Measuring in Aromatherapy

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Measuring in Aromatherapy

 

Recently we've had inquiries about measuring in Aromatherapy, so

thought it was time for a refresher for everyone.

 

As most of you know, in aromatherapy, things are measured by drops,

milliliters, and often times ounces.

 

Confusion happens when trying to convert to teaspoons, tablespoons and

ounces. Then there is yet another measuring task that may require

help - when you need to mix by percentages.

 

Hopefully we can help clear things up or at least make them a little

more understandable.

 

First we need to let you know that recipes often times call for drops

of essential oils. Then the next thing you will find with

aromatherapy and measuring is because the essential oils are of

different viscosity (thickness) some oils will take only 20 drops to

make 1 ml (milliliter) and others will take 25 drops to get to 1 ml.

We generally figure 20 drops per ml for most recipes. Again,

remember - less is safer than more - when it comes to using essential

oils.

 

20 drops = 1 ml

25 drops = 1/4 teaspoon

1/4 teaspoon = 1.25 ml

5 ml = 1 teaspoon

 

There are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon, therefore there are 15 ml in 1

tablespoon.

 

2 tablespoons = 1 fluid ounce For ease of calculations and measuring

30 ml = 1 fluid ounce. Technically, 1 fluid ounce is 29.57 ml but

many aromatherapy and essential oil companies figure 30 ml as 1 ounce.

 

1 ounce = 30 ml = 2 tablespoons

2 ounces = 60 ml = 4 tablespoons

3 ounces = 90 ml = 6 tablespoons

4 ounces = 120 ml = 8 tablespoons

100 ml = 3 1/3 ounces = 6 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons

 

The reason I have entered 100 ml measure is because to figure

percentages of oils it is much easier to use something based in 100

(since percentages are based on 100)!

 

As an example to make a 2% solution or dilution of essential oils into

a carrier oil you will use 2 ml of essential oils to 98 ml of a

carrier oil.

 

But what if you have a blend of different essential oils, how do you

know how much to add? For the same 2% dilution you will need 2 ml of

essential oils or 40 drops total of essential oils. You can either

add up your essential oils by the drops or blend them all together

(suggested) then just add the 40 drops or 2 ml to your carrier oil.

 

You don't need 100 ml of your blends. Then what? It is simple as

doing more math. Divide the amounts by 1/2 or 1/4 and you will still

be able to have your 2% dilution.

 

If you need help figuring out blends and percentages, just e-mail me

and I'll help you figure it out. Once you begin working with oils

more, you will get it all figured out!

 

 

 

--

Diana Gonzalez

 

 

 

 

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is

carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a

life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown