All About Oil 油療

Topical Application 局部應用:
- direct application to skin

Neat Application 直接應用:
- topical application of undiluted essential oil
- only Lavender & Tea Tree oil (but not recommended)

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Essential oil 精油:
- extracted oil from aromatic portions of botanical (eg. leaves, bark, roots) or rinds of citrus fruits
- methods of extraction: steam distillation or expression/cold pressing (citrus fruits)
- evaporates (volatile)
- concentrated aroma

Absolute 純原精/ 純析/ 純精油:
- volatile (quick evaporating), aromatic fluids extracted from plants
- eg. rose, jasmine, orange
- contains higher density of colorants, waxes and other constituents from plants than essential oil, hence aroma highly concentrated
- used in natural perfumery

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Carrier oil 基礎油/ 基底油/ 媒介油:
- base/vegetable oil for comfortable topical application
- does not dilute effect of essential oil
- prevents waste due to excessive application

Carrier Oil Dilution Ratio 稀釋比例 (~2%)
- 6-8 drops : 1 tsp carrier oil
- or 12 drops to 30ml carrier oil (2 drops to 5ml)
- 1ml = ~20drops
 - facial application: ~1%

Preferred carrier oil
- cold pressed 冷壓, natural
- contains nutrients eg Vit E (anti-oxidant 抗氧化劑)
- contains essential fatty acids 必需脂肪酸 (nourishing)
- viscosity 黏度 (measurement of resistance of liquid to movement/flow)
- dark glass bottles with tight fitting tops

Alcohol Dilution 酒精稀釋
- OK: ethyl alcohol (pure grain alcohol or ethanol), vodka, brandy
- NO: isopropyl alcohol
- antiseptic, cooling, evaporates quickly, no oily residue
- may be too drying on skin and hair

Alcohol Spray mix:
- ~6-10 tbsp water : 1 tbsp vodka : ~10-20 drops essential oil
- note: essential oil won't mix with water alone
- preferably glass or metal spray container

Vinegar Dilution 醋稀釋
- eg. apple cider, white vinegar
- antiseptic
- acidity, restores pH balance to skin and hair
- strong smell but dissipates quickly
- can dilute/soluble with distilled water

Vinegar Spray mix:
- 3/4 cup water : 3/4 cup vinegar : ~20 drops essential oil