by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils, Mind, Spirit
What Is Your Why? What fuels your passion for what you do? I was asked this question yesterday by a wise soul, and although it seemed like quite a simple question in the moment, I found it is a question I need to be asking and reminding myself of a lot more than I have been.
You see, the area in which I chose to begin my career, one of a healer, it is not as harmonious as you would expect. There is much disharmony and many that let their ego run the show, rather than quieting the mind and listening to the spirit-self, the essence of who you truly are; your dedication, your determination, your self-love, your strength, your truth. This can bring much discord, strife and “reactions” from the outside. So it is important to come back to self, and ask why? What is your ideal? What does it look like in your minds-eye? How do you want to feel? What makes you happy above all else? Then LIVE that…EMBODY it, and let NOTHING make you waver from that.
This can go for anything in life, your career, your relationships, the community at large, the world…..own your story, your truth.
I feverishly journaled my answers. My truths. What I thought I had known, and what I clearly never did. The only person we have to answer to in the end is ourselves…so I had a lot of questions, and hours worth of journaling of answers.
What did it all boil down to in a word? Helping. What is my truth? Empathic nurturer. What do I need to rid myself of? HA…well, a whole hell of a lot. My job right now is to decide what I will align with and move feverishly in that direction.
I want to help others. That can take on many forms and thankfully my education supports this. My continued education will fill the cracks, and my goal is to share it with everyone ready to hear it. Help others. In whatever capacity that I can, for however long I am here on this plane of existence.
It is not about prestige, it is not about notoriety, it is not about “likes”, it is not about money. I have begun to question all of my agreements, all of my scripts of what I have been led to believe. It requires a good, hard look at ourselves and what we thought to be true about the world and others around us. When the journaling slowed, I realized that I am meant to be here, doing exactly what I am doing. My path will unfold as it should…and I will help as many people as I can along the way.
For me, nothing feels better than a call from a mother saying “You helped my son sleep soundly for the first time in weeks”, or “My daughters anxiety was through the roof, I am so glad that I reached out to you for help”…..and “I am so happy that I found your information on essential oil safety, now I know I am doing things the right way, and that I am keeping my family safe”.
Remember those things when they happen to you. That is validation that you are on the right path. Think about how your heart feels as you lay down for rest every evening. Did you pull from your spirit-self that day? Did you live your why? Or did you let ego take hold? My goal is to snuff out ego as much as possible every day. This is crucial on my path. We all falter, we all make mistakes, but if we put focus on others by means of competition, comparing and judging, our ego is in control. This will not make our heart full, this will never lead to a blissful, happy, fulfilled space.
Am I an expert? (As I laugh) Definitely not. Do I and have I made mistakes? A resounding yes. If we are not making mistakes, or more importantly if we “think” we are not making mistakes….it is time for a true look at self. A reality check. We all make mistakes, but it is the ones that we choose to make over and over again, the ones that we do not learn from, which are harming us, which are preventing growth. If we judge others for their mistakes, we are not doing our best in this human experiment of life. Life is perfectly imperfect. We are all constantly learning, growing, and evolving.
So what is your why? Maybe it is time to sit with yourself and figure that out. Remember, this is not how you want to be perceived, the shoes you “think” you need to fill, or what you have to gain. It is all of our jobs to figure this out for ourselves and to continually check in to see that all of our actions, words, and expressions support it. Once you realize your blocks to the why, whether it is a self-limiting belief, a person, or an environment, once you make the discovery, the easier it is to release them/it back to where they belong.
It is time to accept and honor yourself, let go of expectations, and begin to walk your walk. One step at a time.
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by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils, Spirit
Is there anyone that is stress-free? Some say that a small amount of stress is healthy, as well as that there is “good stress” and “bad stress”. There is one thing I can agree with, that stress reduction is just as important as stress management…and this all starts with our attitude and a whole lot of self-care/self-love.
When we look at things logically and with a clear head, we can see that even our youngest are under stress. School, sports, strict schedules and always being on the move can stress out parent and child alike.
It took some effort to really step back and realize that both of my boys are stressed out. Not only are they both empathic as I am, they have issues in their lives that are very real for them. Once I began to sit down at the end of every day to talk with them about what their fears really are, was I able to hold space for them better than I ever had before. And as a result, they have the ability to do that very thing for their friends. It is a beautiful sight to behold in a 10 and 12-year-old….making this momma proud!
