By: Retha Nesmith, Certified Aromatherapist
When it comes to essential oils the saying “I’d rather be safe than sorry” should be taken seriously. Essential oils are very potent and may cause *irritation to some skin types. To be SAFE rather than SORRY, always start by applying the essential oil to the least sensitive part of your body, the bottom of your feet!
Where to Apply Essential Oils On the Body
- Soles and top of feet
- Ankles
- Over Vital Organs
- Abdomen
- Upper Back
- Neck
- Behind Ears
- Temples
- Crown of Head
OK! So really you can apply essential most anywhere on your body!
How to Apply Essential Oils (this is where it can get a little tricky and confusing)
BEFORE you start, always remember to test a small area of the skin first. If irritation occurs, immediately add a carrier oil over the irritated spot to help dilute the essential oil.
If you only remember ONE thing from this post, I want it to be this: When it comes to using essential oils, LESS is better! Like I said before, essential oils are very potent and you don’t need very much to get the therapeutic benefits of using essential oils. You can always add more if needed.
–Diluting Essential Oils (not only will this save you money, but it is safer)
- For children and infants: 1 drop of essential oil per Tbsp of carrier oil is generally a safe rule to follow (.2% dilution).
- For Adults: 2 drops of essential oil per tsp of carrier oil (0.75%).
- When using in a massage a 2%-5% dilution is a good start.
- Click Here for carrier oils.
–Applying Essential Oils Neat (not diluted with a carrier oil)
- There are some essential oils that sometimes can be applied neat. I usually do not recommend this though
- If you choose to apply the essential oil neat, please get advice from an experienced Aromatherapist first!
Now that we have gone over all of the basics, this is how I like to use my essential oils when applying to my body (use the above recommendations for diluting):
-When I am not feeling my best, I like to apply diluted Germ Fighter and Immune Aid to the bottom of my feet and Respir Aid to my chest. This helps support healthy immune function.
-When I have occasional stomach problems, I like to apply diluted Digest Aid or Tummy All Better (depending on the problem) to my stomach. I will massage in a circular motion.
-For head or neck tension, I like to apply diluted Tension Relief or Peppermint to my temples, forehead and/or back of the neck.
-When my muscles are occasionally sore from exercise or overuse, I will apply diluted Muscle Aid or Rapid Relief to the affected area.
-When I am in need of some an energy boost or in need of relaxing, I like to apply diluted Energy or Invigor Aid (for energy) to my wrist and Relax or Tranquil (for relaxing) to my wrist. I will take a whiff when needed!
These are usually the essential oils that I will apply to my body (or families body) when needed! Remember there are so many more essential oils you can use and so many more uses for these essential oils! These are just the ones that I apply to my body most often!
For more essential oils and there uses, check out www.planttherapy.com. Just click on the essential oil you want to learn more about and read their suggested uses ideas!
*Essential Oils that MAY cause irritation (this is not a complete list)
- Camphor
- Cinnamon
- Fir Needle
- Oregano
- Pine
- Sage (Dalmation)
- Spruce
- Tagetes
- Thyme
**NOTE The advice shared is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease nor is it intended to replace proper medical advice. When using essential oils we always recommend you consult with your doctor.
As an essential oil newbie, these articles have definitely been helpful. I have yet to find an article that discusses how often one can use them topically. Let’s say I’m on my period, it’s high pollen time, and I just worked out so I have muscle soreness and I have the roller ball diluted blends. Can I use Balance Synergy on my lower abdomen, Muscle Aid on my lower back and thighs, and Defender on my wrists to breathe in? And how often can I repeat? I realize these are potent substances, so I don’t want to overload my system!
Hi Michelle! Yes you can use all three at once, but pay attention to how often you need to use all three at once to avoid desensitization!
My question is how much of a already diluted oil should you use? E. G. I make a 2% lavendar essential oil mixed with jojoba. Wouldn’t applying that to a large portion of your body increase the % content that you diluted it for in the first place? VS putting a small amount on your palm or something
Trin, if you were to make a 2% dilution with Lavender in, let’s say, an ounce of Jojoba (so 18 drops), that dilution percentage would stay the same, no matter if you used the ounce over your entire body or just used a squirt of it and saved the rest for later. The Jojoba will emulsify the Lavender, spreading it evenly throughout the carrier. I hope this helps answer your question, but I do apologize if I am misunderstanding your question. Feel free to reach out to our aromatherapist team at [email protected] for a one-on-one conversation that may provide more clarification! 🙂 We also have an updated dilution article, and I’ll put the link here in case you would like to look over that: https://blog.planttherapy.com/blog/2018/09/11/how-to-dilute-essential-oils-a-comprehensive-guide/
What ratio of Oregano oil and/or Tea tree oil to carrier oil is recommended for toenail fungus?
Lisa, when using Tea Tree, try a 5% dilution. That would be 15 drops to 2 teaspoons (10 mL). Oregano is a very powerful oil that can cause skin irritation. Reach out to our Certified Aromatherapists at [email protected] to see if using Oregano is right for your situation 🙂
I use tea tree oil full strength for for nail fungus.
