If you use Essential Oils...

[Gilby]

I'm sooooo excited to begin using some eo's in my olive oil face wash, my shea butter and for all kinds of things. I bought clove, peppermint and rosemary today.

So I put a few drops of clove in my bath water tonight and after sitting in the bath for 2 or 3 minutes my butt cheeks felt like they were catching on fire! They turned bright red and really stung! No where else on my body seemed bothered and I was wondering if this could be caused be eo?

Soooo...

Are there certain eo's to avoid for certain things? I know they need to be diluted. Are there precautions or concerns I should have? What eo's do you use and where do you use them?

[Alvenchrst]

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[Sadystar]

Ouch!

Well it seems like you have a preference for strongly scented oils! Those strong scents should be a warning!

Firstly, whenever you use EOs they should be diluted, for a massage this means no more than 7 drops in a carrier oil in the bath no more than 4 drops in oil, vodka or cream. Undiluted EOs will not disperse, more likely the drops will congregate and have a direct contact with one part of the body.

Clove oil is very strong, as is peppermint. Personally, I wouldn´t put these oils in a bath, even diluted they can cause serious irritation to sensitive parts!

I would urge you to get a reputable book on the subject of aromatherapy.

Hope that helps, Sadystar (clinical aromatherapist)

[JamieCatheryn]

The EO pooled, it's oil it doesn't disperse in water well. Lavendar and tea tree are the only ones I know safe undiluted. EO in a diffuser is nice to scent a room, a few drops in a dish of water above a candle. If you make soap or candles they're great in there. Mixed with a carrier oil, butter, or lotion a few drops are good for massage. Peppermint especially for sore muscles if you aren't bodybuilding, it neutralizes muscle acids.