From Salves to Sprays: 10 Foundational Base Recipes in Aromatherapy

Be sure you are knowledgeable of all oils before using them; especially their actions, dosing recommendations, and contraindications.

For proper dosing of essential oils for children and other sensitive groups, see the essential oil dilution chart here.

As always, be sure that all oils are child-friendly for your children and their ages if using for children or near children. Use verifiable information. Always err on the side of caution.

With all of these recipes, divide or multiply according to your needs.

You will find that my recipes contain less essential oils than what’s on the dilution ratio chart. This is because I prefer to use less essential oils. You can add as much as on the dilution chart, but I recommend starting with these recipes or even half the essential oils in these recipes and go from there.

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Bath

• Adult: For an aromatherapeutic bath, add 3-4 drops of a single essential oil, or a blend of oils, that has been diluted to a safe dilution rate for whole body topical application, usually 1% to 2% which equates to 1/4 - 1/2 ounce of a dispersant such as whole milk or a base oil. Always check dilution rate guidelines for the individual essential oils used in the bath.

• Be sure to use oils that are skin-friendly, respiratory-friendly, and serve the purpose you are seeking to serve.

1. Fill tub with warm water first.

2. Then, add in oils and gently swoosh around the opposite side of the tub, not directly touching the drops.

3. Enjoy for 10-15 minutes.

Important to Know:

Remember that the hot water will enhance dermal absorption, so always start with just a few drops and add more if needed.

The diluted blend can also be added to Epsom salts, mineral salts, and white clay to create a more relaxing, therapeutic experience.

A bath can exacerbate irritant or sensitization effects, due to the heat and water mixing with the essential oil. Note, if you are a highly sensitive person (HSP), have any skin issues, or suffer from allergies, always add your chosen essential oil to a dispersant (such as whole milk or a base oil) and add the entire mixture to the bath water. Give the water a good swish around before lowering your body into the bathtub.

You can also add essential oils to a foot, hand, or full body bath, where they are inhaled and absorbed through the skin. Note the extra precautions above if you are an HSP.

Always reference the cautions and contraindications for each essential oil for more information about precautions for the bath.

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Body Butter

• 3 oz. Shea butter, Mango butter, Cocoa butter, other plant butter you are familiar with, or a mixture of your favorites

• 1 oz. carrier oil

• 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder

• Adult: up to 24 drops of essential oils

• Microwave or double broiler

• Medium microwave-safe glass/ceramic bowl (if using microwave)

• Electric hand mixer

• 1 airtight 8-ounce jar

create it

1. Add the mango butter into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it for 15 seconds or soften it using a double broiler.

2. Once the butter softens, take it out, add the carrier oil, and combine.

3. Use a hand mixer for a few minutes until the proper consistency is obtained.

4. Add the arrowroot powder and mix for 1 more minute. This will thicken it a bit more.

5. Add essential oils and gently mix.

6. Transfer the butter to the jar.

7. Enjoy! - It’s best to use at night before bed. Give the butter 10-15 minutes to soak in before laying on your sheets.

Here’s a chart to help you know what carrier oil to use: (This comes from a book by American College of Healthcare Sciences). Of course, check to see which ones are safe for children and your children specifically, if using for or near children.

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Body Oil (Massage)

• 2 oz. Your preferred base oil (see chart above)

• Adult: up to 12 drops of essential oils

• Gently swirl together in an amber glass bottle, label, and enjoy.

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Body Perfume

The following is an excerpt from Aromatherapy and the Body Systems: A Therapeutic Guide by American College of Healthcare Sciences

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Body Mist or Room Spray

• 15 oz. Distilled water

• 1 oz. Witch hazel (organic)

• Adult: Up to 12 drops of essential oils

create it

1. Pour water and witch hazel into a spray bottle.

2. Add essential oils, seal tightly, shake gently.

3. Shake gently just before each use. Essential oils are not water soluble so they separate from the water. That’s why you must shake it gently before each use.

Important note: With any handmade product that contains water - watch for signs of spoiling - rather - keep your nose keen. If you notice is smells off, it’s time to discard. This will keep anywhere from 3 weeks - 2 months. If you notice cloudiness or are ever unsure, just discard and make a fresh batch.

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Healing Balm, Ointment, Salve

• 8 oz. High-quality cold-pressed base oil such as sweet almond

• 1/4-1/2 oz. grated beeswax or beeswax pellets (less for ointment consistency, more for balm consistency)

• Adult: 12-24 drops essential oil (minding dilution ratios for exact oils used)

• An amber glass jar

Tips to know first

Read through your recipe carefully at least twice before starting.

• Have a sink full of hot, soapy water ready for your dishes as you are finished with them.

• Ointment mixture can be hard to remove once it cools and dries.

• Have all your ingredients and equipment ready in advance.

• Handling beeswax can be messy. Some people prefer to make plant-butter-based ointments.

• Wear gloves when handling hot pots; keep children out of the cooking zone; and let salve cool before handling.

• Use a utensil when accessing salve. Do not touch with hands.

Create it

1. Melt beeswax and oil in a stainless-steel bowl over a pot of hot water or in a double boiler.

2. Add the grated beeswax, varying the amount depending on how firm the final balm needs to be. You can check the consistency by dipping a teaspoon into the hot mixture and placing it in the freezer for five minutes. If it is too stiff, add more oil; if it is too thin, add more beeswax. The consistency can be affected by humidity.

3. Add the essential oil.

4. Let the mixture cool until it is safe to handle. Then stir and pour the mixture into sterile amber jars (stirring ensures that the tincture or essential oil does not settle on the bottom).

5. Let the mixture cool before putting on the lid.

6. Label and use when needed.

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House Cleaning Spray

• 12 oz. distilled water

• 3 oz. white vinegar

• Juice of one lemon

• 24-48 drops of cleaning essential oil blend

Create it

1. Combine water, vinegar, and lemon juice in a spray bottle. Mix.

2. Add in the essential oils.

3. Label and store in a cool, dark, dry place.

4. Gently shake before each use and whilst using as essential oils naturally separate from water.

Important note: With any handmade product that contains water - watch for signs of spoiling - rather - keep your nose keen. If you notice is smells off, it’s time to discard. This will keep 3 months, possibly longer. If you notice an unpleasant smell, just discard and make a fresh batch.

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Lip Balm

Lip Balm is similar to salve, except you’re using a lip balm container and making less of it. Even still, your creation will fill 3 lip balm containers.

• 1 ounce carrier oil (jojoba, sunflower, etc)

• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets

• Adult: 3-6 drops of essential oils

Create it

Melt beeswax and oil in a stainless-steel bowl over a pot of hot water or in a double boiler.

1. Add the grated beeswax, varying the amount depending on how firm the final balm needs to be. You can check the consistency by dipping a teaspoon into the hot mixture and placing it in the freezer for five minutes. If it is too stiff, add more oil; if it is too thin, add more beeswax. The consistency can be affected by humidity.

2. Add the essential oil.

3. Let the mixture cool until it is safe to handle. Then stir and pour the mixture into sterile lip balm containers, glass if available (stirring ensures that the tincture or essential oil does not settle on the bottom).

4. Let the mixture cool before putting on the lid.

5. Label and use when needed.

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Medicinal Diffusing

• 3-6 essential oil drops in 100ml distilled water

• Clean ultrasonic diffuser

Diffuse for 15-30 minutes, then stop for 2-3 hours. Mind all dosing recommendations and contraindications.

Be mindful if using near children or pets - do not diffuse oils that are unsafe for children or pets. Do not diffuse for more than 15 minutes around children or pets.