I'm sure you have heard that essential oils and water don't mix, and it's true. Most essential oils float on the top of water (a few of them sink) because water and essential oils repel each other. This is actually how the term essential oil came into being: when they were discovered, essential oils were classified as "oils" because they are oil soluble, and there was no classification of liquids at the time beyond water and oil. I have even seen some so-called experts claim that essential oils should never be combined with water because they don't mix. However, that advice is very ill considered because there are very good reasons to mix essential oils and water.
One reason you might use water when applying essential oils is is that the water offers an intensifying effect. Want to try it out? Apply a bit of Deep Blue Rub on your back and then get into the shower or bath. As the water repels the essential oil, it forces it deeper into the skin. This is why we sometimes apply a wet compress over top of an application of essential oils.
Another reason to combine essential oil and water is that water acts as a dispersing agent. For example, when you make a room spray with water and essential oil, the water droplets carry the essential oil molecules with them as you spray the mixture in your home. The same is true of an ultrasonic diffuser: the mist carries molecules of essential oil into the air. I always used to make a natural fly spray for my horse using mostly water and essential oils, and I use a similar recipe for humans and other pets as well.
There are other times when you want to mix essential oils with water as well: for example, when you take a bath. In this case, you want the essential oil to mix in with the water rather than float on top. To do this, you need an emulsifier: this is basically a substance that binds water and essential oil together. Industry has of course invented various chemicals that do this (e.g. cetearyl alcohol), but there are some natural emulsifiers that are much healthier and safer to use. AND, you probably already have some of them in your home!
Here are four natural and safe emulsifiers that you can use when creating recipes that involve water and essential oils. Each one has its strengths, and not all are suitable for every application. Consider the purpose of your potion before selecting the emulsifier.
Salt
For sprays or spritzes, add just a pinch of natural sea salt to your mixture. You need only use just enough to encourage the oils to mix better with the water. Shake before use and enjoy. A sea salt or Epsom salt is a good emulsifier for the bath as well, adding their own health benefits to whatever essential oils you are using.
Alcohol
A neutral alcohol like vodka not only emulsifies but also enhances the scent of your blend. It's perfect for creating sanitizing sprays, room mists, and linen fresheners. Add a bit of vodka at a time until you see the water and oils combine. (Note: rubbing alcohol will not improve the aroma of a blend -- trust me on this.)
Liquid Soap
I like to use liquid soap as an emulsifier, particularly for applications like baths, insect repellent or garden sprays. I would not use soap for a room spray, because you don't want a soapy spray to get onto your furniture and carpets. However, in an insect repellent or garden spray, the liquid soap also acts as an insecticide. That's brilliant!
Vegetable Glycerin
Glycerin is a byproduct of soap making, and is a very effective natural emulsifier. It can be ever so slightly sweet and a little bit sticky, so I would not use this emulsifier in an insect repellent or garden spray, for fear of actually attracting insects. This is a good emulsifier to use for the bath or for room and linen sprays. Make sure to use the smallest amount that will get the job done.
Have fun experimenting with these emulsifiers. Do some science and figure out which ones get the job done best!
A rule of thumb for creating a spray is to use 1-2 drops of essential oil per ounce of water. Start small and add more if you want a stronger aroma or stronger properties.
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