Over the years I have had recipes that have had drops, pinches, cups, liters, and parts. Dang, it’s so confuzzling! This section is to help you come to a common-sense method of making potions, oils, and such by using the “part” method.
The standard bottle I use for the recipes in this book is a one-dram bottle, which is equal to ⅛ of an ounce or 1.77 grams. Most oils come in a bottle this size. They can also be found online. I recommend always using colored glass bottles. They can be amber, cobalt blue, green—any color that will not allow light in. Light affects the oils, as will heat. Refrigeration may be a good idea.
Parts are used to standardize all the recipes. You can make a dram, an ounce, a liter, a gallon, or whatever you prefer to make, so you don’t have to worry about adding too much or too little of an ingredient. You can look at the bottle and tell what you are measuring and come out with something that is perfect every time.
Pick up about a dozen glass eyedroppers at a pharmacy or online to get started. The eyedroppers can be cleaned by soaking in isopropyl alcohol (do not cover the entire dropper, just the glass section) and used again and again. Let the droppers soak for about an hour, then let them air dry. Another good investment is a Pyrex measuring cup. This can be a lifesaver when you prepare larger quantities. Do not ever use plastic, because the oils will literally eat through the plastic after a period of time, and then you will have oil everywhere. Remember, you don’t want “banishing” oil all over your witches’ cabinet with all your tools and other precious items. That would be a very bad thing.
When I state “add a few drops,” I mean a drop from an eyedropper that is intended for use with the one dram bottle. If you use a larger container to make your oils, you may use your intuition and creativity until you achieve the right smell for your oil. Remember, this oil is for you, and you only, so make it something you truly love.
And please remember to write everything down. The Moon phase, the day of the week, and time of day, along with the ingredients used. This is so you can duplicate it later and not end up with something entirely different. Believe me, when you think you can remember it—nope, nada, zilch—you can’t. I have done that and lost many treasured, beautiful, and very magical recipes. I’ve never been able to duplicate them when asked, or when I needed something on the fly for a ritual or spell.
Adding Herbs and Gemstones to Your Oil
I encourage you to try this, as it adds a very magical “punch” to your oils. You need not fill the bottle to the brim with herbs, just a few leaves, a petal, or a teardrop of resin is all you need. As for the gemstones, one chip from a gemstone chip necklace is all you need, even for the larger bottles.
Although adding herbs and gemstones is not mandatory, it is something I have always had very good luck with. Give it a try, and see if it makes a difference in your oils!
I also suggest using fragrance oils to begin with; they are less costly and you might be surprised at the outcome. When you decide to use essentials, you will have a better understanding of how to blend and use fragrances and essentials without spending a lot of money in the beginning. I suggest going to www.SaveOnScents.com, as they have bottles, droppers, and scents, as well as a delightful selection of fragrance oils. New Directions Aromatics at www.newdirectionsaromatics.com is a good source for essential oils. Both companies ship worldwide and have an incredible customer service team to assist you, not to mention stellar prices.
If a recipe states to use essential oils only, please do so. Otherwise, your blend may not come out as the initial intentions were written.
Using Carrier Oils in Your Blends
I recommend using a carrier oil, and it is a must if you are using essential oils only. A fragrance and essential oil blend will last longer and have a better scent “throw” (the way it smells) if it has a carrier oil added. Look over the list of carrier oils in this book and choose one that you feel works well with your magical intention. In this way, you can be certain that you are crafting a well-rounded fragrance if you decide to use it as a personal scent.
I hope this will help you enjoy making your magical oils. It has simplified the process for many I have taught, and they all have had very good results time after time with this method.
Precautionary Safety Notes
• Essential oils are the extensions of living plants, and as such, they have many safety concerns, just as living plants do. Many plants are dangerous or harmful to humans and pets. Pennyroyal and deadly nightshade come to mind.
• Essential oils should NEVER be taken orally.
• Consult a licensed aromatherapist before using them with someone who has epilepsy, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
• Use sparingly with children. Essential oils are generally not recommended for use on infants, and it is best to use them only therapeutically on young children.
• Never apply an essential oil directly onto the skin; always use a carrier oil.
• People with sensitive skin, or who have allergic reactions, should always perform a skin test on the inside of the elbow for twenty-four hours before use.
• Keep essential oils away from eyes and ears.
• Photosensitivity is also a concern with some essential oils, especially the citrus oils and Angelica. They should not be applied before going out into direct sunshine.
• These essential oils should not be used under any circumstances (you may substitute fragrance oils):
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Bitter Almond |
Sassafras |
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Boldo Leaf |
Savin |
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Calamus |
Southernwood |
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Horseradish |
Tansy |
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Jaborandi Leaf |
Thuja |
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Mugwort |
Wintergreen |
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Mustard |
Wormseed |
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Pennyroyal |
Wormwood |
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Rue |
Yellow Camphor |
Relating to Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Most of the following herb oils and herbs have been known to cause uterine contractions that can lead to miscarriage. Also avoid taking these herbs as teas during pregnancy. Never use these oils to induce a miscarriage, because they may lead to serious hemorrhaging. This list is not exhaustive, so always talk to your health care practitioner before using any oils not mentioned.