how much teatree oil to how much water?

[julen]

I need to clean dd2's neck with an antisceptic solution; anybody who knows how to make one with teatree oil? I don't have a clue about how much water to use with one drop of oil - it always seems quite strong to me.. Any advise gratefully received!

[JackieNo]

Not sure, but I am pretty sure that you can use tea tree oil neat.

[julen]

Oh right, didn't know that. Thought you always have to dilute essential oils..?

[SaintGeorge]

Most essential oils yes, but Teatree is one of the few you can use neat.

[julen]

Great, thanks to both of you..!

[SaintGeorge]

Just rethought that - how big an area are you going to use it on?

If it is for a single spot or small area then neat would be ok. If it is a more generalised area try diluting to a 5-10% solution (so 1-2 drops of teatree for every 5-10 drops of base).

If it is for washing the whole of her neck dilute in warm water and use cotton wool.

[peachyClair]

At baby massage class they always said 2 drops to a teaspoon of oil (oils don't mix in water) is good on a little one

[sweetmonkey]

i have tea tree from boots and it says to dilute first. i havent used mine yet because of this as you need another liquid to mix it with

is it ok to use neat then?

[SaintGeorge]

On small areas, yes. Great for drying up zits or cold sores for example cos you can just dab it straight on.

Some people can find it irritating and on larger areas you would need to dilute.

Lavender is another one you can use neat in small doses.

[SaintGeorge]

peachy - oils don't stay mixed with water but for antiseptic purposes you can mix up a solution and use it straightaway before the oil splits out again. For massage you need carrier oils.

[julen]

Thanks Saint, I think I'll stick with the diluting then - it's for her whole neck..