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, SweetPrunus 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

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

Hair Growth hair mask

Castor OilRicinus 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 OilCocos 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 ButterTheobroma 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

Warm ingredients till emulsified.

Grapeseed: Vitis ViniferaVitaceae

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.

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Macadamia Nut OilMacadamia 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 ChinesisSimmondsiaea

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

RosaceaeApricot 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

Olive Oil: Oleo EuropaeaRosaceae

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

Evening Primrose Oil  Oenothers BlennisOnagtacea

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 OilRosa 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 indicumPedaliaceae

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 OilHelianthus 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 VulgarePoaceae

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 OfficinaleCompisiteae

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 InfusedDucas 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 protectedfrom light.

Peach Kernel Prunus persicaRosacea

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.

SunflowerAsterceae