Now let us look at how hard life can be sometimes for us adults. Adults have very real problems…and many of us do not hold space for others, forgetting that even in the worst of moments…that everyone has a story, everyone has wounds, and everyone struggles…just as you do.
Ego often takes precedence over spirit. Myself, included, sometimes when we are so buried in our own stuff we forget that others have real problems too, and maybe even more important, that others may be suffering.
So do we suffer in silence? Do we speak up? Do we ask for help? Asking for someone to hold space for us does not mean that we are looking for our problems to be solved, for anyone to truly “get involved” or anything of the sort.
You can hold space for someone by just being there. You can offer gentle, nonjudgmental support and guidance. By simply being there, you can make a big difference in someone’s life. By me telling my boys that I am there for them no matter what they are feeling or what they think they have “done”, it immediately reduces their stress. By showing them that their feelings are normal..and even expected, helps them to release the attachment they have to it. Separating yourself and becoming non-attached is THE single most healthy thing you can do for yourself at any given moment.
What Else Can We Do?
There are a few things that we have done that have improved things in our home in addition to truly being non-judgmental and holding space:
*We have stopped overscheduling. Sometimes in life, it is more important to “be” than to “do”. Let me tell you how painful this was for my kids at first. DO NOTHING? They thought mom had lost it. But now they actually ask for quiet time, and “most of the time” they are much more even kind and forgiving of each other.
*I make them say things out loud, sometimes in front of the mirror like “I love me”, “I am good enough” and “it is ok to make mistakes”. This was as hard as you could possibly imagine at first..and sometimes they still struggle with it, but more often than not we giggle through any awkward moments and they do amazing…(and feel amazing afterword too).
*We as a family have had to make plenty of time to shut down our electronics. This is actually a “cause” of stress in so many ways. The more we can disconnect with our electronics, social media, and games and get back to real life relationships, nature, and self-care….the less stressed we are.
Other than helping nudge their own attitude and beliefs in the right direction, we utilize aromatherapy to get us through the tougher moments, as we as a family have been handed a rough share of things in the last couple of years, as many of my readers likely have as well.
My boys have diffusers in their rooms, a variety of aroma inhalers, and have their favorite oils. My oldest loves Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and Sandalwood (Santalum album), but he is most affected by Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). My youngest says “just make me some magic mom”, but he is most affected by Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis).
I have had many a-ha moments with kids in particular, but we aromatherapists know that they have a most profound effect on all of our emotions…some would consider them magic…myself included.
What are you inhaling today?
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Did that title leave you scratching your head? It was meant to. Completing my advanced training in Aromatic Medicine showed me that there is quite a difference between the two. What is the difference between aromatic medicine vs taking essential oils internally?
Here are some examples that I will be covering today. Nowhere in Aromatic Medicine training are we taught about how to use essential oils as preventative medicine. Nowhere are we taught about placing essential oils in water. Placing oils in a capsule? You bet…without a carrier oil? Never. Place a drop of essential oil under your tongue or on the roof of your mouth? Not a chance. There are very distinct differences between the two, and too many essential oil enthusiasts are missing the bigger picture.
Drinking Our Oils
I do not want to re-create the wheel too much here, but it is important to beat this concept over the head with the proverbial stick….Essential oils and water do not mix! It does not matter how warm your water is. Vigorous swishing…will still not change the chemistry of oil and water.
Now, there are actual “safe” ways to do this, but I am not going to be sharing them today. Why you ask? There is no real benefit to it! In today’s society, many of us want a benefit or a quick fix to health, right? Insert real fruit! Essential oils have been proven to have no nutritional value. You read that right…none. No vitamin C, D, minerals, antioxidants…nada. Real fruit is more economical, more sustainable/environmentally friendly, and with no risk! You can mix up fruit and fresh herbs, throw in a vegetable like slices of cucumber, and you have a great tasting, nutritional, hydrating drink.
Are essential oils used in the flavoring industry? You betcha. More often than you realize in fact. Are they in the same “form” if you will of the essential oils that you have in your home? Not even close. Why are they different you ask? They are not the same as essential oils as we know them and for good reason. Deterpenation and rectification are methods that are used to make them safe for human consumption in food and beverage. This is something that many do not understand, but it is important for anyone being told to put oils in their food and especially their water to be able to discern.
