Hey ladies...
I was thinking it might be fun to have an Oils thread for those of us that use them and love them to share what we are currently using and offer input when someone is looking for an oil for a particular issue.
Feel free to join in the discussion!
My personal opinion is that we limit the brand discussion. We all have our preferred brand(s) of oil. Aside from discussing certain blends it might be more inclusive of a thread if we leave the brand discussion/debate off the table?
grapefruit / 4545 posts
So...what I am currently using:
Roller Blends:
liquid xanad (me): 5 drops vetiver, 5 drops dt Serenity, 5 drops dt balance - topped with FCO. AMAZING.
congestion blend (Emmy - 5mos): 2 drops lemon, 2 drops arborvitae topped with FCO. I am using this to help her fight a head cold.
Others:
Diaper Cream (Emmy 5 mos): coconut oil, frankincense, melaleuca and lavender - keeps her tushy soft and diaper rash free!
Hair "Spray" (Kate 3 years): Distilled water with 5 drops lavender and 5 drops Wild Orange...helps me braid her hair and leaves her with a nice calming scent all day.
Body Lotion (Me): Coconut oil, vitamin E, Lavender - amazing!
Daytime Diffusing: 2 drops Balance (dt blend) and 2 drops Citrus Bliss.
Nighttime Diffusing: Lavender
Things I want to Make: Toy Cleaner, Bug Spray, hair growth spray, body butter, scalp treatment (dry scalp), linen sprays.
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
We do diffusing only at the moment, I am stuck in a lavender rut ( i have another minty scent) and am thinking about picking up clove for the fall.
eta: for the spray bottles, I wanted to also recommend these, they're fine mist. I use one for my hair when I flat iron it.
grapefruit / 4466 posts
I mentioned in another thread that I've been using them for skincare recently. It hasn't been that long, but so far I'm pleased.
Face serum: meadowfoam carrier oil (LOVE this), carrot seed, lavender, geranium (covers the smell of the carrot seed), and a couple drops of neroli. The essential oils in total are diluted to 2%.
body oil: jojaba or almond oil, with lavender and a drop of neroli, I keep the essential oil diluted to <1%, as I'm using it all over my body and don't want to get sensitized.
I smell neroli from the bottle when I get stressed or my mind feels foggy. I think it's the best smell, ever, seriously. It was pretty expensive but I got it from a more affordable brand and I think 5 ml will last forever.
I recently started using a calendula hydrosol as a toner, and it's done wonders for hormonal acne (hydrosol is made from the whole plant, whereas essential oils usually come from just one part of the plant). I am going to try rosemary hydrosol along my scalp line a couple times per week for dry scalp, as I'd prefer to get away from using stronger shampoos.
I use a tension blend diluted to 2% when I get headaches, it helps some, I think.
I got a sleep blend to diffuse when I'm going to sleep, but DH hated the smell, so I just diluted to 2% and rub it on the bottom of my feet at bed time. I have no idea if it actually helps, but I have been going to sleep pretty easily since using it.
grapefruit / 4545 posts
@looch: I thought I read somewhere that its not advisable to use the oils in plastic bottles. So I have been buying glass and aluminum ones - like these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EXJ57TC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GP66PT2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
nectarine / 2750 posts
@periwinklebee: Do you just use the calendula hydrosol straight from the bottle as a toner or do you use some of it to make a toner? I've seen people say both and I am desperately trying to find some help for my sensitive pregnancy skin. 
grapefruit / 4545 posts
@periwinklebee: I got some Jojoba oil to mix when I make the body butter!
Also - I was planning to make a hair spritz for "growth" of Cedarwood, Rosemary and Lavendar. And I was planning to make a scalp treatment of melaleuca, rosemary and lemon (in coconut oil) for my dry scalp.
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
@Mrs D: I had no idea! I diffuse out of a plastic diffuser, is that a no no as well?
grapefruit / 4545 posts
@looch: Hmmm...I diffuse out of plastic too...I'm wondering if they suggest the glass and aluminum containers for sprays because we generally make a spray that will last us some time? Maybe its the prolonged sitting in plastic that is bad? When I diffuse the oil is only in there maybe 8hrs...
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
@Mrs D: that's what I am thinking as well, I have to do some more reading on the subject.
grapefruit / 4466 posts
@tlcbaby: I just use it straight out of the bottle! It's a lot less strong than a straight essential oil would be.
@Mrs D: The hair treatments sound awesome! Let us know how it turns out when you have a chance to make it.
grapefruit / 4466 posts
@Mrs D: How do you use the roller blends? On the bottom of feet? Wrists? Chest (for the congestion one)?
grapefruit / 4545 posts
@periwinklebee: For me...if I am rolling it for say general well being/general application (sleep, etc) I roll it on my chest, the back of my neck and the bottom of my feet. For topical issues (yeast rash, burn - I burned my hand last night and my oils saved my life, other specific location) I would apply it to the scene of the issue! IE...tummy aches - I roll it on the tummy.
For Kate (my 3 year old) - mild oils she gets on her chest and spine (mostly for immune and lavender). If its a new blend I usually start it on her back where she cant reach it. I dont use her feet yet because she is still in a phase where she would/could lick it off.
