Aromatherapy Recipes and Tips

Choosing essential oils... Tracie Nichols, MA, IAC, NCTMB

I'm often asked how I choose essential oils for specific purposes. I love this question! In some cases, like a minor kitchen injury, or other minor “boo-boo” the choice is quick and obvious. For more involved conditions or for spiritual or energetic purposes, given the huge and constantly growing list of possible essential oils available for therapeutic use, how do you find the essence or combination of essences which is most “right” for you? How do you decided which plant allies best support your goals? Lastly, how do you know that the plant ally you are choosing agrees with your choice?

Honestly, there is no magic formula. Essential oils are as complex as the humans trying to use them, and sometimes experience really is your best ally. That being said, where do you start if you don’t have much experience? As simplistic as this may sound, start with your own intention, attention, and compassion.

Spend some time in quiet contemplation being certain that your intention is clear. What exactly are you trying to accomplish, and why? Being quite clear with your intention, having impeccable intent, will open you to making creative and wise choices.

Bring your attention to the essential oils. Beyond the obviously important action of checking resource books for the known properties, safety guidelines or interactions with medical conditions or medications of the essences you are considering, offer your attention to the energy and intelligence of the essence. Consider opening your attention to the energy of the many plants whose essential oils rest in the bottles. Does your intuition have something to add to the process?

Often, my intuition is my absolute best guide when choosing an essential oil or oils from among the many possibilities. Choosing an essential oil is as much about matching the vibration of the essence to the vibrational needs of the person as it is about knowing the chemistry of the essential oil.

Where does the compassion fit in? Everywhere. Be compassionate with yourself as you learn. Be compassionate if you create something odd, or even horrible. (Yes, I’ve created many oddities, and a few horrible mistakes over the years.) Be compassionate with the essential oils and use them sparingly and with great respect. They are the life blood of plants - many, many plants. Appreciate that fact as you create, and they will appreciate working with you.

If you are really stumped please contact me. I’d be happy to share my own experience with you!

All-Purpose Cleaner
2 1/2 tsp. borax
A dab of liquid soap (1/2 tsp.)
a total of 35 drops of undiluted essential oils
2 cups hot tap water
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the borax has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag. (For heavy duty grease cutting - you can add an ounce of an orange cleaner to the mix)

Window Cleaner
1/4-1/2 tsp liquid detergent
3 tbs vinegar
2 cups water
spray bottle

Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you might have used in the past.

Creamy Soft Scrubber
1/2 C baking soda
Liquid detergent (about 2 - 2 1/2 tsp)
total of 7 drops of undiluted essential oils

Simply pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, mix the EO with the liquid detergent and add enough liquid detergent mixture to make a texture like frosting. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and doesn't leave grit.

Mold Killer
2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Do not get on skin directly, and be aware that the tea tree smell will be VERY strong for several days to a week. You can add 1 tsp. lemon and or pine essential oil - double the water - and this can be really helpful for musty basements.

Carpet Freshener
1 C baking soda
total of 20 drops of undiluted essential oils

Mix together in a metal or glass container with a tight fitting lid (shaking vigorously works for me). Sprinkle on carpets - leave for about 10 - 15 minutes - then vacuum out thoroughly.

Laundry Freshener
10 total drops of undiluted essential oil on a damp washcloth tossed into the dryer. (Do not use absolutes, resins, or other dark, thick essential oils as they might stain.)