Can I use essential oils for massages?!

No and mostly no. Essential oils are not oily enough to use as a lubricant, and most essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin- that's dangerous and can lead to irritations and even burns. Lavender can go directly on skin, and tea tree oil can sometimes go directly on skin (depends on the person's sensitivity.) Most other EOs cannot. Peppermint, for example, can cause severe burns.

You'll need a carrier oil for the essential oil. You can use pretty much any kind of oil- you can find things like jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, etc. or use what you have at home. Olive oil may change the scent of the essential oil a little bit, but works okay, as do other cooking oils.

Add a couple of drops to an ounce or two of the carrier oil. Then you'll have a nice consistency with the essential oil scent to use.

Regularly use essential oils and make my own blends.

Overall, the effects of essential oils may be divided into two basic groups. Some essential oils have actual physical effects. For example, eucalyptus oil can be inhaled to help clear sinuses and the respiratory tract. This would obviously relieve some symptoms of an upper respiratory infection (URI). Some oils may be used topically (directly on the skin, where they would usually be absorbed by the body, or on a wound) to possibly relieve swelling or fight certain infections.

You can read more about various oils here:
http://www.aromatherapy-blends.net/aroma…

1) No and 2) oh NO!

You would always dilute them - so if you had an essential oil you liked, I would add, oh, say five drops per ounce (you don't want it to be strongly scented at all, since he is gonna be covered from head to toe with them - it would be overwhelming) of the oil you are blending it with - and you don't need anything fancy to blend them with - sure, grapeseed or avacado are nice, but the canola oil in you kitchen cupboard will certainly do the trick if it is a 50 mile drive to the closest place that carries these things.

If you just want to go with one that is pre-made, call these guys and see if they can get one out to you in time. I've used a few of them from here over the years, they are all fine.
http://www.iherb.com/Massage-Oil#p=1&sr=…

The answer to both your questions is NO,.

One of the basics of rules of aromatherapy is that essential oils must be diluted to be applied to the skin. Making your own massage oil can be a wonderful way of using essential oils. Massage oils can also be used as body oils, as a way of moisturising and protecting your skin in a similar way to a body lotion.

When making your own massage oil you will need -

- A bottle to make and store your completed oil
- Carrier Oil or oils
- Essential oil or oils

Your bottle should ideally be made of glass. You can have a plain cap or some people like to use a pump top for ease in dispensing.

When choosing your carrier oil (often referred to as vedetable oils) bear in mind the properties of the oils and your skin type (or the skin type of the person you are making it for). To start with I usually recommend using a plain grapeseed or sweet almond oil. As you experiment you may like to use a combination of vegetables and infused oils to enrich your basic oil blend.A good article on massage and carrier oils is located here http://aromatherapyandnaturalskincare.co…

When choosing your essential oils, consider the effect you want the oil to have and when you intend to use it. Are you planning on a light fresh aroma to use as a body oil after your morning shower? An invigorating oil to massage into muscles before or after sport? Or you may want a sensual massage oil to share with a special someone!

To make your oil blend, take your bottle and place in it up to 4 drops of essential oil for every 10ml of carrier oil you will be using. So in a 50ml bottle use up to 20 drops in total of essential oil, in a 100ml bottle use up to 40 drops. For a massage oil for children or anyone whose health is frail or who has sensitive skin, halve this number. Remember you can use 2 or 3 different essential oils in your blend but the total number of drops should together not exceed that stated.

Top up your bottle with your chosen carrier oil to the shoulder - this is the part where the bottle just begins to narrow. Put on the cap and shake gently or tip the bottle back and forth to mix the oils together.

And don't forget to label your creation! Information to note includes the date, the name of the person the oil is for and the purpose of the oil, together with the ingredients. This way you can easily reproduce your blend.

Some recipes to get you started -

End of the Day De-stress Massage Oil - 100ml Sweet Almond Oil
15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil
20 drops Bergamot Essential Oil

Wake Me Up Body Oil - 100ml Grapeseed Oil
20 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil
10 drops Petitgrain Essential Oil
5 drops Spearmint Essential Oil

Hope this helps!

Aromatherapy and Natural Skin Care http://aromatherapyandnaturalskincare.co…