Most often applied to the skin and scalp, witch hazel is widely known for its ability to ease inflammation and soothe sensitive skin. It can also be added to herbal teas and ingested orally in small amounts as a natural treatment for other conditions.

How to mix carrier oil with essential oils

Whenever possible, purchase organic, cold-pressed carrier oils from a manufacturer you trust. Although most carrier oils don’t cause an allergic reaction, you should always do a patch test prior to using.

To perform a patch test:

1. Add a small amount of carrier oil to the inside of your wrist or just below your ear.
2. Cover the oil with a bandage.
3. Check back on the area after 24 hours.
4. If irritation occurs, rinse thoroughly, and avoid future use.

If you’re allergic to tree nuts, you shouldn’t use oils derived from tree nuts. This includes sweet almond oil, argan oil, and apricot kernel oil.

When diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, it’s important to follow these dilution guidelines.

For adults:

• 2.5 percent dilution: 15 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
• 3 percent dilution: 20 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
• 5 percent dilution: 30 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
• 10 percent dilution: 60 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil

For children:

• .5 to 1 percent dilution: 3 to 6 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil

Always store carrier oils in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator. You should also keep them in a dark glass bottle.