it minimizes evaporation while binding the molecules to your skin; this allows for coverage of a larger surface area and increases transdermal absorption. Using a carrier not only boosts the effectiveness of your essential oil application, it also saves you money since each bottle will last longer!

Dilution Guidelines

Percentage	Drops
1/2% dilution	1-3 drops per ounce of carrier
1% dilution	5-6 drops per ounce of carrier
2% dilution	7-14 drops per ounce of carrier
3% dilution	15-18 drops per ounce of carrier
4% dilution	20-24 drops per ounce of carrier
5% dilution	25-30 drops per ounce of carrier

1 oz. is approximately 30 ml which is approximately 600 drops

See application methods for ratios to use in baths, diffusers and more.

General Guidelines

½% dilution for babies and infants.
½% – 1% dilutions for children, elderly, frail, pregnant or individuals with health concerns.
2% dilution for whole body massages on individuals 12 years or older.
4% – 10% dilution for spot or regional massage application.
Tea Tree oil for foot fungus and Lavender on burns or bug bites are examples when you may choose to apply directly without dilution.
The size of the drop will vary depending on the following: Size of orifice reducer, pipette or dropper used, viscosity of the essential oil and temperature.
When blending essential oils, we suggest to first mix your essential oils in a clean glass bottle. After you have created your blend, use the appropriate number of drops for the desired dilution ratio.
The number of drops for each dilution percentage is the TOTAL of essential oil drops.
Example: 4% dilution is equal to 20 drops; when using multiple essential oils, 20 would be the total combined number. It would NOT be 20 drops of each oil used.
Less is more! Pure essential oils are concentrated and if not properly diluted or used in high concentrations may cause skin irritation, sensitivity or adverse effects. Some oils, such as Lavender, are sedating in low dilutions and stimulating in high dilutions.
Patch Test: When testing for sensitivity to a specific oil, whether that be on yourself or your client, blend the specific oil to be used in the chosen dilution and apply to a small area before using it on a larger area of the body.

Please Note: These are general guidelines and each individual’s overall health and well-being must be taking into to account when choosing specific essential oils, methods of application, and dilution ratios.

5. How to Use Essential Oils

The methods and number of drops described below are general guidelines for using essential oils for adults. Individual sensitivities, desired results, and the characteristics of the essential oil(s) and carrier oil(s) used must all be considered. Adjust methods and proportions accordingly.

Add to Products: Essential oils can be added to pre-made, fragrance-free products to enhance their performance. Add 4-8 drops to 2 ounces of facial moisturizer; 6-30 drops to 1 ounce of lotion; 10-20 drops to 8 ounces of shampoo; 15-30 drops to 8 ounces of conditioner.

After Shower: After showering, while your skin is still wet, put 1-3 drops of essential oil in the palm of one of your hands and rub your hands together. Quickly and evenly spread the essential oil over your legs, arms, and torso. Avoid sensitive-skin areas. For maximum skin hydration and to seal in moisture, apply cream, lotion or body oil directly to damp skin.

Anointing Oil: Anointing oils are used for subtle aromatherapy and subtle energy work. The act of anointing is an intentional offering of a “blessing” to another person or to our self. Mix 1 drop of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of jojoba. The anointing oil is applied to different areas of the body depending on the intention.

Bath: Mix 4-8 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as jojoba oil. (You can also add the essential oil to 1/2 cup of whole milk or heavy cream.) Set aside. If you have muscle or joint aches, add Epsom Salt (pure magnesium sulfate), Magnesium Flakes (pure magnesium chloride) or Dead Sea salts. Fill the tub with warm water and immerse yourself. Add the essential oil mixture and swirl the water around you. Massage your skin and breathe in the aroma. Remain in the tub for 10-15 minutes.

Bath, Foot: Mix 1-3 drops of essential oil in 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as jojoba oil. Set aside. Fill a tub (deep enough to cover your feet and ankles) with warm water. Add the essential oil mixture, stir well, and immerse your feet for 10-15 minutes.

Body Lotion: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of fragrance-free, natural moisturizing lotion. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Body Oil: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil, such as jojoba or rose hip oil. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Chest Rub: Mix 5-15 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion; apply to upper chest and upper back.

Compress: Fill a basin with water. (Warm water relaxes and increases circulation while cool water invigorates and relieves inflammation.) Add 3-5 drops of essential oil and briskly stir. Lay in a washcloth, wring, and apply to the area in need. Dip, wring, and apply 3 more times. Leave the last compress in place for 3 minutes.

Compress, Facial: Fill the sink with warm water. Add 1-3 drops of essential oil in the water and agitate the water to mix well. Lay in a clean washcloth, wring, and apply to face, with eyes closed, holding in place for 5-10 seconds. Repeat dipping, wringing, and applying—3 times. Pat dry.

Diffusion: Follow diffuser manufacturer’s instructions to fill the air with therapeutic aroma.

Easy alternatives when you don’t have a diffuser:
Place 2-4 drops of essential oil on several tissues or cotton balls, place around room or on desk (caution: place cotton balls or tissues on a surface that will not be damaged by contact with essential oils) or tuck into the grate of a fan or air vent in your home or car.)

Facial Oil: Mix 2-5 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier such as jojoba, calendula, or rose hip oil.

Inhalation: Put 1-3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose. Pause and inhale again. (Avoid touching your nose with the tissue.)

Inhalation, Hot Water: Add 1-2 drops of essential oil in a small bowl of hot water. Keeping your eyes tightly closed, lean over the bowl and breathe in deeply yet gently, pause then exhale. Continue for 30 seconds. Inhale through your nose for respiratory or sinus conditions and through your mouth for throat issues or coughs. Repeat as desired.

Easy alternative: Heat water, pour into a mug then add a couple drops of your essential oil. Close your eyes and inhale the aroma. (Great for travel or office environment when limited supplies are available. Caution: DO NOT drink liquid. Discard water when cool and wash mug with hot soapy water to remove any essential oil residue.)

Massage: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion.

Perfume: Mix 10-20 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of jojoba or fractionated coconut oil. (Fractionated coconut oil will spritz though an atomizer, other carrier oils are too heavy to be used in an atomizer.) Apply to pulse points, such as inner wrists, behind knees, or backs of ankles.

Room Mist: Mix 30-60 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting the mist into the eyes.

Skin Mist: Mix 10-40 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting the mist into eyes.

Scalp Oil: Mix 12-24 drops of essential oil in 2 ounces of rose hip oil or jojoba, or a blend of both. Store in a glass bottle with a cap. Use approximately 1 teaspoon to massage into scalp at night. Shampoo in the morning.

Spot / Regional Application: Mix 1-4 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or aloe vera and apply to the area in need.

For external use only. Always dilute before use. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid eyes and other sensitive areas. Keep away from direct flame—essential oils are flammable. If pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before using essential oils. Store at room temperature and avoid direct sunlight.

Aromatherapy: The use of natural, aromatic substances, known as essential oils, to enhance the well-being of body, mind, and spirit (This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. No information provided is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease).

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