Healing Fragrances
The Properties of Carrier Oils
Essential Fatty Acids
The human body can manufacture most fatty acids that we need for optimal health.
Essential fatty acids are necessary for human functions especially the nervous system and cellular
health. This helps the body to protect and regenerate itself properly. Every cell in our body is
protected with a fatty membrane.
Essential Fatty Acids are generally organized into two groups: Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids. The hardest to acquire EFAs are the Omega-3 group.
Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids:
Alpha linolenic acid is the primary Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid found in plants.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are more beneficial than Alpha
linolenic acid, but EPA and DHA are only present in fish oil.
Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids:
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid are examples of Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids
found in plant oils.
Oleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid found in various animal and vegetable fats.
The term "oleic" means related to, or derived from, oil or olive.
The word "linoleic" comes from the Greek word linon (flax). Oleic means "of, relating to, or
derived from oil or olive" or "of or relating to oleic acid" because saturating the n-6 double
bond produces oleic acid.
Almond Oil, Sweet
Prunus dulcis, syn. Prunus amygdalus
Rosaceae
Sweet Almond Oil contains approximately 8% saturated fat, 65% oleic
acid (an omega-9 fatty acid) and 27% linoleic acid (an omega-6
essential fatty acid). Rich in Vitamin E
This oil is a very pale yellow with a slight nutty odor. It is a little
heavier than other oils and may stain the sheets if you use it in
massage.
A very good massage oil it is beneficial for dry skin and helps
relieve itching, soreness and dryness.
It is reported to be soothing, healing, lubricating, softening,
revitalizing and nourishing. Good for sensitive or irritated skin.
It is rich in minerals, vitamins and proteins.
Note: Sweet Almond oil is considered to be a good all-purpose
carrier oil to keep on hand and is moderately priced.
Borage Seed
Borago officinalis
Boraganacea
Borage Seed Oil contains approximately 15% saturated fat, 15% oleic acid (an
omega-9 fatty acid), 38% linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty acid),
21% gamma linolenic acid (GLA, an omega-6 essential fatty acid) and less
than 1% alpha linolenic acid (an omega-3 essential fatty acid).
A very good skin rejuvenator, excellent for all types of skin especially for
maturing skin. Due to its high GLA. Borage is very beneficial to maintain
healthy skin and repairs skin which has been damaged. Excellent for skin
conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and other dermatological skin
problems.
Very active oil, should be used in a 10% dilution.
Dry Skin
80 mls Almond
oil
20 mls
Rosehip
5 drops Rose
Otto
•Moisture
•Supplements unsaturated & saturated fats
•Gives volume to precious oils
•Cost effective
•Rich in Omega oils
•Skin repair & regenerator
•Aging skin, helps refine wrinkles
•|Anti-Aging
•Calms the nervous system down
•Supplements the skin with aromatic moisture
•Cools the skin
•Anti-Aging
Avocado Oil:
Parsea Americana
Lauraceae
Avocado Oil contains approximately 19% saturated fat, 66% oleic acid (an
omega-9 fatty acid), 12% linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty acid),
and less than 5% alpha linolenic acid (an omega-3 essential fatty acid).
Also good for dry, dull dehydrated skin, Aging skin and eczema. Should be
blended with other oils such as sweet almond 10-25%.
This oil is a rich, dark green that is very nutritious and penetrates easily.
Contains Essential fatty acids, minerals, protein, Vitamins A, B, E and
beta carotene.
Note: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it
may overpower a blend.
Skin Repair
90% Jojoba
10% Borage
2 drops of German
Chamomile
Hair Growth hair mask
80% warm sesame
seed
20% warm
avocado
1 drop of
cinnamon
Castor Oil
Ricinus communis
(Euphorbiaceae),
Castor oil penetrates deep into the skin due to its molecular mass which is
low enough to penetrate into the stratum corneum.
It is used to for skin conditioning. Such as in shampoos, lotions.
Contains Ricinoleic acid which is good for inflammation.
Also used as a liver compress to help cleanse the liver.
Also good to use for occluding moisture.
This is a very thick oil with a prominent odor and slightly sticky texture.
Fractionated Coconut Oil (liquid)
This oil is a rectified oil. It has be fractionated to take the saturated fats
out of it.
It is an emollient that contains no properties, there for it is a good oil to
use when there are allergies.
It has a long shelf life.
It is easily absorbed making it a good massage oil base. An extremely
light, clear oil which is odorless.
Virgin coconut Butter Oil
Cocos nucifera
Araceae
Coconut oil is, according to folkloric tales, good for many ailments, from
wounds, burns, lice, ect. It also has anti-microbal activity. Coconut oil is
an edible oil that has been consumed in tropical places for thousands of
years. Studies done on native diets high in coconut consumption show
that these populations are generally in good health, and don't suffer as
much from many of the modern diseases of western nations.