For Emmy (5 mos) - she gets things on her feet and her chest. I usually only do the feet at night when she is going in a sleep sack. With her crazy congestion I did both feet and chest...so she got the self diffusing benefit as well.
This is a post I read that had some cool info:
"*First of all, the bottoms of our feet are one of the strongest places of the body- our feet supports the entire weight of our body for several hours a day- that's sayin' something! The skin on the soles of the feet are less sensitive than the skin throughout the rest of the body, allowing us to use even the "hotter" oils (oregano, thyme, citrus oils...) here without the need for dilution.
*Some of the largest pores on our body, are present on the soles of the feet. This allows the essential oils to be absorbed very very quickly. When we apply our oils to the soles of the feet, they begin to absorb within just 20 seconds. That's FAST!
*Sometimes a particular oil might not smell a little more medicinal than pleasant. Ylang ylang is one of those oils that I happily rub on my chest, whereas oregano... not my perfume of choice, haha. Applying to the soles of the feet and then covering with socks lets us get the benefits from our oils, without having to smell the constant potency."
squash / 13208 posts
I have been using Helichrysum on my face - one drop mixed with my face cream and it has made my rosacea about 90% better!
Tried using oregano on a wart and it did not work =(
wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts
I can use some help! DD has Coxsackie. I have Melaleuca/Tea Tree Oil that's supposed to purify surfaces/air and boost immune function... Should I just diffuse it at night? Or mix with Lavender? I only have these two + a breathe mix on hand right now.
grapefruit / 4466 posts
@Mrs D: Thank you, this is super helpful! I always wondered why they said to rub on the bottom of your feet!
@Mamaof2: I've been wanting to try Helichrysum. I've been waiting for PT to get the African (cheaper 
) variety back in stock, I've heard such great things about it. Awesome to hear that it worked well!
@snowjewelz: I don't have experience with this specifically, but might try mixing with a bit of lavender if you're going to be diffusing in the evening, since lavender is usually great for sleep.
I just ordered some ingredients to make body lotion bars and a sugar scrub. I think I will use lavender-mandarin for the scrub (mostly because I ended up with big bottles of lavender and mandarin!) For the body bars, I'm planning to use unrefined cocoa butter, almond or coconut oil, and a kid/pregnancy safe PT skin blend called silky soft (Lavender, Copaiba, Palmarosa, Lemon, Frankincense carteri, and Helichrysum italicum). They are having a kid safe anniversary sale this month, I splurged on one of the kid safe grab bags and ended up with the blend, which I'm excited to try out.
Another thing I love that I forgot to mention is putting a drop of lavender and lemongrass on wool dryer balls. It makes our towels and sheets smell so good. One of my favorite small pleasures is grabbing a fresh towel and spending two seconds breathing in the beautiful smell. Since it's just laundry, I bought cheap bottles of lavender and lemongrass from Amazon and it's worked great.
grapefruit / 4545 posts
@snowjewelz: How old is DD? I would be inclined to tell you to dilute some and apply it topically. The group of oil women (hehe that sounds funny) that I belong to has a couple RNs and when my daughter was sick last week they had me applying tea tree and also frankincense...I put them on her feet and spine...
pomelo / 5084 posts
@Mrs D: We just got roller bottles to make our own immune defense blend for DS's feet before daycare!
grapefruit / 4545 posts
@wrkbrk: I am totally putting immune defense blends on both girls this fall/winter for daycare... myself and DH too.
DH is funny...when he complains about something I'm all "let me get an oil for that"...so the other night he had a headache and was complaining...instinctively he goes "dont you want to rub some oil on me?"...come to think of it - yes...Peppermint...and of course it worked...so he continues to humor me and my new found oil obsession!
grapefruit / 4545 posts
@snowjewelz: I do tea tree on her (diluted) and also tea tree and lavender diffused.
grapefruit / 4466 posts
@snowjewelz: I found this blog post helpful for instructions on how to dilute: https://www.planttherapy.com/blog/2015/08/10/how-to-read-the-dilution-chart/
It tells how many drops to add for a given amount of carrier oil to achieve different dilution rates, and gives recommendations for recommended and maximum % rates for children of different ages.
@Mrs D: That's hilarious about your DH. Mine just wrinkles his nose and says "something smells funny." Maybe he'll get on board eventually.
wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts
@periwinklebee: oh nice! i buy from them and didn't realize they have such a helpful section too!
apricot / 256 posts
Am I the only one who is not sure how to clean their diffuser? Mine has taken on a very strong smell that is a combo of the different oils we've diffused in the past. Also, anyone have any suggestions for a scent to use on a dog that was skunked last night?
grapefruit / 4466 posts
@MrsKerch: Not sure on the diffuser. So far it's been working to wipe mine down with a micro cloth after each use but I'm sure I'll need a better answer soon. For the dog, maybe try first a mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to neutralize the skunk smell (if you haven't already) and then I would try tea tree or eucalyptus or pine... I've read oils from tree's leaves/needles are really good for neutralizing strong smells (I used eucalyptus once to get out some gasoline stench from a scarf that nothing else would remove - worked great). I think tea tree is the gentlest of the three.
