New to Essential Oils?
A simple guide to getting started
Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic extracts obtained from plants, flowers, leaves, woods, roots, fruits and other botanical materials.
They can be a lovely addition to everyday life — whether you enjoy them in a diffuser, use them to create your own massage blends or simply enjoy discovering different natural aromas.
If you're new to essential oils, knowing where to begin can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. This simple guide will help you understand the basics and enjoy your oils with confidence.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils capture many of the naturally occurring aromatic compounds found within plants. Depending on the plant, the oil may be obtained from the flowers, leaves, peel, wood, resin, roots or other parts.
Different extraction methods are used, with steam distillation and cold expression among the most familiar.
Because essential oils are highly concentrated, only a small amount is normally required.
Our pure essential oils are supplied undiluted unless clearly stated otherwise on the individual product.
Ways to Enjoy Essential Oils
Diffusers & Oil Burners
One of the easiest ways to begin enjoying essential oils is through their aroma. Add the appropriate amount of oil to your diffuser according to the manufacturer's instructions. For a traditional oil burner, add water to the bowl before adding a few drops of essential oil.
Massage & Body Oils
Essential oils should normally be diluted in a suitable carrier oil before being applied to the skin.
Popular carrier oils include Sweet Almond, Grapeseed, Jojoba and Fractionated Coconut Oil. For general adult body use, a 1–2% dilution is a useful starting point, although individual oils may have their own recommended maximum concentrations.
In the Bath
Essential oils do not dissolve in water, so we do not recommend simply dropping undiluted essential oil directly into bathwater. Use a suitable bath base or dispersing product designed for use with essential oils and follow the product directions.
A Simple Dilution Guide
Drop size varies between oils and droppers, so the figures below are intended as a practical guide rather than an exact measurement.
| Carrier Oil | 1% Dilution | 2% Dilution |
|---|---|---|
| 5ml | 1 drop | 2 drops |
| 10ml | 2 drops | 4 drops |
| 25ml | 5 drops | 10 drops |
| 50ml | 10 drops | 20 drops |
Choosing Your First Essential Oils
You certainly don't need a cupboard full of oils to begin. A small collection of versatile favourites is a great place to start.
Lavender
Soft, floral and herbaceous. A wonderfully versatile oil and a popular choice for creating a calm, relaxing atmosphere.
Tea Tree
Fresh, clean and distinctive. One of the best-known essential oils and a useful addition to a beginner's collection.
Eucalyptus
Fresh, clear and characteristically camphoraceous. Particularly enjoyable in diffusers and aromatic blends.
Peppermint
Bright, fresh and strongly minty. A little goes a long way, making it useful in uplifting aromatic blends.
Lemon
Fresh, light and citrusy. Ideal when you want a clean, cheerful and uplifting aroma.
Using Essential Oils Safely
Essential oils are natural, but natural does not mean they should be used without care. They are highly concentrated substances.
- Read the individual product information before use.
- Dilute essential oils appropriately before applying them to the skin.
- Avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas.
- Keep essential oils out of reach of children.
- Do not ingest essential oils.
- Stop using an oil if irritation or sensitivity occurs.
- Store bottles tightly closed in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Take particular care when using essential oils around babies and young children.
- Keep essential oils away from naked flames.
Pregnancy, Children & Medical Conditions
Extra care is appropriate when using essential oils during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with babies and children, or where there are existing medical conditions or prescribed medicines.
Rather than relying on a general list of "safe" and "unsafe" oils, seek individual advice from an appropriately qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional where necessary.
Citrus Oils & Sunlight
Some essential oils can cause a phototoxic reaction when applied to the skin at certain concentrations before exposure to UV light. This particularly affects certain expressed citrus oils, although not every citrus essential oil is phototoxic.
Always check the safety information for the individual essential oil before applying it to skin that may subsequently be exposed to strong sunlight or a sunbed.
Looking After Your Essential Oils
Essential oils are natural products and their shelf life varies. Citrus oils generally have a shorter useful life than many other essential oils, while some oils remain at their best for considerably longer.
A Little Goes a Long Way
Start gently, particularly when diffusing or creating your first blends. Using more essential oil doesn't necessarily create a better result — often a carefully balanced combination using only a few drops produces the most enjoyable aroma.
As you become familiar with individual oils, you'll soon discover the aromas and combinations that you enjoy most.
Need Some Help?
With over 20 years' experience in aromatherapy and essential oils, we're always happy to help if you're unsure where to start or have a question about one of our products.
Contact UsAromatherapy is a complementary approach to wellbeing and should not replace appropriate medical care. Information provided by Calmer Solutions is for general educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent medical conditions. If you have concerns about your health, are receiving medical treatment or are unsure whether an essential oil is suitable for you, seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.