Coconut oil was once prevalent in western countries like the United States
as well. With a long shelf life and a melting point of 76 degrees, it was a
favorite in the baking industry. But a negative campaign against saturated
fats in general, and the tropical oils in particular, led to most food
manufacturers abandoning coconut oil
Cocoa Butter
Theobroma cacao
Malvaceae
It is obtained by grinding roasted cacoa beans and then separating the vegetable
fat. It is used by plantation workers to protect and soften skin. It is a popular
ingredient in commercially produced hand, body and face creams. It is solid and
hard.
Its benefit is it use as an emollient to soften the dries of skins, it is said to be
beneficial in the treatment and prevention of stretchmarks if applied daily to the
abdomen, breasts and thighs. It is solid, but melts at body temperatur
A derivative of the cocoa bean (Theobromine) a bitter colourless alkaloid is used in
medicine as a diuretic and cardiac stimulant. Aroma: Unrefined cocoa butter is rich
and very sweet . It has a chocolaty, "cocoa" aroma. The cocoa aroma is less
noticeable in refined cocoa butter.
Note: Cocoa butter needs to be blended with other oils to be workable. Suitable for use
in lotions and creams.
Cocoa Butter Serum
1tbls
Of cocoa
butter
½ cup of
Almond
2 tbls of
Calendula
Warm
ingredients till
emulsified.
Grapeseed: Vitis Vinifera
Vitaceae
Grapeseed Oil contains approximately 11% saturated fat, 15% oleic acid
(an omega-9 fatty acid), 69% linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty
acid), and less than 1% alpha linolenic acid (an omega-3 essential fatty
acid). Contains Vitamin E.
This is a common oil used for massage. It is advisable to use this as base
for precious oils. Good for acne and oily skin. A good oil for those whose
skin does not seem to absorb oils easily.
.
Macadamia Nut Oil
Macadamia integrifolia
Proteaceae
Macadamia Nut Oil contains approximately 15% saturated fat, 60% oleic
acid (an omega-9 fatty acid), 2% linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty
acid), and up to 2% alpha linolenic acid (an omega-3 essential fatty acid).
Macadamia Nut Oil is said to act as a natural anti-inflammatory (perhaps
due to its oleic acid content). Its possible anti-inflammatory action
combined with its viscosity and slip make it a good candidate for massage
applications.
Very good for skin and hair care.
Jojoba: Simmondsia Chinesis
Simmondsiaea
Jojoba is a liquid wax ester. That contains up to 10% oleic acids and
myristic acids. This is not really an oil but a liquid wax which is derived
from the jojoba bean. It is very similar to our own body oil secretion
known as sebum. It is rich in Vitamin E and will not turn rancid like other
oils as it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Great for mature, aging skin and wrinkles although good for all skin types.
Particularly beneficial in facial and body oils as well as hair treatments.
Note: It is a somewhat pricier oil and is frequently blended in a small
dilution (50-100%) with other oils. It has a very long shelf-life.
Apricot Kernel: Prunus Armeniaca
Rosaceae
Apricot Kernel Oil is low in saturated fats, contains approximately 65% oleic
acid (an omega-9 fatty acid), 28% linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty
acid), and less than 1% alpha linolenic acid (an omega-3 essential fatty
acid). Rich in Vitamins and Minerals.
Facial oils for skin. Esthetic treatments such as Body Oils and Lotions.
Can be used as a light massage oil as it is easily absorbed. Good for all skin
types, especially sensitive or dry, dehydrating, maturing skin.
Note: The semi-oily texture makes this oil helpful in massage blends.
Apricot Rosehip serum for combination Skin
5 drops Neroli
80% Apricot Kernal
10% Rosehip
10 drops of Orange
5 drops of Petit grain
Olive Oil: Oleo Europaea
Rosaceae
This text also mentions that Olive Oil contains approximately 10% saturated
fat, 60% oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid), 11% linoleic acid (an omega-6
essential fatty acid), and less than 1% alpha linolenic acid (an omega-3
essential fatty acid). The dark green oils is rich in minerals, vitamins,
proteins.
It is best to use the Extra Virgin, Cold pressed Oil. It is a good oil for
skin care, especially dry skin.
It makes an excellent conditioner for hair and nails. A good oil for making
salves, suppositories and infusions.
Note: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier,
it may overpower a blend.