@Mrs D: Love the chart, I just downloaded a copy to keep for reference.
grapefruit / 4545 posts
@MrsKerch: I'm asking about my difusser now ... hoping my expert will know!
As for skunk...my inclination would be lemon or purify (its a dt blend - I'm sure other companies have similar blends)...
grapefruit / 4466 posts
btw, one other useful resource I've found is this chart giving the ingredients of many of the blends from three of the more popular essential oil companies: https://www.planttherapy.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Final-Comparison-Chart-with-Registered-Trademarks-1.pdf
So for example, you can find the Purify blend that @Mrs D: recommended, and if you don't happen to use DT, find either a similar blend from a different company or just use one or more of the component oils. In the case of Purify that was recommended to @MrsKerch: , the main components are lemon, pine and fir needle oils, and tea tree oil.
I also find it useful to consult before buying a blend.
apricot / 256 posts
@Mrs D: @periwinklebee: thanks ladies!!! We bathed her last night with peroxide and baking soda when it happened. She either rolled in it again or being in the sun today has reactivated some of the odor. My options are limited but I do have tea tree, so I might give that a try after we give her another bath this evening.
grapefruit / 4545 posts
So I mentioned my liquid Xanax blend before...this thing is amazing. 5 drops dt Balance, 5 drops dt Serenity and 5 drops Vetiver (see previous post of similar blends from other companys)...
You guys...this thing works like crazy!!! I never know with the oils...does it work? Or not...well I have been using it for a week now and it works - on Sunday I met with my mom and gave her a roller of it. She called me this morning and was like "holy crap..."
I am the kind of person who sometimes struggles to fall asleep (too wound up) and I struggle with middle of the night bathroom breaks. My fitbit always shows lots of restlessness...Since using this (I roll a bit on my neck and a bit on the back of my neck) I am OUT. I do get up once between 3-5am to use the restroom and pump but then pass right back out...amazing!!! Just wanted to share...
grapefruit / 4466 posts
@Mrs D: This sounds absolutely amazing! I am going to try something along these lines. I have some Balance and *love* it. Have much FCO do you add to the mix?
I also just recently got some vetiver and it may be my favorite oil, ever. I got pretty bit up over the weekend visiting some family in a place that I didn't realize had a ton of mosquitos. I was feeling super itchy last night and tried making the following bath preparation:
1/2 cup of whole milk (if you don't have this in the fridge, can be substituted with a carrier oil)
5 drops of lavender, 5 drops of mandarin, and a drop of vetiver.
It was absolutely divine, best bath I have ever had, I am not exaggerating. I felt so, so relaxed and the bug bites haven't bothered me since. It smelled so nice and calming that DH asked me to draw him up a bath with it, and he found it super relaxing as well.
Later today I'm going to try making some body soap and a sugar scrub with the same mandarin-lavender-vetiver mix. I've been really wanting to reduce my stress levels, b/c I think it's bad for my health, and I am so excited to have found this. Here are the recipes for the soap and scrub:
Soap (from plant therapy blog)
- 8 ounces Castile Soap
- 4 ounces Vegetable Glycerine
- 4 ounces Hemp Seed Oil (can substitute your carrier oil of preference)
- 144 drops Essential Oil (approximately 1 1/2 teaspoon)
- 16 ounce bottle
Instructions;
- Measure all ingredients.
- Put into bottle.
- Shake well.
- Store in your bathroom as use as you would a traditional body wash.
For the sugar scrub, it's just a matter of combining sugar, a carrier oil, and essential oils to around 2% dilution. I've seen all sorts of different thoughts on the oil:sugar ratio, from 1:1 to 1:4. I think it's a matter of personal taste and I will experiment.
grapefruit / 4545 posts
@periwinklebee: I just put those 15 drops in a roller (10ml) and topped it off with FCO.
The soap and scrub sound lovely...I will tell you though...I was listening to a call with my girlfriend (my oil guru) and she said a lot of online "recipes" are super heavy on the EO...I think she would say 144 drops of oil is a crazy lot. She's likely say to try with less and add more as needed. She made a good comment - these companies like to say to use more bc then you'll buy more! 
grapefruit / 4466 posts
@Mrs D: Awesome, thank you! This is super helpful. I'm going to try this.
Good point on trying less. I think it's not quite as much as it sounds like, as the recipe makes a ton (16 oz). 144 drops total = 9 drops per ounce and 1 oz = 30 ml. 9 drops in 30 mL is 1% dilution. Still, I think it's a really good idea to start with less and add more if needed. I am going to mix up a 10ml tube of the lavender-mandarin-vetiver combination so it's easy to add more if needed and easy to add to a bath. I am all for saving money!
cherry / 215 posts
Hey guys! Now that summer is here again, I would like to try making some of my own bug repellent. Any favorite recipes?
apricot / 409 posts
@Mrs D: I was thinking of trying your liquid xanax for my DD and I. In that Dilution Solution chart for say a 1% dilution in 10ml, is it 3 drops of each oil or 3 drops total?
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