Essential Oil Conversion Chart

Great reference tool to keep on hand when mixing and blending your own essential oils.
Click on image to enlarge for easier viewing.

Blending Essential Oils

When essential oils are blended together, they can actually work better than they would if used separately; for example when lavender is mixed with chamomile, the anti-inflammatory action of chamomile is enhanced. When the blended oils are working harmoniously together in this way, the combination is called a "synergy". The essential oils are very powerful. so please respect the indicated amounts. If a blend states 2 drops of peppermint, do not be tempted to add an extra 3-4 drops, thinking it will work better; it will not, and may only serve to irritate the skin. You may wish to use less than the indicated amounts, however, since sometimes a more diluted blend can be just as effective.
When you open a bottle of essential oil, the first smell that hits you consists of "top note" molecules. After a few seconds, the heavier molecules start to evaporate and you begin to smell the whole aroma of the essential oil, including the "middle notes" and the "base notes". This is why when smelling the perfume of the oil your first reaction may be positive but after a while you change your mind. It is the heavier molecules escaping the bottle at a later stage that you are rejecting. it is best to pour a little of the oil onto a tissue or testing strip, as this will give you the full aroma when you smell it.

*Top notes hit you first. They do not last long, but they are very important because they give the first impression of the blend. They are sharp, penetrating, volatile, extreme and either cold or hot, but never warm.
*Middle notes give body to your blends; the smooth the edges and round the angles. They are often warm, round, soft and mellow. Middle notes typically form the bulk of the blend.
*Base notes are the fixatives; they deepen the blend and draw it into the skin, giving it roots and permanence. When smelled from the bottle, base notes seem rather faint, but when applied to the skin they react strongly and release their power.

To make a blend that is balanced, choose essential oils that you enjoy the aroma of. Choose one from each "note". Blend these as 2 drops of top note, 3 drops of middle note, 1 drop of base note and 15ml of carrier oil. This was the all-around perfume of the blend will have a balanced smell, and no one oil will dominate the others.

Poison Weed Rash Relief

Now that Spring is right around the corner and everyone will be spending more time outdoors, it's a great idea to keep a batch of this oil blend on hand. If you have family members susceptible to these villains, get a good field guide with pictures and learn how to identify them. That will alleviate the problem somewhat, but if someone breaks out in one of these colorful, bumpy, itchy rashes, try the following remedy:

5 drops Chamomile
2 drops Geranium
5 drops Lavender
5 drops Tea Tree

Mix the above oils into 1 cup of water. Use in one of the following ways:
*Spray this blend on the affected areas. Allow it to dry naturally.
*To relieve a large area of skin, you might like a bath. Add 4 drops of the essential oil blend and 1/4 cup plain dry oatmeal, to a tepid bath. Soak until you feel better.

Razor Burn Relief

Our skin is put through so many trials and tribulations in a normal day, especially if you live where the elements can change without a moments notice. Let aromatherapy help guard your skin and help create a pleasing and attractive appearance.
The essential oils in this treatment make it gentle enough to use every day, and safe enough to use on the most intimate shaving areas.

Recipe for Razor Burn Relief
3 drops Chamomile
5 drops Geranium
5 drops Lavender
3 drops Lemon

Mix all oils together. Put half the blend into a quart of water and spritz the shaved area. For a more concentrated effect, put the other half of the blend into 2 tablespoons of carrier oil and massage the shaved area.
This blend also has a wonderful light fragrance that is pleasing and uplifting. It is also very effective in the treatment of chapped skin, so make up a batch for year-round use.

Natural Cleaners

How Do Homemade Natural Cleaners Work?


Switching to natural homemade cleaners can feel a little funny at first because the natural ingredients seem so ordinary. 
We're so used to chemicals and artificial scents these days you might wonder if the simple ingredients in these green cleaning recipes really work. Well, here's your chance to find out!


Vinegar. Kills germs, cuts grease, deodorizes, dissolves mineral deposits. Reportedly kills 82% of mold.


Baking Soda. Sodium Bicarbonate. Scrubs, whitens and deodorizes. Cuts grease.


Washing Soda. Sodium Carbonate. Cuts grease, removes grime, disinfects. Usually in the laundry area of your grocery or department store, or ask for it at a pool store. It will be in the water softener section.


Borax. Disinfectant. Kills germs, bacteria and fungi. Deodorizes. Although it is a natural substance, borax is toxic when ingested. It may also cause skin irritation. Keep away from children, pets and food preparation areas. Use in proper dilution.


