Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are less volatile than essential oils and are therefore
suitable for use as a carrier.
Vegetable oil molecules can be absorbed into the blood stream
through the pores of the skin.
Mineral oils (baby oil is a mineral oil) will not penetrate the
skin, and can sometimes act as irritants, and are therefore not used
in Aromatherapy.
The carrier oil acts as a lubricant between hand and skin in
massage.
The nutritional constituents of the vegetable oils, such as VITAMINS
A and E, nourish the skin itself.
Many oils will go rancid within 6 months, but 5% of Wheatgerm or
Avocado (both containing the antioxidant Vitamin E) can be added to
another carrier oil so that it will last approximately 9 months - eg.
95% Grapeseed or chosen oil + 5% Wheatgerm.
Carrier oils can be grouped according to their source:
SEED
Maize
Wheatgerm
Soya
Sunflower
Safflower
Grapeseed
Arachis (ground nut)
Macadamia
Evening Primrose
Castor
Rosehip
Pumpkin
Meadowfoam
Camellia
Borage
Rapeseed
NUT
Sweet Almond
Bitter Almond
Peach kernel
Apricot kernel
Jojoba
Hazel nut
Macadamia
Cherry kernel
Walnut
Kukui
FRUIT
Olive
Avocado
All carrier oils must be 100% pure, virgin cold pressed unrefined
vegetable oil. For maximum penetration cold pressed virgin oils are
best to provide the base oil to which essential oils are added for
an aromatherapy massage. Aroma and quality influence the choice of
oil, as well as suitable viscosity for the area of the body, eg a
fine light oil for the face; a heavier oil for the body.
ALMOND OIL
Almond trees that bear white blossoms produce bitter almonds and
those with pink blossoms bear sweet almonds. Sweet almond oil is
used for massage. It is a light yellow oil of low odour and
resistant to rancidity. It contains a substantial percentage of
unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid. Almond oil may be
used on all areas of the body.
GRAPESEED OIL
This is a light easily absorbed base oil particularly suitable for
oily skin.
WHEATGERM OIL
A heavier nourishing oil, particularly good for dry or mature skin
as it is rich in VITAMIN E. It is often used as a natural
preservative, improving the storage time of blends.
Blends containing wheat germ oil will last for up to 5 months,
otherwise they will keep for up to 3 months.
Essential oils (Part 1)
Essential oils (Part 2)
For more
information about our aromatherapy oils and products please ring
0161 881
3863 or 0845 1661 646 (local call rate)
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Essential oils (Part 1)
Essential oils (Part 2)
AVOCADO OIL
A rich heavy oil which is more penetrating than most carrier oils.
It is therefore good for dry skin. It is obtained from the pulp of
the avocado pear and has a deep green colour. It is a stable natural
oil, rich in VITAMIN E.
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL
Obtained principally from Borage and Blackcurrant although this oil
is comparatively expensive it has extremely beneficial effects. The
oil contains gammalinoleic acid which converts into prostaglandin E.
This substance promotes cell membrane growth and inhibits abnormal
cell division. It is effective in the treatment of acne, eczema,
dermatitis and may be used for allergic skin reactions on its own.
Combined with the appropriate essential oils for these conditions
the effect can be quite dramatic.
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL contains:
Prostaglandin A: Regulation of blood pressure.
Prostaglandin E: Influences vascularity, red blood cells,
hydrochloric acid secretions in stomach.
Prostaglandin F: Important in reproductive functions.
HAZEL NUT OIL
A penetrating
and nourishing oil.
PEACH & APRICOT KERNEL OILS
Light oils,
often used for the face
JOJOBA WAX
This is not a
vegetable oil but a liquid wax. It comes from the nuts of a very
hardy bush which grows in arid climates such as deserts. It has an
emollient, or skin-softening effect, and makes a good vegetable
based replacement for oil. Jojoba was used by the Apache Indians in
California as a cosmetic and healing salve. Recent research has also
revealed that Jojoba helps remedy oily skin as well as dry skin, and
contains skin rejuvenating substances.
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