How big is a drop? A volumetric assay of essential oils

There has been an increase in the use of aromatherapy in nursing, and many issues are now being raised which need addressing in order to maintain prof essional credibility and safe practice. These issues include: who can safely practise aromatherapy, what qualificat ions are required to practise, who provides indemnity, and other issues, in cluding the safety and toxicity of essential oils. A small study was undertaken to examine the differences in drop size of ber gamot essential oil. Drop size was determined by weighing different manufacturers' essential oil of bergamot and it was found that drop size did differ, resulting in unequ al doses of essential oil. It is important to be aware of this, because there are implications for the size of the dose administered in an aromatherapy treatment. This paper raises the issue of standardizing the measurement of essential o ils, to ensure that there are no problems regarding safety in their adminis tration.