Expert: Cara Hembd - 6/17/2011

Question
I always find I am in the car or out somewhere and I have the essential oil but no carrier oil with me.  Is it safe to go ahead and mix the carrier oil with the essential oil and store it that way?  For example my peppermint oil?

Also, what is a good oil for PMS or cramps during that time of the month?

Thanks!

Answer
Ashley,
Technically you can pre-mix the carrier oil and the peppermint oil together and store in a bottle for your purse. However when you do that, you are weakening the effectiveness of the oils. As soon as that essential oil hits the air it starts breaking down.  Also the long term storage mixed with varying weather and light conditions over time can lead to a less effective oil. Another solution to that is to spend a little time and money making yourself a kit to carry in your purse or wallet.  Get yourself a really cute change pure and then order a packet of sample bottles. You can get some at many online stores or at mybutterflyoils.com.  Take your most used oils like lavender, peppermint, paine..etc and fill up the little sample bottles and label them.  You can also order a carrier oil that is 1/2 oz size from mybutterflyoils.com for $1.50 and put that in your change purse.  With 15 minutes of preparation and under $10.00 you can have the whole kit ready whenever you need it.

For PMS my favorite oil is a blend called Inside Out.  It really helps to just soothe those muscles.  You can also use lavender, peppermint, clary sage, geranium, or woman wise.  There is also a blend called Tranquility.  That oil is really good for any time your emotions are just getting the better of you.  You can open the bottle and inhale and in a minute or so you will feel like you have a more clear head and you are ready to get back in the swing of things.

Let me know if you have any other questions.