CARRIER OILS
Carrier oils, also known as base oils, are used in aromatherapy to create bath oils, massage blends prior to topical application and skin and hair care blends. The choice of carrier oil depends on the therapeutic benefits being thought. Base oils have lots of vitamin E and are often used from 10 to 25% with other carrier oils for longer shelf life of the blend.
COSMETIC OILS
Almond: Recommended for all skin types, including very dry, sensitive, aging or itchy skin. Cold pressed oil is especially rich in nutrients. The consistency of the oil is very light, with a delicate scent. Relatively inexpensive. Recommended for home kits. Can cause allergies and it is recommended to test for allergy before using. Buy unrefined oil.
Apricot: Made from crushed apricot kernels. It is recommended to use for the care of all skin types; including, dry, aging, delicate, sensitive and inflamed. It is very light with a mild fragrance and easily absorbed by the skin. It is quite expensive.
Avocado: Used to treat dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles and sunburn. Not recommended for oily skin. Easily absorbed. It is recommended for use in blends or mixtures with lighter base oils in a ratio of up to 25%. Rich with nutrients, especially vitamin E. Cold-pressed avocado oil is unrefined and produces a rich emerald color and aroma of the fruit. If the oil is pale yellow, it means it has been refined, usually odorless and low in nutrients.
Borage Seed: Expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It is used in a variety of skin disorders including eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Coconut: Promotes tanning and is used in products for both skin and hair care. Soothes and nourishes dry skin. Especially useful for the treatment of hair and scalp. Gives the hair a beautiful shine. Due to its thick consistency it is recommended to warm in a water bath before mixing with other components for blending. It is recommended to test for allergy before using.
Evening Primrose: Recommended for dry and aging skin. Also used for dermatitis, allergic rashes, eczema and psoriasis. It has a very fine texture. Recommended for use in blends with lighter base oils in a ratio of up to 10%.
Grape seed: Recommended for all skin types, especially for very oily skin. The oil is light with almost no scent and has a mildly astringent and antiseptic quality. It can be used alone as the carrier oil or mixed with other more nutritious oil in smaller amounts up to 10%.
Hazelnut: It is well absorbed and has a slightly astringent action. Usually mixed with a lighter oil such as almond in equal proportions.
Jojoba: Recommended for normal, dry and oily skin. Penetrates deep into the skin. It has an anti-inflammatory effect if the skin is irritated or inflamed due to acne or eczema. Good tool for hair care. It has a thick consistency and is recommended to warm in a water bath before mixing with other components for blending. Expensive.
Macadamia: Excellent skin moisturizer. Recommended for dry, premature aging skin and to promote healing following sunburn. Originating from Australia. Unrefined it has a light golden color.
Passion fruit: Used as a nourishing moisturizer in skin care and is particularly beneficial for those with aging, acne-prone, or mature skin to improve skin elasticity. Usually added to a blend or mixture. It has a delicate sweet fragrance.
Peach: Made by pressing the pits to produce a very light oil with a delicate sweet aroma. It has a penetrative consistency and well suited for the treatment of facial skin. It is quite expensive.
Peanuts: Extremely rich in vitamins and minerals. The oil has a thick texture with the scent of nuts. It is recommended for use in blends or mixtures with lighter base oils in a ratio of up to 25%. Peanuts contain allergens and it is recommended to test for allergy before using.
Rosehip seed: Has rejuvenating and wound-healing effect. It quickly absorbs into the skin replenishing moisture and creates a protective barrier on the skin to help prevent dehydration. It is commonly used for a variety of skin conditions. It is also helpful in reducing scars and fine lines. Golden-red color.
Safflower: Used for all skin types. The oil is a potent hydrator and ideal for dry, itchy skin. Its hydrating properties promote elasticity and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is a light yellow color with a faint nutty aroma. Has a short shelf life. Best purchased unrefined.
Sea Buckthorn: Has rejuvenating and wound-healing effect, affecting the regeneration of skin cells. The oil can be applied directly to the skin for preventing sunburn; healing wounds including bedsores, burns, and cuts; for acne, dermatitis, dry skin and eczema.
Sesame: It is recommended for care of all skin types. Used in the compositions for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. In India this oil is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has a pale yellow color and mild nutty aroma. Interestingly, sesame oil has a similar effect as a sunscreen cream with a SPF factor of 4. Do not use the flavored dark brown oil used in Chinese cuisine.
Soybean: The oil can restore the luster and the glow of one’s skin. It can aid in healing the damage that is done to skin by pollution and by sun exposure.
Wheat germ: Recommended for dry, cracked, aging, itchy or sun-burned skin. Used for stretch marks and to reduce scarring. Natural antioxidant, rich in nutrients, especially vitamin E (greater than avocado oil). The oil has a rich orange-brown color and strong scent. The oil is thick in consistency and recommended for use in mixtures with lighter base oils in a ratio of up to 10%. Contain allergens and it is recommended to test for allergy before using.
VEGETABLE OILS
Corn: Recommended for all skin types. Has a light yellow color, fine texture and little aroma. Use only refined oil.
Olive: Particularly used for dry and dehydrated or inflamed skin. Good to use for dry and brittle hair. Taken orally as a means of disease prevention. The oil is best cold pressed. Quite thick and has a characteristic deep olive odor. Usually blended with lighter base oil. For example; with almond oil at a 50/50 ratio. Best to buy high quality or organic.
Sunflower: Used for any skin type. It is a very versatile oil, light in texture with little aroma. Contains vitamins A, B, D and E. Inexpensive. The best oil is cold pressed and organic.
OIL, INFUSED WITH HERBS
Oil, described below, is prepared by the infusion method under direct sunlight. Crushed parts of the respective plants and placed in vegetable oil (e.g., olive) for brewing.
Recipe for oil brewed with herbs or seeds:
1. Half fill a glass bottle with crushed parts of freshly picked plants or seeds.
2. Fill it with pure olive (or other) oil, preferably slightly heated.
3. Shake bottle vigorously.
4. Keep the bottle in direct sunlight either on a windowsill or outside for 7-10 days.
5. When the oil is ready, strain it through a filter made of cloth (cheesecloth or fine nylon mesh) and pour into a bottle made of dark glass for storage. You can add a little wheat germ oil to extend shelf life.
Calendula: It is recommended for chapped, inflamed, itchy skin, burns and other skin problems. Usually added to the base mix in a ratio of up to 25%. Applied topically the oil’s antifungal action is also great for treating athlete’s foot.
Carrot seed: Commonly used as a supplement. Carrot seed oil is extracted from wild carrot seeds by steam distillation. It has a rejuvenating effect and is great for aging skin. It is known for its ability to alleviate skin problems like acne, eczema and psoriasis. Added to the carrier oil mixture at a ratio of up to 10%. Carrot seed oil is an amber-colored oil with a soft earthy smell.
St. John’s wort: Commonly used as a supplement to treat neuralgia, or pains in muscles and joints. The oil made from St. John’s wort can be applied topically to relieve symptoms associated with minor wounds and skin irritation. Often it is mixed, 50/50, with calendula oil. It is recommended to test for allergy before using. St. John’s wort can also make the skin overly sensitive to sunlight when applied topically.
 
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