Liquid Dishwashing Soap. Cuts grease, removes grime, disinfects. Look for a natural, vegetable based product. Or make your own!


Essential Oils. Kill germs, bacteria and fungi. Boost the immune system. Add mood-lifting scents to green cleaning recipes.

Here's a few suggestions for mood-lifting, stress-reducing, germ-killing essential oil blends for your homemade household cleaners.


Lavender 'n Lemon
15 drops each lavender and lemon essential oils.
Mint Refresher
10 drops each eucalyptus, peppermint and orange essential oils.
Spice Splash
10 drops each clove, lavender and orange essential oils.
Citrus Sparkle
10 drops each lemon, lemongrass and tea tree essential oils.

Sore Throat

A bacterial infection or lots of singing, talking, or yelling can cause a sore throat. At times, the throat can be so inflamed and painful that it becomes difficult to swallow. If the inflammation is in the voice box, you can easily come down with laryngitis, in which your voice is reduced to a hoarse whisper or it even may become impossible to talk at all.
The most popular sore throat and laryngitis cure is to gargle with a marjoram herb tea that has been sweetened with honey. You can use the essential oil of marjoram to make a similar remedy. As both an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, it is a good choice. Other essential oils or herb teas to use as a gargle are sage, hyssop, and thyme, all of which kill bacterial infections.
Any of these essential oils can easily be gargled or sprayed into the throat. This brings the antibacterial and soothing essential oils into direct contact with the bacteria responsible for causing a sore throat or laryngitis. In an emergency, a few drops of essential oil diluted in two ounces of water may also be used. In addition, try a neck wrap as described below. This is especially good to use if your glands are swollen or your neck is stiff.
Both lavender and eucalyptus work so well in an aromatherapy steam to recover your voice that you must remind yourself to not overstress it until your throat fully recovers. And don’t forget the old standard of a hot drink made with fresh lemon juice and honey.


Essential oils for sore throat: bergamot, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, marjoram, sage, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme

AROMATHERAPY SORE THROAT TREATMENT


Throat Spray or Gargle
4 drops marjoram oil
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine ingredients. Shake well to dissolve the salt and disperse the oils before spraying or gargling. Gargle every half hour at first and then several times a day.


Neck Wrap
2 drops lavender oil
2 drops bergamot oil
1 drop tea tree oil
2 cups hot water
Mix the water with the essential oils. While still warm, soak a soft cloth, preferably flannel, in the water and wring it out. Wrap it around the neck. Cover with a towel (thin enough to be comfortable) to hold in the heat. Remove before it becomes cold. Use throughout the day as often as you wish.

Treating Hives

Hives are rashlike, itchy skin bumps that are most often seen in children, but anyone can get them. They are often caused by a food allergy, although it may be difficult to diagnose at first because the reaction can occur hours or even a day after eating the culprit food. Although it's a good idea to eliminate the allergen and build up the immune system, the immediate need is to stop the itching.
The essential oil of chamomile is an excellent first choice to treat hives, but if it's too expensive or you don't have any on hand, you can turn to an essential oil that decreases inflammation, such as lavender. The fragrance of either lavender or chamomile oil can also be very calming to someone who feels that they are going to go mad from the itching.
First wash off the skin with a warm aromatherapy wash (see recipes below). If the itching is not sufficiently relieved, apply the Hives Paste. A child who normally objects to having a poultice smeared on his or her skin will often accept this poultice because it so effectively stops the itching.
Essential oils for hives: chamomile, lavender, peppermint



AROMATHERAPY HIVES TREATMENTS


Hives Skin Wash
5 drops chamomile or 10 drops lavender oil
2 drops peppermint oil
3 tablespoons baking soda
2 cups water (or use peppermint tea instead)
Combine the ingredients. If you are making a tea to use as the base instead of water, pour 21/2 cups of boiling water over 4 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves, and steep 15 minutes. Strain out the herb. Add the remaining ingredients. Use a soft cloth or a skin sponge to apply on irritated skin until itching is alleviated. Chamomile is the best choice for this recipe, but it is expensive, so 10 drops of lavender essential oil can be substituted, if necessary.


Hives Paste
1/4 cup of the Hives Skin Wash (see previous recipe)
3 tablespoons bentonite clay (available at natural food stores)
Stir the ingredients into a paste, and wait about five minutes for it to thicken. Apply to irritated skin with your fingers or a wooden tongue depressor. Let dry on skin, and leave for at least 45 minutes before washing off. Reapply for another 30 minutes if the area is still itching.