Preparing Oils For Application  Essential oils can be added to a range of carrier bases: vegetable oils, unscented lotion or cream. The choice of base depends on how the mixture is to be used, and is also a matter of personal preference. Types Of Carrier Oil:
There are many suitable vegetable oils, each with its own benefit. Unrefined, cold-pressed oils are the best for aromatherapy. The basic oils are widely available, while special and macerated oils are available from suppliers. As a guide, use 15-20 drops of essential oil in 50ml of the base oil for mixtures to be applied to the skin. Reduce the ratio to 1:10 for preparation to be used on the face.  Basic Oils:
Sunflower Helianthus annus
This oil is taken from the seeds of the giant yellow sunflower. It can relieve eczema and dermatitis, lower blood cholesterol, soothe rheumatism, and ease leg ulcers, sprains and bruises. It may also have diuretic properties.
Sweet Almond Prunus amygdalis
Almond oil is taken from the kernel of the almond nut, but it is difficult to obtain cold-pressed almond oil. This oil alleviates inflamed and irritated skin, helps to resolve constipation, lowers blood cholesterol, and is good for eczema, psoriasis and dry skin.  Special Oils:
These can all be used alone or as 25 per cent of a basic carrier oil.
Evening primrose Oenethera biennis
Yellow evening primrose flowers open at dusk, one circle of flowers at a time. The flowers open so quickly that the buds can be watched as they open. The flower's seeds are cold-pressed when the stem has finished flowering. Evening primrose oil will relieve arthritis, lower blood cholesterol, help PMS, and soothe wounds. It is excellent for eczema, psoriasis and dry skin, and is said to have a beneficial effect on wrinkles.
Hazelnut Corylus avellana
Cold-pressed hazelnuts yield an amber colored oil. Hazelnut oil has astringent properties and can be used to relieve acne, stimulate circulation and protect against the harmful effects of the sun.
Jojoba Simmondsia chinensis
Jojoba is not an oil but a liquid wax, which gives it excellent keeping qualities. Jojoba is an analgesic with anti-inflammatory properties, and it will soothe arthritis and rheumatism, acne, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin and sunburn. Jojoba is good for the scalp, and is a useful addition to shampoo.
Rose hip Rosa canina
These small berries produce a syrup, a rich source of vitamin C, and a golden-red oil. Rose hip oil is anti-aging and will help to regenerate tissue. It softens mature skin, and is good to use for burns, scars and eczema.  Macerated Oils:
The process of macerating (soaking) plants in olive or sunflower oil enhances base oils with the plant's therapeutic properties. These macerated carrier oils can be added to a base vegetable oil, lotion or cream to enrich it. Macerated melissa and lime oils can also be used to enrich base oils.
Calendula Calendula officinalis
Often referred to as marigold (although it is not related to French marigold. Tagetes minuta). Calendula has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, and can relieve broken and varicose veins. Apply directly in undiluted form to ease sprains and bruises.
St. John's wort Hypericum perforatum
With its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, St. john's wort will help to relieve haemorrhoids, sprains, bruises and arthritis, and can heal burns, sunburn and wounds.  Carrier Lotion And Cream:
Unperfumed lotion, which is made from emulsified oil and water, can be used instead of vegetable oil as a carrier base. Lotion is particularly good for all self-application techniques as it is non-greasy. Use a cream if a base richer than a lotion is needed. To prepare a blend for use on the body, mix 15-20 drops of essential oil with 50ml (2 fl oz) of lotion or cream. For a blend to be used on the face, mix 5 drops of essential oil per 50ml lotion or cream. Always ensure the jar or bottle you are using for your blend is completely clean and dry.
Safety Note:Use only half the specified quantity of essential oils in any base carrier - vegetable oil, lotion or cream - if the mixture is to be used on children and the elderly. Pregnant women should always consult a qualified practitioner before using essential oils. Preparing Blends For The Body  |
