Carrier oils are almost as important as the essential oil. The quality of the carrier affects the quality of the blend or product.
Carrier Base A carrier oil is the base into which you mix the essential oils. It dilutes the essential oils. It allows for the correct strength of the blend and prevents skin irritation. The use of the blend will also determine the carrier that you choose.
Pure and Natural A carrier oil is made with only pure, natural vegetable oils. Different vegetable oils have different qualities and uses. Elegant carrier oil blends are made from more than one vegetable oil .
Cold Press Vegetable oils used for carriers are cold-pressed. The oils are squeezed from the fatty portions of plants - the fatty acids. These vegetable oils are heavy and do not evaporate. Vegetable oils with little to no scent are preferred for aromatherapy carrier oils.
Carrier Absorption Carrier oils combine with essential oils and are absorbed into the skin. They nourish and prevent irritation. Essential oils also increase absorption of carrier, so never use a mineral or artificial base.
Aromatherapy Grade Be sure to buy only cold pressed oils for carriers, otherwise the base oil will lack therapeutic value. Also oils extracted with solvents have chemical impurities. Get your oils from a health food store or qualified aromatherapist.
Storing Your Oils All natural vegetable oils used as aromatherapy carrier oil have no preservatives. That means they can go rancid. Carrier oils are sold in small bottle and can be stored in the refrigerator. Keep them cool and tightly capped and they will last for nine months.
Oils and Properties Based on the purpose of the oil you are making, choose a carrier for tits properties and therapeutic benefits.
Sweet Almond This light golden carrier oil with the light, nutty aroma, is a favorite. It Is does not absorb to quickly, setting on the skin just long enough to soothe irritations, relieve inflammation. It softens and nourishes.
Grapeseed This is a favorite for aromatherapy facials. It is exceptionally light and mildly astringent so it tones and tightens the skin. It cannot be sold pressed though and is always solvent extracted.
Avocado Avocado is a rich, nourishing, and emollient for dry and mature skin. The fatty acids and vitamins A and E rejuvenate tired skin.. The moistening properties plump up and hydrate skin cells. It is also healing and soothing. Use on chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Olive (Olea europaea) This oil is light green or yellow colored. It has excellent therapeutic properties as massage oil. It is very gentle, soothing and healing to the skin. It heals dry, cracked skin. It softens the skins and protects it from further irritation. It relaxes and softens the muscles aiding massage. It is a very stable oil and can remain unrefrigerated for up to a year.
Macadamia Nut (Macadamia intergrifolia ) This oil is a light, clear amber and has a slightly nutty odor, and a light texture. The oil contains palmitoleic acid which promotes soft supple skin.
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) This natural plant wax closely resembles the natural sebum produced by our bodies to protect our skin and hair. Because it is a liquid wax and not really an oil, it does not go rancid and it has no odor. It is readily absorbed by our skin and hair and like sebum, softens, nourishes, protects and soothes. Because it contains no oil, I is ideal for aromatherapy acne treatments and for oily skin and scalp. As an antioxidant, it is good for blending with other oils to extend lie..
Evening Primrose Rich in gamma-linoleic acid, this carrier oil is well known as a women's beauty oil, used internally and externally. This health-giving essential fatty acid balances hormones and soothes inflammation. T combats dry, maturing skins by balancing. It aids skin conditions by its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.
Wheat Germ Oils This vitamin-packed carrier oil is an antioxidant powerhouse. The topical application of vitamins penetrates the skin for direct repair and healing. The rich, thick, honey-colored oil packs a load of B,A and E vitamins. It is widely used for scars and stretch marks. Use on cracked heals and feet, or corners of the mouth. Mae the most of the healing and antioxidant properties by adding it to oil blends to increase effectiveness and shelf life.
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About the Author:
Dana is a graduate of Mercer University and a licensed massage therapist in Atlanta, GA, USA. Dana has provided quality therapeutic care and wellness counseling for over 17 years. Drop by Dana's blog to learn more about natural health. Dana is always available to answer questions of clients and readers. You can find Dana's clinical quality nutritional products and fitness product, as well a massage info at http://www.nativebodyworx.us
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