The Benefits of Carrier Oils and Essential Oil Dilution Guide

The Benefits of Carrier Oils and Essential Oil Dilution Guide
Carrier oil, also known as base oil or a vegetable oil such as coconut oil or grape seed oil that can be used to dilute essential oils and absolutes before they are applied to the skin in massage and aromatherapy. They are so named because they carry the essential oil onto the skin. Carrier oils do not contain a concentrated aroma, unlike essential oils, though some, such as olive, have a mild distinctive smell. Neither do they evaporate like essential oils, which are more volatile. The carrier oils used should be as natural and unadulterated as possible. Many people feel organic oils are of higher quality.

Carrier oils ensure that essential oils applied topically are comfortable. Dilution with a carrier oil does not dilute the effect of the essential oils and prevents waste due to excessive application. Essential oils can be carried throughout the body at the cellular level.

Top three carrier oils:

1. Sweet Almond oil – (click here to buy)

2. Sunflower oil – easily absorbed by the skin, is a wonderful skin conditioner

3. Coconut oil (Fractionated) – (click to buy)

Other carrier oils to consider:

1. Apricot Kernel oil – good facial oil; high in Vitamins A and B which aid in healing and rejuvenating skin cells

2. Arnica oil – good for inflammation and bruising, but do not use on broken skin

3. Avocado oil – good for dry & aging skin types; rich and heavy with minor sunscreen effects

4. Calendula oil – good as a body oil; speeds up healing and moisturizing for dry or damaged skin

5. Canola oil – good for massaging; absorbs easily; light in texture; odorless; very long shelf life

6. Castor oil – good for sealing in moisture; a heavy oil that seals and protects

7. Hemp Seed oil – capable of deeply penetrating the skin, contains vitamins and minerals that are good for skin

8. Evening Primrose oil – good as an antioxidant oil so it’s often added to other Carrier Oils to prolong their shelf life

9. Grapeseed oil – good as a massage oil and facial oil; very light and penetrates the skin quickly

10. Hazelnut oil – good for facials; loaded with vitamins, minerals and proteins

11. Jojoba oil – good for very dry or very oily skin conditions; often added to other Carrier Oils to prolong their shelf life

12. Olive oil – good for most preparations; “extra virgin” has the highest amount of vitamins and minerals

13. Peanut oil – good basic aromatherapy oil; rich in vitamins and proteins

14. Safflower oil – good for softening the skin; it’s a light-to-medium weight oil

15. Sesame oil – good for a number of skin conditions; loaded with Vitamin E, minerals, and proteins; has an SPF of 4

16. Soy oil – good as a massage oil; high in Vitamin E

17. St. John’s Wort oil – good for muscle and joint inflammations; healing properties are good for first aid uses

18. Sunflower oil – good for massage, body lotions, and body oils; rich in Vitamin E

19. Sweet Almond oil – good as a massage oil; loaded with protein; absorbs into the skin rapidly; odorless.

20. Vitamin E oil – good for prolonging the shelf life of other Carrier Oils; very thick; antioxidant; heals scar tissue and rejuvenates skin cellular activity

21. Walnut oil – good for the nervous system; medium weight; absorbs easily

22. Wheatgerm oil – good for healing scars, burns and stretch marks; loaded with Vitamins A, D, and E

Generally any of the vegetable, nut and seed oils that people regularly use for cooking and food preparation can be used. However it is important to note that most of the oils you typically find in grocery stores are highly refined and they contain solvents and petroleum residues. On the other hand, unprocessed oils such as those marked as organic and cold-pressed are the best for Aromatherapy. Unprocessed oils are the absolute best as they are the richest with vitamins, minerals, and proteins which nourish the skin.

Diluting Essential Oils:

Essential oils are highly concentrated. They must be diluted before they can be safely applied to the skin.
The most effective way to dilute essential oils is in a carrier oil. As your carrier oil, select a high quality vegetable oil, preferably one that has been cold pressed. Example carrier oils include almond, apricot, hazelut, olive, macadamia, kukui, wheatgerm, grapeseed and sesame. Carrier oils should be stored away from heat and light to ensure their freshness. The addition of jojoba oil as 10% of your carrier oil will help extend the shelf life of your blend as will Vitamin E oil which is an excellent anti-oxidant; adding it to any aromatherapy blend will help extend the life of most vegetable oils. Make blends in small batches that can be used within a short time frame. Your carrier oils, essential oils and blends can be stored in the refrigerator for extended shelf life.

Essential Oil Dilution Guide:

1% Dilution: would be used on children under age of 6, pregnant women, elderly adults, those with sensitive skin or compromised immune systems or either serious health issues, and when you are massaging a large area of the body.

2% Dilution: would be used for most adults and most situations. This is also a good dilution for basic skin care issues and for daily use.

3% – 10% Dilution: is best suited for short-term use for a temporary health issue, such as muscle injury. Up to 10% dilution is fine, depending on the health concern, the age of the person and the oils used.

25% Dilution: is occasionally used for muscle cramps, bad bruises or severe pain.

Measurement Equivalents:

100 drops = 1tsp = 5ml = 1/6 ounce

200 drops = 2tsp = 10ml = 1/3 ounce

300 drops = 3tsp = 15ml = 1/2 ounce

400 drops = 4tsp = 20ml = 2/3 ounce

500 drops = 5tsp = 25ml = 5/6 ounce

600 drops = 6tsp = 30ml = 1 ounce

You can find all of this great info from Swanson Vitamins.

Click here to read about Beginner’s Guide to Using Essential Oils:

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/blog/natural-health-tips/essential-oils-aromatherapy-guide