What are 'Hot' Oils ?

You may have heard someone refer to an essential oil as “hot” but were not entirely sure what they meant? or which oils were considered hot? This is something that I get asked about frequently so thought I'd write a post to help clarify it.

Here at All in a Drop.com we have many times highlighted that oils work differently for each person; one that calms you, may have the opposite effect on another. It is similarly prudent to say then that 'feel' is also different person to person, what is 'hot' for one may not be for another. It is of course important to remember that whilst some oils, like Lavender, are gentle enough to use neat on babies and children, you should dilute all oils as babies and children are unable to make their feelings entirely understood.

W H A T  I S  A  H O T  O I L ?

If an oil is said to be 'hot', that means it may feel tingly if applied neat to the skin. Whilst some experience this as a hotness, Peppermint in particular feels cold on the skin; a bit like if you go out in to cold weather with a wet hand.

Young Living recommends performing a patch test prior to first use. To perform a patch test, apply one to two drops of the neat essential oil on the inner forearm or inner thigh. Observe the area during the proceeding two hours for any noticeable reaction. If you experience a hot or burning sensation or if you develop a rash, add a carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed. Remember to document your reaction (or not) in your Oils Journal so you can build up your personal oils usage guide.

NB. No oils should be applied directly in the eye, but if this does occur with 'hot' oils you may feel a stinging or burning sensation. Remember to flush with a carrier oil - coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, et al - not water since this will drive the oil deeper in to the eye.

20:80 is a good ratio to start with if using on an adult. The following single oils are considered "hot" because the majority of people experience the feelings outlined above. If any of these singles are included in a blend then please treat the blend in the same way; Thieves is the most commonly talked about 'Hot' oil blend:

• Cassia
• Cinnamon Bark
• Clove
• Hyssop
• Lemongrass
• Ocotea
• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Thyme

This list is by no means exhaustive and contains only the most commonly regarded 'hot' oils.

Just as there are some people who feel an oil or blend is 'hot', others may experience different oils as 'warm'. Please remember to use common sense when using oils, always err on the side of caution if trying a new oil or using around children.

The following single essential oils are considered “warm” — this means they may feel warm to the skin and/or mouth. Follow the same instructions as above if an oil gets in the eye or if the oil cause any adverse affects. Please perform a patch test to ascertain your reaction to it.

Single Essential Oils considered “Warm” are:

• Angelica
• Basil
• Bergamot
• Benzoin
• Western Red Cedar
• Cardamom
• Citronella
• Cistus
• Clary Sage
• Coriander
• Cumin
• Cypress
• Dill
• Dorado Azul
• Eucalyptus et al
• Douglas Fir
• Idaho Balsam Fir
• White Fir
• Frankincense
• Sacred Frankincense
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Goldenrod
• Grapefruit
• Helichrysum
• Juniper
• Laurus Nobilis
• Lavandin
• Majoram
• Melaleuca
• Mountain Savory
• Myrtle
• Nutmeg
• Palmarosa
• Black Pepper
• Pine
• Ravintsara
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Spanish Sage
• Spearmint
• Spruce
• Tarragon
• Tsuga
• White Lotus
• Wintergreen

Please remember that any blends containing these single oils would also be regarded as 'warm' and need to be treated accordingly.