My old for my 6 year old son came today, I purchased the roll on so they would already be diluted. I am testing it on the bottom of his feet first then will use on upper back, how much oil do I roll on him?
My oils. Sorry…autocorrect
Heather, a little goes a long way. I usually use a nickel size to a quarter size amount and massage in well.
This is so helpful. I always struggled knowing how to use my oils besides diffusing them or making my own products.
Very happy this has been helpful for you 🙂
I have a child who struggles greatly with focusing at school and some times seems hyper when really it’s her mind on overload. Would you recommend the kid safe attention blend or the calming blend for kids? Or can they both be used as roll ons at the same time or is that too many oils?
Amanda, I would recommend the A+ Attention in this particular case. You can definitely experiment with the both of those blends though. However, I would recommend alternating rather than using at the same time
Are your roller oils already diluted?
They sure are, Tracy! All of our roll-ons are diluted in Fractionated Coconut Oil and ready to apply directly to the skin 🙂
Very informative article. Thank you.
Is it good for wrinkles
Sarita, some essential oils can be helpful as well as carrier oils, which depending on the oils can be nourishing and help promote regeneration…
I have a immunity oil that is already mixed in a roller applicator. How much do I put on and where?
Vicki, I am not sure if it is a Plant Therapy oil, as we can’t comment on other companies oils, not knowing about them. For our Immune synergies, they can be applied to the wrists tops of feet or chest. Just a swipe or two….thanks!
I have systemic Whipple’s disease what’s the most effective way to get it into the skin and systemic route I’m assuming a bath with it in there would be the best bet correct I already did this a few times with no issues whatsoever. Thanks in advance!
I have bladder cancer where should I apply my essential oil’s
Hi Nancy. Please email [email protected] for more information.
“BEFORE you start, always remember to test a small area of the skin first. If irritation occurs, immediately add a carrier oil over the irritated spot to help dilute the essential oil.”
This is the worst thing to do, is should be washed off with soap and water. not worked further into the body with a carrier oil. My bother works for poison control and they have to advise for people to go straight to the hospital if any amount of certain types of oil were uses this way because there is not way to tell how much the body absorbed.
Wash it off, don’t help your body absorb it!
I really enjoy reading on this website , it holds wonderful posts . “Dream no small dreams. They have no power to stir the souls of men.” by Victor Hugo.
What EO do you recommend for Rhuemertoid Arthritus, and how many drops for example to my shoulders, hips and Knees
Please email us at [email protected]
Thanks a lot I really liked this article, it was informative
I’m new to essential oils but already LOVE yours. They’re amazing, effective & high quality. We’ve made blends for ourselves, our dogs, cleaning, laundry, & a blend for a friend who has a bad upper respiratory condition. She called to thank us & say it’s really helped her. Thanks for making affordable EO & for all the fabulous info you provide to help others.
So instead of using vicks on the bottom of my daughters feet at night to help with her cough, what oil should I use
I would actually diffuse cedar wood for a cough! 🙂
I would put the dilution in a bottle with a roller and roll onto the souls of the feet. Remember, oils are highly, highly concentrate!
So for my son (2) I am going to be using Germ-Fighter and Immune-aide to help him get through the winter hopefully illness free. So I would put 1 drop of each into a tablespoon of coconut oil. Do I put the entire tablespoon of oil onto his tiny feet?
I would not recommend those oils for a 2 year old. Instead we offer synergies that have safer oils in them for children. Germ Destroyer and Immune Boom are the options. The guidelines for use are on the website http://www.plattherapy.com
I want to echo Shawna’s question about how much you actually apply to your child’s feet? Do you put the entire tablespoon on their feet?? A couple of drops? Thanks!
I would dilute in another bottle and use nay what you need!
Do you have to dilute them immediately before use? Or can you combine the carrier oil and essential oil in a bottle to carry with you? I have cute perfume bottles I’m dying to fill with essential oils and carry in my purse! 🙂
You can dilute them and store them in a bottle. They can last up to a year but I would recommend about 3-6 months on average. Storing them in the refrigerator will help them last longer.
so when you talk about the oils you use, are you diluting them too? if so, to what concentration do you typically dilute to? (for yourself, an adult, not child) 🙂 Thanks!
Here is our dilution chart: https://essentialoilblogging.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/plant-therapy-dilution-guide.jpg
For children I would start with 0.5% and go up to 3% depending on age of child and for adults I like to start with 1% and can go up to 10% with certain oils if needed. Always remember less is more. You can always add more essential oils if needed.
That is addressed in the article above….I copied and pasted the part where the author gives the “recipe”:
For children and infants: 1 drop of essential oil per Tbsp of carrier oil is generally a safe rule to follow (.2% dilution)
For Adults: 2 drop of essential oil per tsp of carrier oil (.75%)
When using in a massage a 2%-5% dilution is a good start
I really liked this article, it was informative and fun to read…I am really interested in the headache blend, and if i were to, say, WIN A CONTEST, I would choose the HEADACHE blend as my synergy choice. 😀
Are the blends already dilluted with a carrier oil? Do you still have to dillute?
No the blends are not diluted. You will need to dilute them with a carrier oil.