Advice needed from a qualified Aromatherapist!

[Oldtimer]

I would like to make some body oil and body balm, I've done it before and it's lovely stuff I can really slather on as it costs pennies and yet is 100% organic. I'd like to add some essential oils this time but am not qualified and don't want to waster a batch or do myself any damage (the oil & balm is just for me, sometimes I give some to my sisters too).

In 100mls of base oil (I use sweet almond and some avocado) how many drops would I use of a pure essential oil and which would you recommend?

I'm going to make an oil or balm (they would both start off with 100mls of base oil) for the following:

1) a calming oil for very delicate red, irritated skin (which I sometimes get in winter)

2) a cleansing oil for oily congested skin (I'm going to try the hot cloth oil method and have an oily tzone)

3) an antispetic balm for knee scrapes etc

4) a general oil for all over body moisturising, a nice smell which will not irritate

I'm not pregnant but I might plan on it one day so if you recommend an oil which shouldn't be used in pregnancy would you mention that so if I do get a bun in the oven I'll sop using that oil

Gosh, that seems like a lot but I'm hoping you guys will help as it's not a run of the mill question. (Which facial range, which wax is best, etc, which are asked 42,000 a day!!)

Thank you so much in advance, I promise to reply to as many forum queries as I can help with in return!

 

[missjodylee]

Hi Oldtimer
Sorry I can't help with your question but was wondering if you would mind sharing your body oil and body balm recipes please?
Thanks

 

[hippy-chick]

I would like to make some body oil and body balm, I've done it before and it's lovely stuff I can really slather on as it costs pennies and yet is 100% organic. I'd like to add some essential oils this time but am not qualified and don't want to waster a batch or do myself any damage (the oil & balm is just for me, sometimes I give some to my sisters too).

In 100mls of base oil (I use sweet almond and some avocado) how many drops would I use of a pure essential oil and which would you recommend?

As a rule of thumb 1 drop of essential oil to 5ml of oil.

I'm going to make an oil or balm (they would both start off with 100mls of base oil) for the following:

1) a calming oil for very delicate red, irritated skin (which I sometimes get in winter)
palmarosa, chamomile, bergamot, frankincense and sandalwood.

2) a cleansing oil for oily congested skin (I'm going to try the hot cloth oil method and have an oily tzone)

bergamot, lemon,

3) an antispetic balm for knee scrapes etc

teatree, eucalyptus and lavender

4) a general oil for all over body moisturising, a nice smell which will not irritate

bergamot, ylang ylang, benzoin and lavender

I'm not pregnant but I might plan on it one day so if you recommend an oil which shouldn't be used in pregnancy would you mention that so if I do get a bun in the oven I'll sop using that oil

Perhaps don't use any oils if trying to conceive. Keep off flower essential oils in particular.

Gosh, that seems like a lot but I'm hoping you guys will help as it's not a run of the mill question. (Which facial range, which wax is best, etc, which are asked 42,000 a day!!)

Thank you so much in advance, I promise to reply to as many forum queries as I can help with in return!

These are oils I have chosen off the top of my head.....but its a start. I wouldn't use more than 4 oils in a blend as it can become a bit heady.
Mixing oils is a perfumery art....it takes skill to make a balanced aroma. Knowing which are top, middle and base note helps to make the percentages right.
If using bergamot make sure it is FCF otherwise it can have a photo-sensivity to the blend.

These are just suggestions, without performing a full consultation and getting you to smell oils infront of me I can't give you quantities of drops per chosen essential oil.

Instead of making up a 100ml blend why not make a small batch first using the 1 drop of essential oil to 5ml of base oil rule. if you like it then calculate the drops to make a larger batch.

 

[Oldtimer]

Woweeeeee! Thank you Hippy Chick, I've clicked to add to your reputation but if I was nearer to Durham I would kiss you! What a phenomenally well thought out and amazing answer! Thank you so much for taking the time to give me the benefit of your advice! Honestly, if I am ever in your area I'll be booking in and leaving a whopping tip!

As you might guess I'm rather grateful :o

I will take you advice and start with a small batch to see if I like the mixes before committing to a big batch!

Thank you xxx

 

[hippy-chick]

Woweeeeee! Thank you Hippy Chick, I've clicked to add to your reputation but if I was nearer to Durham I would kiss you! What a phenomenally well thought out and amazing answer! Thank you so much for taking the time to give me the benefit of your advice! Honestly, if I am ever in your area I'll be booking in and leaving a whopping tip!

As you might guess I'm rather grateful :o

I will take you advice and start with a small batch to see if I like the mixes before committing to a big batch!

Thank you xxx

awwwwwwww shucks! thanks!

My 2 favourite aromatherapy books are

The directory of essential oils by Wanda Sellar
The fragrant pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood (although she does go a bit OTT with amount of oils and quantities. I've got 40+ oils and I still struggle to keep up with her recipes).