Beginners Guide: Essential Oils 101
- Laura Van Horn
- Apr 21, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Essential Oil Basics for Beginners
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts capturing the "essence" or aromatic compounds of a plant. The term essential comes from the idea of carrying the plant's quintessence. These oils are produced in special structures within a plant, such as glands or resin ducts, with their type and location varying by species. Why plants create these oils is a fascinating topic of its own, tied to their survival and reproduction.
Essential oils are typically extracted through distillation, yielding a potent and volatile product. It's important to distinguish these from herb-infused oils, which are made by steeping herbs in a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. While different, essential oils and herb-infused oils can work together to enhance their benefits.
If you are new to essential oils and are interested in growing your knowledge with hands-on (& nose) experience, I have created a beginner's guide to help: Aromatherapy Primer, which can be found in my shop or on my Etsy shop.
A Rich History
The use of aromatic plants and their oils dates back thousands of years. Historical texts, including the Bible, reference plants like frankincense, myrrh, and cedarwood. However, it is unclear if these were used as distilled essential oils, incense, or infusions. Distillation methods have evolved, but the tradition of using aromatic plants has an undeniable place in human history.
How Essential Oils Work
When inhaled, essential oils interact with the olfactory bulb, a part of the brain’s limbic system, which is key to emotions and memories. This connection is why essential oils can influence mood and well-being even if you don’t consciously recognize the scent.
When applied topically (always diluted), essential oils can interact with the skin and underlying tissues. However, they should be used with care, as improper application can cause irritation or sensitization.
Tips for Getting Started with Essential Oils
Less is more
Essential oils are incredibly concentrated—just a little goes a long way! For example, it takes 30-50 roses to make a single drop of rose otto essential oil. This high potency means that even one drop can have a significant effect, especially when applied topically.
When using a diffuser, which turns oils into a fine mist, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum drops, but don’t feel you need to use the full amount. Start with fewer drops and adjust as needed.
If you experience sticker shock when shopping for essential oils, remember that a 5 mL bottle contains approximately 100 drops, making it last longer than you might expect when used sparingly. To maximize shelf life, store oils in dark glass bottles away from heat. Shelf life varies by oil, ranging from 1–2 years for citrus oils to up to 20 years for patchouli.
Always Dilute for Topical Use
Undiluted essential oils (also called neat application) can cause skin irritation. A general guideline is a 1% dilution—1 drop of essential oil per 5mL (1 teaspoon) of carrier oil.
Popular carrier oils include:
Olive oil – Rich and moisturizing, great for dry skin
Jojoba oil – Closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it highly absorbable
Sweet almond oil – Lightweight and nourishing, ideal for massage and everyday use
Choosing a Carrier Oil
A carrier oil is the base oil (the vehicle) for topical use, whether you are diluting essential oils or creating an herbal infusion. Carrier oils can be nut and seed oils such as avocado, olive, and almond, or from animal sources such as lard and tallow. Each carrier oil has its own qualities and benefits.
For added benefits, consider using an herb-infused oil, such as calendula-infused oil or trauma oil, as your carrier. These combinations can enhance the therapeutic properties of your essential oil blend.
Safe and Effective Topical Use
There are many ways to use essential oils on the skin, but always dilute them first.
Popular methods include:
Massage oils – Blended with a carrier oil for relaxation or relief
Salves & balms – Thickened mixtures for targeted skin application
Lotions & creams – Add essential oils to unscented lotions for a custom aroma
Bath salts – Mix essential oils with Epsom salt and a small amount of carrier oil or Castile soap to help disperse them safely in water
Roller bottles – Pre-diluted essential oils in a roller bottle offer convenient, mess-free application
Soaps – Add essential oils to homemade soap at the end of the process for a fragrant, skin-nourishing touch
Internal Use: Proceed with Caution
Avoid ingesting essential oils unless under the guidance of a trained professional. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be harmful when consumed improperly.
For a safe alternative, consider using an aromatherapy inhaler, which allows you to enjoy the benefits of essential oils without ingestion. Additionally, some hydrosols can be used internally.
How to Find Quality Essential Oils
Not all essential oils are created equal. Look for reputable suppliers that:
Transparency: Companies should share sourcing and production details.
Testing: Look for GC-MS reports (proof of purity and quality).
Labeling: Clear bottles with common and Latin names (e.g., Lavandula angustifolia for lavender).
Red Flags: Skip brands pushing memberships or multilevel marketing hype.
Reputable suppliers don’t gatekeep quality—trust your nose and stick to transparent suppliers.
Learn More
For deeper learning, explore courses like Aromahead’s Aromatherapy 101. Additionally, check out my forum page for quick reference guides and practical resources to support your journey into essential oils. By starting with a solid foundation, you can confidently incorporate essential oils into your daily life, maximizing their benefits while ensuring safe use.
Final Thoughts
Essential oils are a fun, fragrant way to enjoy aromatherapy—just start small, stay safe, and experiment. Whether you are diffusing eucalyptus to clear your head or rolling on diluted tea tree for a skin boost, be safe and have fun in the learning process. What is your first essential oil adventure going to be? Let me know!
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