So what exactly does deterpenated (1) or rectified (2) mean? Deterpination makes the “substance” more bioavailable or in other words the extent to which the essential oil is taken up by specific tissue or organ after administration. Rectification removes possible impurities. Deterpination and rectification are what make them safe for human consumption in food and beverage.
Essential Oils In Capsules
Essential oils in capsules are meant specifically for the gastrointestinal tract. We place essential oils with a carrier oil into capsules for a variety of purposes. Acid resistant capsules allow the aromatics to reach the targeted area. They are not meant for weight loss, allergies, or to avoid getting sick.
Neat Essential Oil Use
Many aromatherapists speak to neat essential oil use and the risk that it represents. This is a topical use on the skin risk as well as an internal mucous membrane risk. To simply say “I have been doing this for years and I am OK” is not wise and should not be shared as a viable reason to tell someone to give it a try.
It is hard for some that are essential oil lovers to understand that they can and do present real risk when used inappropriately. Every substance carries risk, even water when you consume too much too quickly. When you place a drop of oil neat oil under your tongue or on the roof of your mouth, you are inviting the potential risk to become reality. Mucous membrane irritation, burning, and erosion of the membrane lining (limonene rich oils) can be potential issues. Please heed the warning; I want to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Aromatic Medicine
Getting my advanced diploma in Aromatic Medicine was one of the best decisions I ever made in my continued education, and it challenged me more than any other education I have had to date. The training not only taught me a myriad of ways to confidently help my family and myself, it took my ability to speak on topics regarding safety to the next level. It was hard work, but incredibly rewarding. Aromatic Medicine is treating essential oils as the powerful catalysts that they are, as medicine, it is not taking essential oils internally as many believe it to be.
My place in the community is to speak to essential oil safety clearly, effectively, and make it easily digestible for everyone. If you feel something is not right or you are not sure, reach out to me. I would be happy to help you on your journey. Safety is my mission, stick around to learn more!
References
(1) Arce, A., Soto, A. (2008) Citrus Essential Oils: Extraction and Deterpenation. Tree and Forestry Science and Biotechnology. Retrieved from http://www.globalsciencebooks.info/Online/GSBOnline/images/0812/TFSB_2(SI1)/TFSB_2(SI1)1-9o.pdf
(2) Rectification and Fractionation of Essential Oils. (2014) Retrieved from
http://www.epharmacognosy.com/2014/11/rectification-and-fractionation-of.html
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Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils, Spirit
Much has changed, yet everything remains the same in the aromatherapy community. Despite what I see and hear, I remain true to me, and more importantly to all of you….as helping others is my life calling. I spend plenty of time in self-reflection to be able to remain solidly on my path.
Looking at your colleagues as your competitors limits your success on your own business/path. This limits your happiness and can make you question…well…everything I imagine. Seeing yourself, or your old self as your measure for growth, is the true catalyst for change and an opportunity for motivation and growth.
Here are a few reasons why you should be your only competition.
- It will get you out of the pattern of comparing, judging, and feeling inferior to others.
If you are repeating a pattern of thinking, watching others excel, or even hearing someone speaking out with a view differing from yours, it can cause anxiety, frustration, and anger. Who wants to feel that? What truly matters at the end of the day is are you doing the best for you! Are you getting your voice heard? Are you confident in yourself? Are you helping others? That is all that matters.
- It will keep you focused on your goals and what you want to achieve.
When you take your eyes off your goal because you are looking at what others are saying or doing, you lose sight of why you are doing it all in the first place! When I focus on my goals I am reaffirmed positively over and over again. The people I help on a daily basis are all the affirmation I need. Not due to their feedback necessarily, but how it makes me feel. They lift me up, they give me renewed purpose and show me that I am EXACTLY where I should be. And that feels pretty awesome.
- Your business will get the attention it deserves.
Your colleagues can be a great source of inspiration, but do not let it move to comparing to the point of no longer paying attention to what you are doing for you. Or lose sight of why you are doing it. Stay focused on what you want to accomplish in life, and strive to do better than the goals you have set for yourself.
