I currently use doTERRA but when I order again I'll probably go with New Directions Aromatics because they have organic oils; it's organic, much cheaper than doTERRA, and has a good safety and purity profile.

 

Mountain Rose Herbs is another brand that has organic oils that comes recommended by a couple friends in the cancer circle but on one purity test the sample was found to have contaminants of other oils - so not necessarily the purest and maybe not the best for ingesting. But that was only one test so it's hard to say. It's up to you what you want to do. You can always check back to see how their test results show up over time.   

 

I would apply as many times as possible per day. What I do is actually put it in a roller bottle with carrier oil so it's easier to apply. 

 

OilLife.com has some fun roller bottles that are high quality. Or you can try Amazon, but sometimes they're not that good. These little ones are small but have worked: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GBXRLFG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

These have worked fine: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088GP6X31/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

These have also worked well for me: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RQ5XJR3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Or if you prefer you can use a little dropper bottle. I've used these with some success, they just don't last super long and the oil will evaporate out (I left some in my car and they were empty a couple months later): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DPG978J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I have used Dr. Eric Zielinski's book as a resource and great starting point for recipes, dilution guide, etc: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1524761362/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

His website is also a great resource! Here's info on dilutions: 

 

"1% dilution = 6 drops of essential oils per 1 ounce of carrier oil = good for sensitive skin face, genitals, underarms, babies to toddlers
2-3% dilution = 12 – 18 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil = standard adult concentration for massage oils, creams and DIY recipes
5% – 10% dilution = 30 – 60 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil = more for acute conditions like infections. Don’t use for more than a week at a time."

 

I know some people go stronger than these dilutions and haven't had issues. I've made roller bottles that were probably within this range and sometimes it can irritate my skin, whether after one or a couple of applications. I'd consider it an art, an individual thing that you have to try on your own and see how you do. I'd always start with a milder dilution though when trying a new oil. 

 

Fortunately, both companies ship to the US and Canada.