Olive Oil Nail Repair
80%
Almond Oil
20%
Olive oil
3 drops of tea Tree
3 drops of lemon
Evening Primrose Oil Oenothers Blennis
Onagtacea
Evening Primrose Oil contains approximately 8% saturated fat, 72%
linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty acid), 9% gamma linolenic acid
(GLA, an omega-6 essential fatty acid) and less than 1% alpha linolenic
acid (an omega-3 essential fatty acid). Rich in vitamins and minerals.
Excellent oil for dry, aging or chapped skin. It's high GLA makes it
valuable for the healthy functioning of body tissues and will cover
conditions such as, eczema, psoriasis, PMS and Menopause, arthritis,
high blood pressure. It is an excellent moisturizer. .
Note: Evening Primrose is also said to be excellent in treating many skin
conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%)
dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid quickly
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosa Ribiginoza
Rosaceae
Rose Hip Oil contains approximately 6% saturated fat, 13% oleic acid (an
omega-9 fatty acid), 43% linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty acid),
and 36% alpha linolenic acid (an omega-3 essential fatty acid).
Skin regenerator, scar tissue repair and for eczema, psoriasis, PMS and
Menopause.
“ May be combined with Rose & Helichrysum or Calendula infused oil to
treat stretch marks, burns or scars.”
Usually diluted with other oils due to its expensive price. This is a very pale
yellow oil with a light texture.
Note: It is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is
expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other
carrier oils. It goes rancid rather quickly.
Sesame Oil - Sesamum indicum
Pedaliaceae
Sesame Seed Oil contains approximately 16% saturated fat, 40% oleic acid (an
omega-9 fatty acid), 44% linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty acid),
and less than 1% alpha linolenic acid (an omega-3 essential fatty acid).
Rich in Vitamin E and vitamins. Contains phenol called sesmol –
Antibacterial.
Sesame oil helps speed healing, prevent drying, soften skin, and even has a
natural sunscreen effect of SPF4. Sesame oil is light, odor to strong and
spreads easily over skin. It absorbs readily, with no greasy feeling.
It is rich in nutrients and because it's rich in nutrients, this is a good choice
for those who like body oils or need extra moisturizing.
It's recommended as a carrier oil (for aromatherapy treatments), a base for
massage oil, bath oil or all-over body oil
Shea Butter Butyrospermum parkii
Is a white or yellowish fat obtained from the nut of the SheaTree which
grows in Africa. Used by African healers over thousands of years as an
exotic luxury emollient, reported to benefit dry, damaged and maturing
skin.
Shea Butter is known for its natural healthy and healing attributes which
works in partnership with your skin and body chemistry as a substitute for
cocoa butter.
Can be used as a food, soap, candles and reputed to be used on the skins
of African drums. Note: Suitable for use in lotions and creams.
Sunflower Seed Oil
Helianthus annuus
Asterceae
Sunflower Oil contains approximately 12% saturated fat, and 64% linoleic
acid (an omega-6 essential fatty acid). Standard Sunflower Oil contains
approximately 20% oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid), and High Oleic
Sunflower Oil contains approximately 80% Oleic Acid.
A nice gentle oil that has a thin texture.
Absorbs well into the skin.
Wheat Germ Oil - Triticum Vulgare
Poaceae
Unrefined - (Very High in Vit E) Rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins.
This oil is said to stimulate tissue regeneration and is often added to other
oil blends because of its antioxidant properties.
Do not use full strength as it can be overpowering. Dilute 5-10% with other
carrier oil. Good for aging skin, wrinkles, scars and stretch marks. Also
good for psoriasis and eczema.
Warning: May cause sensitization in some individuals. A thick heavy,
dark, reddish-orange oil which is slightly sticky and has a strong odor.
Calendula Infused oil: Calendula Officinale
Compisiteae
Good for all skin types.
Valuable oil for treating wounds, scars, burns, inflammation and other injuries
as it aids in tissue regeneration.
This is an infused oil containing the active principles of the marigold flower,
Calendula officinale.
It is best to infuse in a light textured oil.
It has anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic qualities and blends well with
Hypericum (St. John's Wort) Also an infused oil, that works on the
nervous system.
Carrot Infused
Ducas Carrota
Apiaceae
Good for skin tone, it is rejuvenating and nourishing.
Good for prematurely aging skin and dry, itchy skin. Should be used in low
dilutions in combination with other carrier oils or creams. This oil is rich
in beta carotene as well as minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin A.
It is a bright orange color and should be kept cool and protected
from light.
Peach Kernel Prunus persica
Rosacea
Good oil for all skin types.
It is mainly used in beauty treatments.
A fine textured, pale golden oil. It has a delicate, somewhat sweet aroma.
It contains vitamins, minerals, especially vitamin E.
Sunflower
Asterceae