Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that contain the natural aroma and flavor of the plant from which they are derived. They are typically extracted through steam distillation and are used in a variety of applications, including food, aromatherapy, natural perfumery, and skin and hair care products. Essential Oils are highly concentrated and should be used with caution, as they can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes if used undiluted or in high concentrations.

What Does The Term “Neat” Mean?

The term “neat” refers to something that is pure or undiluted. In the context of essential oils, it refers to the use of an essential oil without diluting it with a carrier oil or other diluting agent. Neat essential oils are applied directly to the skin or inhaled without being diluted. It is important to note that not all essential oils can be used neat, as some can be irritating to the skin or mucous membranes when applied undiluted. It is generally recommended to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin to reduce the potential for irritation and allow the essential oil to be more easily absorbed by the skin. 

If you are considering using an essential oil neat, it is important to first consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare provider to determine whether it is appropriate for your individual needs and to receive guidance on proper usage.

Factors To Consider When Diluting Essential Oils

There are several factors to consider when diluting essential oils:

• Skin sensitivity: Some people may have sensitive skin that is more prone to irritation, and may need to use highly diluted essential oils to reduce the risk of irritation.
• Age: Children and elderly individuals may have more sensitive skin, and may again need to use much diluted essential oils. Children including infants love essential oils like lavender, chamomile and these essential oils when used in the range of 0.10 to 0.50% lends great comfort.
• Health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as pregnancy or epilepsy, may require the use of more diluted essential oils.
• The essential oil being used: Some essential oils, such as peppermint and cinnamon, may be more irritating to the skin and may need to be diluted more far much more as compared to lavender or tea tree. 
• The intended use: The dilution of an essential oil may vary depending on the intended use, such as for massage, aromatherapy, or skin care – preventive or curative.
• The carrier oil being used: Different carrier oils may have different properties and may affect the dilution of an essential oil.

A Note About Essential Oil Use in the Bath

Using essential oils in the bath can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but it is important to use caution and follow proper guidelines to ensure the safe and effective use of essential oils. Here are a few things to consider when using essential oils in the bath:

• Dilution: It is important to dilute essential oils before adding them to the bath, as undiluted essential oils can be irritating to the skin. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than 3-7 drops of SNAANA essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil.
• Mixing: Essential oils should be mixed with a carrier oil, such as almond oil or jojoba oil, before adding them to the bath. This helps to disperse the essential oils evenly in the water and reduces the risk of irritation.
• Storage: Essential oils should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight, as heat and light can cause essential oils to degrade. And if the bottle of essential oil is left open, you will find it finished in a few hours only. This is simply because essential oils are highly volatile and evaporate easily. 
• Precautions: Some essential oils, such as those that are phototoxic, should be avoided in the bath, as they can increase the risk of sunburn or skin irritation when applied to the skin

What is the ratio for diluting essential oils?

Diluting an essential oil depends on factors like whom it is used on, for what concern and how it will be used.

How much water do you put in a drop of essential oil?

Since essential oils do not easily mix with water, it is suggested to dilute them in a carrier oil like almond, jojoba, hempseed, watermelon seed, pumpkin seed etc.

Does diluting essential oils make them less effective?

Diluting essential oils does not necessarily make them less effective, but it can affect the way they are absorbed and used by the body. Diluting essential oils can help to reduce the risk of irritation and make them more comfortable to use, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Perfect dilution as per the need makes it best for use. 

It is important to keep in mind that essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts and should be used with caution. Undiluted essential oils can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes and may cause adverse reactions in some individuals. Diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, such as almond oil or jojoba oil, can help to reduce the risk of irritation and make them more suitable for use on the skin.

While diluting essential oils may reduce the intensity of their aroma and therapeutic effects, it does not necessarily make them less effective. The appropriate dilution will depend on the individual’s needs and the intended use of the essential oil. It is always best to consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dilution for your individual needs.

How many essential oils can you mix together?

There is no specific limit to the number of essential oils that can be mixed together, but it is generally recommended to use a small number of essential oils at a time to avoid overcomplicating the blend and potentially reducing its effectiveness. Using a larger number of essential oils may also increase the risk of irritation or adverse reactions.

It is important to consider the individual properties and characteristics of each essential oil when creating a blend, as certain oils may have synergistic or complementary effects when used together. It may be helpful to start with a small number of essential oils and gradually add more as needed to find the right balance and aroma for your needs.

Note – To create a truly natural- aromatic & therapeutic blend of essential oil for your diffuser, or skin care, simply choose the best quality more than 20 essential oils from SNAANA. 

What should not be mixed with essential oils?

There are a few things that should not be mixed with essential oils, as they can interact with the essential oils and potentially reduce their effectiveness or cause adverse reactions:

• Water: Essential oils are not water-soluble and do not mix well with water. Mixing essential oils with water can cause the oils to separate and float on the surface, which can make them difficult to apply evenly.
• Alcohol: Some essential oils, such as those with a thin consistency, can be mixed with alcohol to create a mist or spray. However, it is important to avoid using alcohol with essential oils that are prone to oxidation, as the alcohol can cause the oils to break down and become less effective. Also alcohol is drying and hence should be avoided in DIY’s too. 
• Certain medications: Some essential oils may interact with certain medications and may not be safe to use in conjunction with them. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using essential oils if you are taking any medications.
• Certain essential oils: Certain essential oils should not be mixed together due to the risk of adverse reactions or negative interactions. For example, peppermint and eucalyptus oils should not be used together, as they can cause breathing difficulties when inhaled.

Why SNAANA Essential oils 

SNAANA essential oils are unique in terms of quality. This is simple because the essential oils are prepared in SNAANA’s own in-house distillery thereby completely curtailing the chance of adulteration. Hence SNAANA essential oils are

• 100% Steam distilled
• Highly therapeutic
• Edible 
• Aromatic
• 100% free from chemicals/synthetics and preservatives. 
• 100% pure – undiluted (economical & value for money)

Note – Essential oils that we usually find in the market are meant for external use or cosmetic use only. They are termed as steam distilled and pure but often do not stand to the words. Because if the herb like lavender/lemongrass is edible, then the essential oil steam distilled from these herbs should be edible too, which usually is not the case. 
Explore cooking with essential oils here.

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