Many essential oils require dilution, especially if used on children, pregnant women, or people with sensitive skin. Click here for more information about diluting essential oils. Sometimes, carrier oils can get a little messy and can especially be a hassle when using essential oils on a wiggly child. One way to reduce the mess is to use these Dilution Sticks! Each stick contains a formula of carrier oils that are not only good for the skin, but also remain solid at room temperature. The sticks are so simple to use, even a small child can help you!

This Dilution Stick recipe does not contain essential oils, so it can be used with whichever essential oil you need at the time. To use the stick, simply twist it up and rub it onto your skin before (or after) applying your essential oils. If you have a favorite essential oil you know you will be using a lot, you can simply add the oil to the melted liquid before pouring the mixture into your containers. Or you can add the essential oil after pouring the carrier oil mixture into the containers—just make sure to stir the essential oil in with a toothpick or bamboo skewer before the mixture cools. A good dilution ratio is 1–2 drops per .15 oz. (4.25 g) of carrier oil mixture. This would result in the following essential oil drops per container:

• 1–2 drops of essential oil for each Lip Balm Tube (.15 oz./4.25 g)
• 2–4 drops of essential oil for each Travel Deodorant Container (.35 oz./10 g)
• 20–30 drops of essential oil for the Large Deodorant Container (2.65 oz./75 g)

If you love this idea, but don’t want to take the time to make it, you can always buy a Carrier Oil Stick from Abundant Health™ that is all ready to go. A smaller On-The-Go Stick is also available for purchase.

The following recipe makes 2 Dilution Sticks—1 big and 1 small. Keep the big one at home and the small one in your purse or travel oil bag so you always have one available when you need it!

Essential Oil Dilution Stick

Servings: Yield=3 oz./85 g | Time: 10–15 minutes active; 15 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients & Supplies:

• 1 oz. (28.5 g) Shea Butter (about 1/4 cup)
• .75 oz. (21.25 g) Beeswax Pellets (about 2 Tbsp. + 1 tsp.)
• .75 oz. (21.25 g) Coconut Oil (about 1 heaping Tbsp.)
• .5 oz. (14 g) Sweet Almond Oil (about 1 1/2 Tbsp.)
• 1 Large Deodorant Container (2.65 oz.)
• 1 Travel Deodorant Container (.35 oz.)

Instructions:

1. Place the shea butter and beeswax in a double boiler on the stove over medium-low heat. You can create a double boiler by placing a glass measuring cup (containing the ingredients) in a pan filled with an inch or so of water.
2. Once the shea butter and beeswax are melted, reduce the heat to low, and add the coconut oil. When the coconut oil is melted, add the sweet almond oil, and remove from heat. Continue stirring until all the oils have melted together.
3. Make sure your deodorant containers are clean and twisted all the way down. Pour the oil into your deodorant containers, and allow to cool. You can place them in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.
4. To use, rub the stick over the skin before applying essential oils.

Extra Idea:

• If you have a favorite essential oil you know you will be using a lot, you can simply add the oil to the melted liquid before pouring the mixture into your deodorant containers. You can also add the essential oil after pouring the carrier oil mixture into the containers. Just make sure to stir the essential oil in with a toothpick or bamboo skewer. A good dilution ratio is 1–2 drops essential oil per .15 oz. (4.25 g) of carrier oil mixture.
• Other twist-up containers will also work, including our Lip Balm Dispensing Tubes (.15 oz/4.25 g).

Note: Shea butter contains latex (a natural rubber). If you are allergic or sensitive to latex, do a skin patch test prior to making this recipe, or use Mango Butter for a substitute and reduce the amount of beeswax pellets used.