Essential and Carrier Oils The use of essential oils, which is derived from the
pure essence of a plant, is not new. Though the term aromatherapy was coined
only in the 1920s (by Gattefossé in 1928), people knew
of aromatherapy essential oils from the prehistoric times. Starting from the
Chinese to Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Persian and Indian civilizations, each have
added to the science of essential oils and to aromatherapy as a whole. Research still continues in the field of aromatherapy
essential oils, with new developments being made in the field. Aromatherapy and
essential oils are no longer limited to cosmetic or aromatic uses only. Many of
the essential oils have been proved to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits
too. Take lavender oil for instance. French chemist Gattefossé
would have been unaware of the properties of lavender oil to give instant
relief without any scar in cases of burn, until he burnt his hand and
accidentally put his hand in the jar full of the essence of lavender.
Similarly, there are a large number of essential oils that have medicinal
properties. The 'tulsi' plant or Indian basil,
distinct through its strong aroma and taste, is considered "the elixir of
life" since it is thought to bring longevity. The use of the plant’s
extracts is made to treat illnesses like headaches, inflammation, heart
disease, and malaria. The essential oils derived from ‘karpoora
tulsi’ have found use in the manufacture of herbal
toiletry. Essential oils are derived from almost every part of
the plant. Leaves, stems, flowers, roots, etc are
distilled through steam or water to result into essential oils. Consequently,
aromatherapy essential oils contain the true essence of the plant. In its
purest form, a few drops of essential oil can give the same results that loads
of that plant would have given. This is because essential oils are available in
concentrated form. Though referred to as oil, essential oils in
aromatherapy do not give that oily feeing. Except for a few oils such as
patchouli, orange and lemongrass, most oils are clear and see-through. Aromatherapy essential oils must be differentiated from
the perfume or fragrance oils. While essential oils contain the purest essence
of the plant, fragrance oils are made of artificially created substances as a
whole or a part of it. Fragrance oils may cause allergies or other skin
reaction because of the use of artificial substances; but the use of essential
oils brings upon no such allergic reaction. Aromatherapy essential oils can be used by people
either through inhalation or by applying them on skin in a diluted form. When
essential oils are inhaled, they enter the bloodstream and lungs directly, thus
producing an instant effect on the ailment. Applying aromatherapy essential oils on the body is
good for absorption. Since essential oils are available in a concentrated form,
they need to be diluted using carrier oil. Sweet almond oil, apricot kernel
oil, grape seed oil, etc are blended with the
essential oil; and the mixture is used on the body or the part that is
afflicted. One needs to be very careful while purchasing an
essential oil. Though readily available, people are not well equipped to
differentiate between the good quality and poor quality essential oil. The
following checklist might be helpful to all those people who are on their way
shopping for aromatherapy essential oils: •
A
vendor who allows you to check the essential oil is preferred more. •
If
the bottle containing essential oils has terms such as fragrance oils, nature
identical oils; they are not essential oils. •
Never buy a bottle of essential oil that seems
old. It might be adulterated or just might not produce the medicinal benefits. •
A
clear glass bottle of essential oils allows light to come in, thus reducing its
aroma therapeutic benefits. Avoid buying essential oils that are sold in clear
glass bottles. •
Essential oils sold in plastic bottles too
must be avoided as it dissolves plastic and becomes contaminated for use. Carrier Oils in Aromatherapy Essential oils in aromatherapy are highly concentrated
and potent. Essential oils have adverse effect on skin if used undiluted.
Though there are some essential oil exceptions that can be used directly on the
skin. It is ideal to dilute essential oils with carrier oils. Carrier oils are of a vegetable origin possessing
highly therapeutic properties. Extracted from nuts and seeds
by cold pressing as this process does not destroy the essential fatty acids
& vitamins content. Carrier oils provide much needed lubrication allowing
hands to move freely over the skin, helping with the absorption of essential
oils into the body. Carrier oils are light, non-sticky and effectively
penetrate the skin. They should be 100% pure, unrefined and cold pressed. ·
1
drop of essential oil plus 1 tsp of carrier oil for
1% dilution. ·
2
drops of essential oil plus 1 tsp of carrier oil for
a 2% dilution and so on. Commonly used carrier oils ·
Apricot Kernel Oil - light, easily absorbed
and moisturizes both the body and face well. Contains vitamin E. Extracted from
the kernel of apricot fruit, it is pale yellow in color. Vitamins A & B
help in healing and rejuvenating skin cells. Good for all skin types especially
for sensitive, inflamed and dry skin. Excellent oil for facial, leaving the
face soft and supple. ·
Avocado Oil - Rich in lecithin, vitamins,
A, D, & E. Easily penetrates the skin, acts as sunscreen and helps in cell
regeneration. Mix zinc oxide in half bottle of avocado oil and apply on skin
that is exposed to the sun. Delays anti-aging as it is rich in essential fatty
acids. For intensive facial treatment for mature skin, refined Avocado oil is
preferred as it lacks odor. ·
Grape seed Oil - Odorless unlike most oils,
it is light and good for skin not absorbing other oils. No greasy feeling after
application. Slightly astringent, it tightens, tones the skin and alleviates
acne. An ideal carrier for body massage. ·
Jojoba Oil - One of the best oils for hair
and skin. Penetrates the skin quickly, excellent for skin nourishment. Heals
inflamed skin, psoriasis, eczema, or any sort of dermatitis. Controls acne,
oily skin or scalp as excess sebum dissolves in jojoba. Good for all skin
types, but clogs pores sometimes. Good base oil for treating rheumatism and
arthritis. Promotes healthy, glowing complexion. ·
Rosehip Oil - Called the queen of carrier
oil. Good oil for cosmetic, cell regeneration prevents premature skin aging and
softens wrinkles. Good for eczema, psoriasis, PMS and menopause. When combined
with calendula oil, it treats stretch marks, burns or scars. Cold pressed from
the seeds of rose hips, it pale yellow light texture. Wonderful carrier oil for
skin care. ·
Sweet Almond Oil - Popular carrier oil in
body massage. Lubricates and moisturizes the skin. Good for all skin types,
especially eczema. Quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving your skin to feel
soft and non-greasy. Provides relief from itching, soreness, dryness,
inflammation. Rich in proteins and vitamin D. ·
Calendula Oil - infusion of marigold
flowers, renowned for its soothing properties. Balances excessively oily skin,
can be used alone or blended with almond or grape seed oil for body massage. ·
Evening primrose oil - Perfect skincare oil
for moisturizing, softening and soothing to dry and irritated skin. ·
Wheat germ oil - highly nourishing oil with
vitamin E. Perfect oil for dry, mature and lifeless skin. ·
Sunflower oil - Used for facial treatments
and body massage. Has good softening and moisturizing properties. ·
St. John Wort oil
- Infusions from the Hypericum bush; it is excellent
for all types of sensitive, red and sore skin. ·
Coconut Oil - Perfect moisturizer for body
and hands. Light, easily absorbable into the skin giving smooth satin effect. Moisturizes
and conditions brittle, dull or dry hair. Copyright ®2005-2009 eNewsletterSolutions.com. All rights reserved
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