
Here I am for the second part of our new series about Natural Healing.
You can read Part 1: Aromatherapy here if you didn’t yet.
In the first part, I spoke about aromatherapy, and my favorite essential oils.
I told you that you shoudn’t use any essential oil pure on your skin but blended into a carrier oil.
So today I will try to tell you what is a carrier oil, how to use them, the properties they have and which of them are my favorites.
Here is my Top 5 of carrier oils!
Number 1 is, of course, olive oil!
-Olive oil is so good for the skin, is wonderful to use with essential oil and is quiet neutral, which is good for healing preparation.
It is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and essential fatty acids, especially alpha linolenic acid. It is a good oil for skin care, especially dehydrated, dry, inflamed or acned skin reducing itchiness and also a good preventative for stretch marks during pregnancy. It makes an excellent conditioner for hair and nails,acne, bruises, insect bites and sprains. and is also used for rheumatic conditions. This is a heavier oil so dilute it 10 to 50% in other carrier oils.
Can be stored without refrigeration for a year.
Known for its ability to absorb the burning rays of the sun and often used in suntan lotions,filters out up to 20% of the sun’s UV-rays. It is moisturizing and is good for dry skin use extra virgin and virgin only. They both contain useful levels of essential fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid. May be used as a 50/50 base mixed with another, less odorous oil.
-Hazelnut (corilus avellana) is my second favorite, first of all because it is very light and easily absorbed.
With a delicate aroma, tones and tightens the skin, strengthens capillaries, assists in cell regeneration. might be adulterated (beware of “good bargains”!) Very good for damaged skin.
It contains good levels of essential fatty acids, including linolenic acid and oleic acid. This oil is highly penetrative, with a slightly astringent effect on the skin. It is good for acne and combination skin types. You may prefer to use this oil in a 50/50 % solution with less odorous base oil. It is a popular oil for skin care preparations.
-Almond: Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular carrier oils, since it is non-greasy, spreads easily and also is great for nourishing the skin.
Sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernels of the almond tree. Not only does almond oil help protect the surface of the skin, but acts as an emollient, skin soother and softener while conditioning the skin and promoting a clear young looking complexion ; helps to relieve muscular aches and pains ; helps the skin to balance its loss and absorption of moisture.
It is suitable for all skin types, especially good for dry or irritated skin and helps relieve irritation, inflammation and itching; is greatly lubricating and because it is not an overly fast penetrating oil, it is a good massage medium to use to help spread the oil and essential oil mixture, while still allowing you time to do a good massage before it is absorbed by the skin.
Although mostly used on its own as a massage carrier oil, diluting with 10% wheatgerm oil gives a longer shelf life.
I really love almond oil, especially for babies and children, it is very gentle for the skin.
- Apricot kernel:
This is a very precious oil with a short shelf life. Keep refrigerated or in a dark cool place when storing. Apricot kernel Carrier Oil is a pale yellow, light, finely textured base oil that is extracted from the seed kernel of the apricot fruit.
It is high in Vitamins A and B, which helps with healing and rejuvenating skin cells. It is very rich in gamma linoleic acid and produces a small amount of free radical fighting anti-oxidants, as well as Vitamin E. Extremely good in skin care preparations, for all skin types, especially premature aging skin, wrinkles,sensitive, inflamed or dry skin. Use as a 10-50% dilution with any facial care preparation.
Best for facial massage, mature and delicate skin. Quickly absorbs into the skin. particularly helpful for dehydrated, delicate, mature, or sensitive skin helps to sooth inflammation.
This finely textured oil spreads easily and its moisturizing, nourishing and revitalizing properties combine well with essential oils, to give a superb facial massage.
I really recommend it for mature skin, and I love the texture and the fact that it is quickly absorbed!
-Grapeseed (vitis vinifera) :
This oil is a good second choice carrier especially for those whose skin seems not to absorb other oils very quickly. It does not leave a greasy feeling to the skin after application. Slightly astringent, Odorless, penetrating, and very light , easily absorbed , mildly astringent , tightens and tones the skin, which makes it useful for acne. it is always solvent-extracted, causing sensitivity in some individuals.
I recommend it for young people, or those with problematic skin (like me
).
So this was my Top 5!
Now, what about some “recipe” to know how to use all these wonderful oils!
First we need to know what is exactly a massage blend. It is the end product of combining 3 to 5 different essential oils into a carrier or base material (oil, cream, etc.).
For blending into a base or carrier oil, the recommended dilution is 2,5 to 5 % for the total amount of essential oils, depending of the essential oils you use, the age of the patient etc.
In these recipes, the essential oils are used each in equal proportion.
These are my personal recipes, I use them and am very happy with them, but as always I am not a health professional so, if you have any doubt, ask a professional!
Mosquito repellent oil:
In the proportion indicated before, mix in olive oil:
- lemongrass essential oil
- lavender essential oil
- thyme essential oil
- mint essential oil
Apply in the parts of the body exposed to mosquito bites each 4 hours. 
If you couldn’t apply that, then you should try:
After bite oil:
In almond or chamomile oil, you will mix:
- lavender
- thyme
- geranium
- eucalyptus globulus
A few drops will help healing those nasty bites!
Breath well oil:
In olive or almond oil, you will mix:
- eucalyptus globulus
- lavender
- lemon
- mint
Apply on the back of the patient before going to bed, it will help breathing well. If it is a children, 2 % concentration is enough.
Headaches:
In half apricot kernel or grapeseed oil, and half olive oil, mix in a 2% proportion:
- lavender
- sage
Massage forehead sides with a few drops of this blend.
Backpain:
In half hazelnut oil and half almond oil, mix:
- lavender
- eucalyptus
- ginger
Massage in the area of pain, or/and along the spine.
Earache, ear inflammation:
In olive oil, mix:
- lavender
- tea tree
- chamomile
Massage the entrance or the front of the ear (not inside), with a few drops of this blend.
That’s it for today! I will post more of my recipes for other uses soon!
Stay tune for the next part of this series about natural healing. Part 3 will be about Homeopathy!
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