What dilution is right for essential oil massage blends?
Safe dilution for a relaxing Massage blend
When I make essential oil Massage blends, I usually stick to about a 2% dilution.
2% Dilution
1 oz (30 ml) — 10 to 12 drops
2 oz (60 ml) — 20 to 24 drops
That's assuming I'm doing a relaxation massage and not blending for any specific issue. If I just want to encourage a calm mind and relaxed body, 2% is strong enough. That comes to about 10"-12 drops of essential oil for every 1 oz (30 ml) of carrier oil.
Here's one of my favorite essential oil Massage blends for relaxation. You'll need a 2 oz (60 ml) glass bottle.
We Love Relaxation Massages! Massage Blend
One of my favorite recipes for a relaxing Massage! This blend helps to calm the mind and relax the body.
Ingredients
2 oz (60 ml) Jojoba wax (Simmondsia chinensis)
10 drops Cedarwood essential oil (Juniperus virginiana)
6 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops Vetiver essential oil (Vetiveria zizanoides)
2 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata)
Equipment
One 1 oz (30 ml) Amber Glass Bottle with Coned Cap
Directions
Add the Jojoba Oil to the bottle.
Drop the essential oils into the bottle.
Shake well to combine and before each use.
That's a 2% dilution—a total of 20 drops of oil in 2 oz (60 ml) of jojoba wax.
But sometimes I want something a little stronger.
Safe dilution for a sports Massage blend
If I've hiked a little too long during the day and I feel sore in the evening, I want a blend that will soothe my muscles, so I'll increase the dilution to 3%.
3% Dilution
1 oz (30 ml) — 15 to 18 drops
2 oz (60 ml) — 30 to 36 drops
So if I'm still making a blend in 2 oz (60 ml) of jojoba wax, and I want to increase the dilution from 2% to 3% how many drops of essential oil will I need?
You got it! 30 drops (3%) is 15"-18 drops of essential oil per oz (30 ml).
Here's a 3% essential oil Massage blend that never fails to ease my muscles after a long day.
Calm Muscles - Happy Muscles Massage Blend
This sports Massage blend helps to release muscle tension after a long day or a hard workout.
Ingredients
2 oz (60 ml) Jojoba wax (Simmondsia chinensis)
16 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil (Chamaemelum nobile)
8 drops Ravintsara essential oil (Cinnamomum camphora ct. 1,8 cineole)
6 drops Orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis)
6 drops Peppermint essential oil (Mentha x piperita)
Equipment
One 1 oz (30 ml) Amber Glass Bottle with Coned Cap
Directions
Add the Jojoba Oil to the bottle.
Drop the essential oils into the bottle.
Shake well to combine and before each use.
This sports Massage oil includes essential oils that are relaxing, cooling, soothing to inflammation, and healing to strained muscles.
Safe Massage blend dilution for children
If I'm blending for children, I'll use an even lower dilution.
1% is usually enough for children between five and 12 years old.
1% Dilution
1 oz (30 ml) — 5 to 6 drops
2 oz (60 ml) — 10 to 12 drops
And that's how I adjust dilutions for kids, relaxation, and acute issues!
Expand your bodywork practice by learning to use essential oils safely and effectively. Our course, Aromatherapy for Massage Therapists, will teach you new ways to benefit your clients and grow your practice with aromatherapy. You’ll learn how to make blends that increase relaxation, ease muscle tension, and deliver pain-relieving benefits, as well as how to incorporate them into your practice.