I have on occasion witnessed aromatherapists being called out for scaremongering and making it sound like essential oils are incredibly dangerous. I despise the term scare-mongering, but I do see such turmoil amongst professionals and mlm reps alike, that I am forced to question where we have lost our way. We ALL know that essential oils are amazing and that they work. And we ALL know that many share how to use them in an unsafe manner…..BUT, is it our responsibility to be the hero or the shero of every situation we see? It is our responsibility to speak out our truth to those who are ready and willing to listen. This is how real change begins to happen. This is where we find respect for one another again. This is where we realize we can disagree, and still be kind to one another.
To those of you that I have had the pleasure to meet in person, to those that reach out to me on scheduled phone calls, private messages, via email, or in my group… to all of my friends that take time from their life experience to share their thoughts with me, I honor you. You have shown me that there needs to be no competition among colleagues, among friends. We all come from a place of humble service. There is well and truly room for EACH AND EVERY one of us here.
Sending love to you all today and always, go be successful and inspire!
Be your own best competition. Sending love and blessings.
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
I recently asked experts, practitioners, and students in our community this important question:
“What do you see, as a professional in the community, to be the hurdles regarding educating others about safety and usage of essential oils?”
This is a topic near and dear to my heart and my practice, and I wanted to see how others weighed in on the issue. Are you ready to know how they answered this question? I hope their answers will reflect on how you approach others in your community as well as social media in the future. Let’s get started!
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The biggest hurdle I see is the amount of unscientific false information pervasive on social media presented ‘professionally’ as if authentic. We must be concise and precise with specific distinguishing details that hone in on the basics of safety and warn where professional differential diagnosis and formulating is mandated so the general public, the uneducated, the miseducated, and the undereducated are enlightened to grow their knowledge and refer to the truly experienced professional appropriately. –Jill L. Kelly, LAc, MAc, DiplAc, Aromatic Medicine, https://acucenz.com/
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My biggest hurdle is the resistance of individuals to listen to anything other than the misinformation that they’ve been provided by the company that they sell oils for. The stuck record of “our oils are the only therapeutic grade; the only ones that can be taken internally; these oils are fine to apply neat; it’s safe to use neat on babies’ feet,” etc. It seems that once brainwashed with the company line, there is no going back for most people. There are so many who are unaware of the dangers and they are very vulnerable to these people. -Sue Adlam, MFHT, Dip.BSA, B.Ed, http://www.sueadlamtherapies.co.uk/
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Rather than re-posting a meme or poorly written blog and giving the MLM more exposure, as well as inadvertent credibility, we must shift our focus and energy on ourselves and what is right in our blog writing, memes, and attention-grabbing snippets. We need to re-post one another’s amazing blogs with captions stating, “I want to share a blog one of my colleagues, who specializes in aromatherapy and pain conditions, wrote regarding safe essential oil applications.” We need to spend our energy supporting one another, shouting out about the amazing work our colleagues are doing, patting each other on the back, not spending time pointing out what is wrong with this MLM blog post, meme or graphic. We must point out the good each of us is doing in fighting the good fight! We need to do more than hit the “Like” button on Facebook, we need to hit the “Share” button! We need to be sharing those fact-based blogs, articles, and memes our colleagues spend hours creating on aromatherapy safety. We need to flood the internet in the same manner the MLMs have done with their misinformation. Our colleagues’ safety information needs to be shared on our business pages, personal pages, aromatherapy group pages, everywhere an aromatherapy newcomer and learned practitioner may see it! -Haly JensenHof, Registered Aromatherapist Your Health Scents, http://www.yourhealthscents.com/
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The AT community needs to be more united and consistent in messaging. This is what MLMs have that we don’t, and people are more likely to fall prey to their marketing tactics. Unfortunately, MLMs seem to have cornered the use of terms like “empower,” which they use to make people think they can throw caution to the wind and make health decisions based on (often unsafe and unfounded) advice doled out by MLMs. Then, we need to flood social media with our messages much as the MLMs do. Make safety feel safe, not fear-based. -Shannon Bachorick, Certified Aromatherapist, https://www.facebook.com/santessence
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There appears to be a growing divide in the aromatherapy community – broadly speaking, those who follow the MLM ideology and those who do not. Of course, it’s not fair to generalize or to crudely categorize groups of people. Unfortunately, MLM has become shorthand for a way of using essential oils that conflicts with the professional aromatherapy industry (such as casual ingestion and undiluted application on the skin). Some users are more willing to listen to untrained sales reps than qualified aromatherapists. The result is a kind of “us and them” mentality, which is driving the industry apart.
