Aromatherapy Carrier Oils and Dilution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which dilution rate is typically recommended for children aged 2–6 years?
- 2%
- 1% (Correct answer)
- 0.5%
- 3%
Correct answer: 1%
A 1% dilution is generally recommended for young children ages 2–6 to account for their more sensitive and permeable skin.
Question 2: Which carrier oil is exceptionally high in ricinoleic acid, giving it unique thick consistency and use in hair products?
- Hemp seed oil
- Castor oil (Correct answer)
- Macadamia oil
- Sea buckthorn oil
Correct answer: Castor oil
Castor oil contains approximately 90% ricinoleic acid, an unusual fatty acid that gives it its thick viscosity and hair-conditioning properties.
Question 3: Which carrier oil is especially valued in aromatherapy for its high vitamin E content and use as a natural preservative for other carrier oils?
- Sunflower oil
- Wheat germ oil (Correct answer)
- Argan oil
- Borage oil
Correct answer: Wheat germ oil
Wheat germ oil is extremely rich in vitamin E (tocopherols) and is often added in small amounts to extend the shelf life of blends.
Question 4: Which dilution is considered appropriate for an acute, short-term therapeutic treatment blend for adults?
- 0.5%
- 1%
- 5–10% (Correct answer)
- 25%
Correct answer: 5–10%
A 5–10% dilution may be used for short-term acute treatments such as a localized muscle pain blend, used only briefly.
Question 5: Which carrier oil derived from the fruit of an African tree is rich in oleic and stearic acids and known for its skin-healing properties?
- Baobab oil
- Shea butter
- Marula oil (Correct answer)
- Tamanu oil
Correct answer: Marula oil
Marula oil, from the Marula tree native to sub-Saharan Africa, contains high oleic acid content and is prized for skin rejuvenation.
Question 6: For a 10 mL bottle of blend, how many drops of essential oil are needed for a 3% dilution?
- 3 drops
- 6 drops (Correct answer)
- 9 drops
- 12 drops
Correct answer: 6 drops
A 3% dilution in 10 mL requires 6 drops (10 mL × 20 drops/mL × 0.03 = 6 drops).
Aromatherapy Carrier Oils and Dilution 2
Which dilution rate is typically recommended for children aged 2–6 years?