by Dana Saiah
The importance of carrier oils in aromatherapy cannot be overlooked. The right carrier oil is almost as important as the right essential oil.
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 .
Fatty Acids Quality vegetable oils are cold pressed. The liquid fatty acids are pressed from the fatty portions of the plant. Unlike essential oils, these oils will not evaporate. Oils that do not have a strong scent are preferred for aromatherapy.
What they Carry Natural vegetable oils are absorbed into the skin. The carry the essential oils into the skin gently preventing irritation. Essential oils also improve absorption. For this reason never use anything but pure plant base oils.
No Impurities Be careful of oils you would buy at the grocery store. They may not be cold pressed and may contain impurities or additives. Use only pure, cold pressed oils for full therapeutic benefit. You can get these at a health food store or from an 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 carrier oil is light and golden, with a very light nutty scent. It is soothing to the skin, relieving itching, inflammation and irritations. It nourishes and lubricates well and does not absorb too quickly. This makes it a good ingredient in massage oils.
Grapeseed This is probably the lightest and silkiest oil. It also has almost no scent, only a light pleasantness. It is used in aromatherapy for facials. The astringent properties tone, firm, and tighten the skin. This effect can be increased by certain essential oils giving you younger looking skin instantly. The one draw-back to this oil is that it is not cold pressed, but 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 common oil has uncommon healing properties. It is used to make super gentle soaps and is gentle and healing to tender or sensitive skin. It soothes and protects, and softens. It also relaxes and soothes sore, achy muscles, making it a must for serous therapists. It has a light green or yellow color, and aroma. This is also hearty oil. It can keep without refrigeration for up to one 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) Jojoba oil is really a wax. It is polyunsaturated and liquid. In its qualities and consistency it is very similar to sebum - our natural skin oil. Being so compatible with our bodies, it is quickly absorbed, soothes inflammations and nurtures the skin, hair and nail. Being more wax than oil it can help control acne, and treat oily skin and scalp. Because it is an antioxidant, it will not go rancid. This quality also helps to prevent rancidity when blended with other oils.
Evening Primrose The essential fatty acid is known for its anti-inflammatory healing properties. It is a great oil for women, tending to female inflammations. The gamma-linoleic acid in this oil fight free radicals, inflammation and hormone imbalances which dry the skin.
Wheat Germ Oils This thick, aromatic, honey-colored oil is rich in vitamin E. It also contains high concentrations of B vitamins and vitamin A. This makes for an energy revitalizing, antioxidant cocktail. To the skin, it is a rich balm, healing scars, cracks and stretch marks alike. It gives skin, hair and nails a healthy, nourished glow. This oil is a strong antioxidant and as such enriches and repairs the skins. It also has some natural preservative effect. While it is not a chemical, it does provide some protection form oxidation. Use in other blends to extend the shelf-life.
Copyright Native Enterprises, LLC 2009. All rights reserved.
About the Author:
Dana is a licensed and certified massage therapist and Bodyworker, certified nutritionist and certified fitness trainer in Atlanta, GA, USA. For more information, or to ask Dana a question, go to http://nativebodyworx.blogspot.com. To see recommended products, to schedule an appointment, consultation or purchase a gift certificate for a massage and bodywork session go to http://www.nativebodyworx.us