Aromatherapy/Dilution Formula

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Expert: Rachel A. Markel - 4/5/2009


Question
Hello, my question pertains to a discussion I found on your site.  I am just starting a process to figure out the right dilution(in ounces) for an essential oil based antibacterial.  I have a lab that I am using but test are expensive, so if your chemist could translate the below formula(0.5–20 μl g−1 = 10000ng = 1/500th of a drop) to a ballpark in ounces then it would reduce the number of tests I have to do.  Here is the discussion I was referring to with the formula.  Thank you so much!

Answer
Dear Katherine,

Greetings, please accept my apologies for the extreme delay in responding to your question.  I am familiar with the research study that you are referencing.  To translate the numbers they provided is rather difficult the measurement is in nanograms.

0.5–20 μl g−1 = 10000ng = 1/500th of a drop

Antibacterials, e.g. carvacrol, thymol, eugenol, perillaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, having minimum inhibitory concentrations.  

Regarding the properties listed above they can be found in oils like orgeno, origanum, clove leaf, clove bud, cinnamon bark, cinnamon leaf, thyme, pimento berry.

I looked through my company knowledge base for dilution ratios but didn't find what I was looking for.  If you have not yet solved this issue please let me know and I will be happy to speak with our chemist.

Also, it's important to make sure the essential oils used are pure and natural in order to get the most benefit.  Should you have additional questions feel free to ask, I would be delighted to hear from you!

Be well,

Rachel Markel
Managing Partner
www.eoilco.com
http://ingredientmanager.eoilcolab.com
www.GreenTerpene.com


Answer
Dear Jo,

1/500th of a drop is immeasurable in ounces.  The equation referenced does not indicate how much of a base the ingredient was placed in.  I think I could be of more assistance to you if you could describe in general the total amount by weight of ingredients that you are testing.

I hope that this is helpful to you, I look forward to your response in order to proceed.

Be well,

Rachel Markel
Managing Partner
www.eoilcolab.com
www.eoilco.com
www.GreenTerpene.com

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Rachel A. Markel

Expertise

For the past 15 years I have been working in the field of Complementary Alternative Medicine with a focus on plant based medicines. Through my educational and supply company, eoilco laboratories,llc., I have trained practitioners from every level of western and non-traditional medicine. Currently, I lecture at Miami Dade College, Barry University and the University of Miami. I have been afforded the opportunity of working with medical professionals throughout the United States. I have also developed protocols using plant based medicines; essential oils and herbs. The use of Plant Based Medicines is experiencing a resurgence in many aspects of patient care and preventive medicine as well. My background and degree is in Health Psychology, I realized years ago as a student at FIU that essential oils had powerful and quantifiable affects on the human body. Research is now showing all of this and more. From the classroom to the lab I have found that today's educated consumer no longer distinguishes between good for your body and good for your soul. Driven by over 70 million consumers, health and well-being is a holistic movement that strives for equilibrium between family, work and self. The new wellness is balance. Currently, I am on a mission to change how my city, Miami is being cleaned. To see the main ingredient that is being used by parks, municipalities, schools, universities and families visit www.GreenTerpene.com. In my spare time I write a weekly blog for www.BalanceBoost.com, a Wellness and Green Social Network. Sign-up to receive the weekly Wellness Guide. For additional information visit my websites: www.eoilcolab.com---Visit my Ingredient Manager to find out more about e.o.'s www.eoilco.com---Over 500 raw materials for manufacturing all natural products www.GreenTerpen.com---My cleaning solution made from Orange Peels www.BalanceBoost.com---Read my weekly Alternative Therapies Blog

Experience

I have worked in the field of Aroma Therapy for over 15 years and I am currently an Instructor at Miami Dade College, Miami, Fl.

Organizations
NAHA

Education/Credentials
BA, Health Psychology- FIU MPH, Environmental Health

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