Measuring & Dosing Correctly

When using essential oils for topical application, you should never apply them neat. Neat is a term used for an undiluted oil (not mixed with anything else). Always mix essential oils with bases, such as carrier oils (olive, coconut, or grapeseed), aloe vera gel, vegetable glycerin, witch hazel, or types of butter (shea, mango, or cocoa).

 

When you mix essential oils with a base, you create a solution (a dilution). The dilution contains a certain percentage of essential oils. A 5% dilution is considered the most potent dilution that is safe for topical use in adults. To create specific dilutions, follow the instructions below.

 

  • Over 15 years of age: 2.5%-5%
  • 6-15 years: 1.5%-3%
  • 2-6 years: 1-2%
  • 3 months-24 months: 0.25%-0.5%

 

Note: For condition-specific doses, consult a reliable herbal reference and familiarize yourself with the unique qualities of herbs to prevent underdosing or overdosing. If needed, seek advice from a qualified herbalist or a practitioner trained in functional medicine.

 

 

Dilution Percentages for Applying Essential Oils Topically

 

* TBSP stands for Tablespoon

 

  • 5% = 30 Drops to 2 TBSP
  • 4% = 24 Drops to 2 TBSP
  • 3% = 18 Drops to 2 TBSP
  • 2% = 12 Drops to 2 TBSP
  • 1.5% = 9 Drops to 2 TBSP
  • 1% = 6 Drops to 2 TBSP
  • 0.5% = 3 Drops to 2 TBSP
  • 0.25% = 1.5 Drops to 2 TBSP

 

 

Weight Equivalents (Liquid)

 

* TSP stands for Teaspoon 

* TBSP stands for Tablespoon

 

  • 1/8 TSP = .5 ml
  • 1/4 TSP = 1 ml
  • ½ TSP = 2 ml
  • ¾ TSP = 4 ml
  • 1 TSP = 5 ml
  • 1 TBSP = 15 ml
  • 2 TBSP = 30 ml or 1 ounce
  • ¼ Cup = 60 ml or 2 ounces
  • 1/3 Cup = 79 ml
  • ½ Cup = 120 ml or 4 ounces
  • 2/3 Cup = 156 ml
  • ¾ Cup = 177 ml
  • 1 Cup = 235 ml
  • 1 ½ Cups = 355 ml or 12 ounces
  • 2 Cups or 1 Pint = 475 ml
  • 3 Cups = 700 ml
  • 4 Cups or 1 Quart = 1 Liter (L) or 32 ounces
  • ½ Gallon = 2 Liters (L)
  • 1 Gallon = 4 Liters (L) or 128 ounces

 

 

Weight Equivalents (Dry)

 

  • ½ Ounce = 15 grams
  • 1 Ounce = 30 grams
  • 2 Ounces = 60 grams
  • 4 Ounces = 115 grams
  • 8 Ounces = 225 grams
  • 12 Ounces = 340 grams
  • 16 Ounces = 455 grams

 

 

Dosing FYI

 

You can measure extract dosages in drops, droppers, milliliters, teaspoons, or tablespoons.

 

  • A dropperful is about 15-20 drops or 1 ml.
  • A teaspoon is roughly equivalent to 5 ml.
  • The most commonly used tincture dose is 20-40 drops or 1-2 dropperfuls.
  • The more acute a condition is, the more frequent the doses.
  • Safe dosage ranges are broad with most, but not all, herbs.