Posted by Dorine King on October 31st, 2016 in Aromatherapy, Uncategorized

Skin Patch Testing

I often get questions about blending essential oils:

“How strong of a blend should I make for a sprained ankle?” “I want to use essential oils with my children (or grandchildren), how much is safe?” “Can I use essential oils on my face, and if so, how much is safe?” These are all great questions and I am happy to answer these questions. When people ask these types of questions, I know they understand the power of essential oils, and that there can be uncomfortable or dangerous consequences when they are used at too strong a dilution. This following is a quick reference chart you can use for most of your blending needs:

• 1% Dilution: — This dilution is used for children under 12, and seniors over 65, pregnant women and people with long-term illnesses or immune systems disorders. A 1% dilution is also a good place to start with individuals who are generally sensitive to fragrances, chemicals or other environmental pollutants.
• 2% Dilution — This dilution is used on adults in good health, for blends that support skin care, for natural perfumes, bath oils, and blends you use every day or long-term.
• 3% Dilution — This dilution is used when creating a blend for an acute injury, pain relief or getting through a cold or flu. Blends made at this dilution are used only for a week or two.

Using the above Dilution Ratio Chart:

Test #1: 2% ratio (for 1-ounce of carrier oil):

I have wanted to put together a blend of Neroli, Ylang Ylang, and Sweet Orange for a while – this is a good blend for the end of the day, for a relaxing bath and/or massage. Using the 2% ratio for 1-ounce of carrier oil, I first made a synergistic blend and did the patch test with the blend on my right inner elbow.

Neroli:

• Latin name: Citrus aurantiun var.
• Properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, cordial, deodorant, digestive, stimulant
• Mind and Spirit: effective sedative, used as a natural tranquillizer for anxiety
  Body: relieves muscle spasm

Ylang Ylang:

• Latin name: Cananga odorata
• Properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, sedative
• Mind and Spirit: According to Susanne Fischer-Rizzi: “The spirit of ylang-ylang usually fits the person naturally drawn to it. Upon inhaling ylang-ylang with its heavy seductive, sweet aroma, one can imagine a fiery, temperamental passionate and erotic person with an awesome radiance and confidence, never losing her balance. She would always dress in bright and colorful clothing and loves to wear jewellery.” Ylang-ylang has tension-relieving properties and is beneficial for nervous depression that is accompanied by severe tension.
• Body: reduces rapid breathing and heart rate, lower high blood pressure, beneficial for treating PMS

Sweet Orange:

• Latin name: citurs sinensis.
• Properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, sedative
• Mind and Spirit: The cheerful, sensuous and radiant nature of orange conveys warmth and happiness. It assists people to relax and unwind.
• Body: properties overlap with Neroli

Process:

1. I washed the area with Dr. Bronner’s unscented soap and water. Rinsed well and patted dry.
2. I applied 1-drop of the synergistic blend to the crook of my right arm.
3. Closed arm (hand to shoulder) for five minutes.
4. Opened and closed once again.

Results:
The outside right area of my right arm had some swelling. No pain, no discomfort, just some swelling. Two hours later, the area is still a little bit swollen – still no pain.

I repeated the process, using the crook of my husband’s arm. His arm also had some swelling but not as much as mine, and two hours later, all swelling is gone.

I added two tablespoons (1-ounce) of Sweet Almond oil to the bottle and will use one teaspoon of it later tonight as bath oil and/or massage oil. It smells great.

My recipe:
2-drops Neroli
5-drops Ylang Ylang
5-drops Sweet Orange
2 T. Sweet Almond Oil

Test #2: Clary Sage:

Process (using my left arm):

1. I washed the area with Dr. Bronner’s unscented soap and water. Rinsed well and patted dry.
2. I applied 1-drop of Clary sage to the crook of my left arm.
3. Closed arm (hand to shoulder) for five minutes.
4. Opened and closed once again.

Results:
No adverse affects.

Clary Sage:

• Latin name: salvia sclarea
• Properties: Antidepressant, antispasmodic, deodorant, sedative, tonic
• Mind and Spirit: dispels depression, especially when arising from nervous burnout. Clary sage may be used to center and ground scattered thinking and absent-mindedness
• Body: Its antispasmodic properties make it useful for helping with cramps in the lower back. This oil promotes oestrogen secretion, helps in menopause when symptoms such as hot flashes, dissiness, headaches, night sweats, are prominent