Aromatherapy Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which technique dilutes essential oils in a fatty base before applying them to the skin?
- Carrier oil dilution (Correct answer)
- Direct neat application
- Cold-air diffusion
- Steam distillation
Correct answer: Carrier oil dilution
Carrier oils such as jojoba or sweet almond dilute essential oils to a skin-safe concentration before topical use.
Question 2: What is the typical safe dilution ratio for adult body massage blends?
- 25% essential oil
- 2-3% essential oil (Correct answer)
- 50% essential oil
- 0.01% essential oil
Correct answer: 2-3% essential oil
A 2-3% dilution (about 12-18 drops per ounce of carrier) is standard for adult full-body massage.
Question 3: In the steam inhalation technique, how are the essential oils delivered?
- Swallowed with water
- Inhaled from hot water vapor under a towel (Correct answer)
- Injected
- Rubbed on the feet
Correct answer: Inhaled from hot water vapor under a towel
A few drops are added to a bowl of hot water and the vapors inhaled with a towel over the head.
Question 4: Which application method places diluted oils on pulse points for a personal, portable scent?
- Compress
- Roller-ball application (Correct answer)
- Nebulizing diffusion
- Full immersion bath
Correct answer: Roller-ball application
Roller-ball bottles apply pre-diluted oils to pulse points like wrists and neck.
Question 5: A warm compress technique is most appropriate for which purpose?
- Soothing muscle tension and cramps (Correct answer)
- Whitening teeth
- Sterilizing surfaces
- Coloring hair
Correct answer: Soothing muscle tension and cramps
Warm compresses with diluted oils help relax muscles and ease aches and cramping.
Question 6: Why should essential oils generally not be added directly to bathwater without a dispersant?
- They dye the water
- They float as undiluted droplets that can irritate skin (Correct answer)
- They evaporate instantly
- They freeze the water
Correct answer: They float as undiluted droplets that can irritate skin
Oils do not mix with water and can sit as concentrated droplets that irritate skin, so a dispersant or carrier is needed.
Question 7: Which of these is a proper dispersant for adding essential oils to a bath?
- Plain tap water
- Full-fat milk or a carrier oil (Correct answer)
- White vinegar only
- Rubbing alcohol only
Correct answer: Full-fat milk or a carrier oil
Whole milk, carrier oil, or an unscented solubilizer helps disperse oils evenly through bathwater.
Aromatherapy Techniques 2
Which technique dilutes essential oils in a fatty base before applying them to the skin?