Essential oils are effective when diluted.
Edible oils such as food-safe essential oils and pure cooking oils are often diluted to temper the intensity. In the case of pure essential as lavender, sandalwood and patchouli, dilutions of 1% to 3% are used for therapeutic purposes. Cooking oil, such as extra-virgin olive oil, may be diluted with another less expensive oil to save money and to give it a less pronounced flavor. Use a vegetable oil with a neutral taste and smell, such as grapeseed, sunflower or canola.
Instructions
Essential Oils
1. Pour base oil, such as grapeseed, into a 1 oz. glass bottle. Don't fill the bottle to the top -- leave a little room for the essential oil.
2. Add 7 to 14 drops of essential oil to the base oil, using a medicine dropper, for a 2% dilution. If a 1% dilution is called for, use 5 drops; for 3%, use up to 18 drops.
3. Put the cap on the bottle and shake it gently.
Cooking Oils
4. Pour 4 to 6 oz. of extra-virgin olive oil or other pure flavorful cooking oil into an 8 oz. jar, depending on how strong you want your blended oil to be.
5. Add 4 oz. of base oil, such as canola, to the jar.
6. Put the lid on the jar and agitate it gently to combine the oils. Use the blended oil in cooking or to make a vinaigrette dressing.
Tags: base such, extra-virgin olive, , oils such, such grapeseed