-Nuala, The English Aromatherapist, http://englisharomatherapist.com/
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According to my own observation, the over-riding obstacle to educating the general public as to the safe, appropriate use of essential oils lies in the insufficient and questionable information provided and tolerated by the companies engaged in pyramid-style sales and marketing. The responsible, non-MLM essential oil retail companies need to actively cooperate together to establish guidelines for both safe use and responsible marketing, working together as part of a PR-savvy trade association. The key remit of such an association should be to actively campaign to raise public awareness of their own clear guidelines and of safe use generally. -Gabriel Mojay, LicAc, CertEd, FIFPA, Co-Chair of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists(IFPA), and Author
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Safe use of essential oils should be taken very seriously from educators, practitioners and home users without compromise. We are only beginning to understand the bio-activity of essential oils and have a long road to travel to reach non-hypothetical assumptions on how essential oils work as a whole and include the understanding of the bioactivity of each chemical constituents within.
There is a need to change the approach of how one addresses essential oils as an absolute science, and begin to consider essential oils belong to the science of nature. Which continuously evolves and changes with each drop of essential oil, before and after distillation. Therefore, there is a great need to be educated in the bioactivity of the individual chemical constituents of each essential oil, also a need for comprehensive understanding that the range of each constituent changes the effects in treatments and environment which in turn influences the safe use of essential oils. -Danielle Sade, BSc, CAHP, Healing Fragrances School of Aromatherapy, http://healingfragrances.net/
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Having the lay person understand that Aromatherapy is old time pharmacy and is to be treated seriously. At the same time I want them to feel safe to use oils and integrate them into their everyday life, so it’s a fine balance to help the masses. The help of social media now days makes it easier to share information. -Jennifer Jeffries, Naturopath, Aromatherapist, Author, Philanthropist, http://jenniferjefferies.com/
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The expert marketers have a perfected system. They teach new salespeople how to sell essential oils to make a better life for their family – they make it personal. They give new recruits scripted answers, a ‘bible’ to follow, and (mis)information that sells essential oils. They’re sent out to convert eager-to-learn friends who trust them, believing they are genuinely doing a good, helpful thing. When trained aromatherapists come along with a different ‘doctrine,’ they feel they can’t trust us. After all, they learned everything they know from someone they trust and they don’t know who we are. From a marketing perspective, what they’ve done is clever. From a sustainability/safety standpoint, it’s been disastrous. It’s going to take time for us to regain the trust of the aromatherapy enthusiast community. Our hurdle is to stay focused. Producing content for the one person who is ready to resonate with the truth today is more powerful than arguing with someone who isn’t open to it yet. Eventually, people start to realize that what they’ve learned doesn’t sit quite right with them and they seek out sources of legitimate information. Focus on being there for them when they’re ready to learn and we’ll be able to make a bigger difference than we could have by participating in distracting, heated arguments on virtual street corners. Loud voices attract crowds, but real education happens one-on-one. –Erin Stewart, Certified Aromatherapist, Herbalist, Artist, Teacher and Founder of AromaCulture Magazine, https://www.aromaculture.com/
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The biggest hurdle tends to centre around our belief system. We want to believe that our friend who has told us information or a company that we love is telling us the absolute truth. So when shown that there is additional information or alternate facts, it hits people in their core belief system, so they tend to resist. The way around it is to take people on the journey with you, and show both sides of the story so they are educated not just informed. -Natalie Miller, Clinical Aromatherapist, https://www.facebook.com/AromaticInsights/
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The biggest hurdle we face is the sheer number of people using essential oils incorrectly. This number increases exponentially as more individuals join the MLM organizations that are teaching incorrect or unsafe practices.
Communicating and partnering with the MLMs, rather than seeing them as the enemy, is a good place to begin in my opinion. -Liz Fulcher, Registered Aromatherapist, Essential Oil Educator, Founder and Owner of the Aromatic Wisdom Institute, http://aromaticwisdominstitute.com/
Deep gratitude for everyone that participated, I look forward to asking more hard-hitting questions of the community in the near future.
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
Essential Oil Safety
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
There is often much discussion over the best way to measure essential oils when formulating. The quickest way may not be the most accurate way, for a number of reasons. Which way is this? Measuring drops directly from the essential oil bottle. This is the way that aromatherapy is initially taught, but perhaps it is time to look at the accuracy of this method, and other more accurate options that are available to us. Measuring by drops, what are the issues?
1. Not all essential oils are the same. What I mean by this is density. Density is defined as its mass per unit volume. Viscosity plays a part too as viscosity dictates how fast or slow an oil will pour from the orifice reducer, which can alter drop size. So therefore, you guessed it, even the temperature of your oils plays a role! Read more on density and viscosity here.
Because of these factors, it may or may not surprise you to hear that how many drops in 1ml can vary quite a lot; by as much as 20 drops or more. With some oils, some companies, some drippers, 1ml is equal to 20 drops of essential oils, while some are 40 drops (some go below and above these figures). Accuracy is sketchy at best due to a whole host of factors.
2. Size of the orifice reducer. This is a sensitive topic for some, but even the orifice reducer can play a part with how much oil comes out. There are non-vented drippers, vented drippers, euro drippers, etc. Not all orifice reducers are the same; you may have already discovered that some control the flow of oil better than others. The vented drippers have a method to their “madness” as well. For thicker oils it is said to pour with the vent hole down, and thinner oils with the vent hole facing up. Accuracy gets even trickier when even which way you tilt the bottle effects what comes out!
3. Want to replicate your formulation? If you have used drops directly from a reducer…good luck! I speak from experience when I first began making product some ten years ago. Signature aromas will be difficult to replicate.
4. Skin sensitization and maximum dermal ratios. Here are two instances that you should avoid pouring from a bottle at all costs if the product is for topical use. There are a number of oils such as Bergamot Citrus Bergamia, Cinnamon Bark Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Lemon Citrus Limon, Lemongrass Cymbopogon Citratus, and Rose Otto Rosa Damascena to name just a few that have very specific dermal limits for our safety. Refer to Robert Tisserand’s Essential Oil Safety 2e to learn which essential oils carry a higher risk.
Measuring in these instances is going to be extremely challenging, but staying at or under the ratios is very important for your safety.
5. Here are pieces of two popular resources for drops charts with the community. I will be keeping the names anonymous, as that is not the important piece of sharing this information:
30ml-1%-9 drops
30ml-1%-6 drops
This does not necessarily mean too much if we are making an inhaler or placing oils in a diffuser…however how about topical use for a baby/child, pregnant mom, elderly, or immune compromised?
*Drops charts represent an average and are not a precise measurement tool. (They are a “recommendation”)
*Speak to a qualified aromatherapist for assistance if you are unsure.
6. I began to see measurements in a completely different light when I took my advanced aromatic medicine training. My brain was rewired if you will, and I saw the importance of weighing and/or measuring not only your essential oils but also your excipient. Yes, internal dosing is very different from formulating a lotion or a wound gel, however, they both have significant importance.
So, what are our options?
Measure by volume
Graduated cylinders are very helpful when you want to measure in mls. If you make a product for others, or you have synergies that you use more than once, you can make what is called a master blend and measure in mls. This ensures accuracy in your formulations. Store your master blends in the fridge and use whenever needed.
Measuring by weight
Lower end Mg scales are incredibly inexpensive, accurate, and quite fun to use! Measuring in mg or g is hands down the most effective and accurate way to measure your essential oils. A $20-$30 scale is all the new user of scales will need, but of course, they also vary in price..you can spend quite a bit more.
Closing
There will absolutely be times that you measure by drops. Making a one-time blend? Throwing together an inhaler? Making a synergy to slip into the bath at the last minute? Have to work quickly to reduce pain or the effects of a bruise that is about to show itself? There are many, many instances where measuring by drops will happen, and this article is not to say NO NEVER (as we all know I do not practice in this way).
I wanted to point out the inconsistencies that can happen with charts, give options to get clear accuracy every single time and have fun while you create. If I am formulating on a larger scale, I use a graduated cylinder or mg scale. If you enjoy blending now, wait until you start playing with these tools! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
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Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
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