Example Carrier Oils for Use In Aromatherapy (Carrier Oils)

Member Name: Shekera

Product:	Carrier Oils
Date:	31/01/02 (1127 review reads)
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Advantages: Carrier Oils are available in different types and price ranges. , Start at £2.00 for 100ml bottle.

Disadvantages: Need to be kept in a dark place as can go rancid - shelf life can vary according to the oil's properties.

Carrier oils for use in Aromatherapy are also referred to as Massage Oil Bases, or Vegetable Base Oils as they are obtained from vegetable, nuts or seeds and many have therapeutic properties and can be chosen according to the symptoms being treated. Carrier oils are used to dilute the concentrated essential oils making them safe to use on the skin.

Carrier Oils should always be purchased and stored in dark glass bottles as over time, they can go rancid, unless they contain natural vitamin E as this acts as a natural preservative.

There are many different carrier oils available on the market today; some of the more popular and affordable ones are listed below:

Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca)
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Apricot Kernel oil is very rich and nourishing, making it ideal for all skin types, being particularly helpful for prematurely aged, sensitive, inflamed, delicate or dry skin. It contains minerals and vitamins; especially Vitamin A. It has a shelf life of between six and twelve months.

A 100ml bottle of Apricot Kernel carrier oil will cost approximately £2.80.

Avocado (Persea Americana)
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This is a very thick heavy oil, which is best blended with others. It is rich in Vitamin A, which makes it ideal for dry and ageing skin. It also contains Vitamin B1, B2, Pantothenic acid, Vitamin D, E, protein, lecithin, and fatty acids – it has a shelf life of up to one year.

Avocado is a very penetrating oil which makes it extremely nourishing for dry and dehydrated skin, eczema, solar keratosis, and it improves elasticity and has great softening and moisturising properties.

A 100ml bottle of Avocado carrier oil will cost approximately £3.40.

Grapeseed (Vitis Vinifera)
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This inexpensive oil is excellent for massage, as it is non-greasy, odourless, penetrating, light, and e
asily absorbed by the skin. However, unfortunately, it does not have a long shelf life, which is between three and six months.

It also contains vitamins, minerals, protein, and linoleic acid and can be used on all skin types. It is however, slightly astringent therefore, it tightens and tones the skin and is good for people who suffer with acne, as it does not aggravate it.

A 100ml bottle of Grapeseed carrier oil will cost approximately £2.00.

Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis)
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Jojoba is an expensive oil with a waxy oil which contains protein, minerals, plant wax, and myristic acid. Because it mimics sebum, and penetrates the skin very rapidly, it is not recommended for massage, but is excellent for nourishing skin and hair and is especially good for healing of inflamed skins, psoriasis, eczema, and any sort of dermatitis. It can also help control acne and oily skin or the scalp since excess sebum actually dissolves in Jojoba. Although, as mentioned previously, Jojoba is expensive but the upside is that it does not deteriorate with time.

A 100ml bottle of Jojoba carrier oil will cost approximately £8.40.

Olive Oil (Olea Europaea)
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Olive Oil contains protein, minerals, and vitamins and can be used in the treatment for rheumatic conditions, hair care, cosmetics; soothing, nail and hair care. It is also helpful for inflamed or acne skin, bruises and sprains. As it has a strong odour, it is recommended that it only be used as a carrier oil for Essential Oils, which have a strong scent. Its shelf life can be up to one year without refrigeration.

A 100ml bottle of Olive carrier oil will cost approximately £2.20.

Peach Kernel (Prunus Persica)
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Peach Kernel oil has a fine texture and is especially suitable for use in face massages. It also helps hair to shine and contains Vitamin E.


A 100ml bottle of Peach Kernel carrier oil will cost approximately £2.60.

Sweet Almond (Prunus Amygdalus)
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This oil one of the most popular carrier oils used by Aromatherapists. It is also one of the richest oils in vitamins and is a good all-purpose, inexpensive oil making it an excellent choice for general massage.

It contains glycosides, minerals, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E and is rich in protein – it has a shelf life of no more than one year. Sweet Almond oil is suitable for all skin types being especially good for eczema as it helps relieve itching, soreness, dryness and inflammation.

It is also useful for burns and thread veins and is very lubricating, but not penetrating, which makes it a good massage oil, and protectant.

100ml bottle of Sweet Almond carrier oil will cost around £2.00.

Wheatgerm (Triticum Vulgare)
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Wheatgerm oil is suitable for use on dry cracked skin, eczema, psoriasis, prematurely aged skin, and stretch marks and scar tissue. Wheatgerm oil is also rich in Vitamin E, A and D and has a shelf life of approximately one year. Please note however, that some skin types can be allergic to this oil.

Please note, Wheatgerm Oil can be very dangerous for people who suffer with severe wheat or gluten allergies.

Summary
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As a frequent user of Essential oils, I am a fan of the less expensive carrier oils such as Wheatgerm, Grapeseed and Sweet Almond Oil. On occasions, I do use Olive Oil as I have it in the kitchen cupboard; however, I don’t use the Virgin variety, as that would be a waste.

Carrier Oils are available from High Street Health Food shops, large chemists and of course, the Internet. One website I recommend is www.aromatherapygiftshop.co.uk/carrier_oils.html as they carry a wide range of carrier oils, as well as Essential oils.

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