Aromatherapy Carrier Oils / Spice & Vegetable Oils
It is important that vegetable oils are pure, unadulterated and naturally extracted just like the essential oils. They are an important link in the massage process because;
They possess therapeutic properties of their own
They enhance the absorption of the essential oil into the skin
They are rich in fatty acids and other nutrients.
Natural vegetable oils, extracted from nuts and seeds, have played an important role in many cultures as medicines, beauty treatments and food supplements. Typically used as a base or ‘carrier’ to dilute the essential oils when using in massage. Use approx 3-10 drops per 10ml. For babies of the elderly please consult an Aromatherapist.
- Extraction methods
- Expeller pressing
- Solvent extraction
- Cold pressing
- Super Critical extraction (CO2)
Information About Carrier Oils Used in Aromatherapy
Carrier oils can be used for much more than just diluting your
essential oils! The natural skin softening, moisturising and
nourishing qualities of Quinessence Carrier oils can be used to
soften wrinkles, increase elasticity and help balance an uneven
complexion.
Almond Sweet Oil (Prunus amygdalus)
Cold Pressed. A very popular carrier oil for use in massage because
it is very light and quickly absorbed into the skin. Rich in
proteins and vitamin D, Sweet Almond oil is both protective and
nourishing to the skin when used regularly.
Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca)
Cold Pressed. This expressed oil contains vitamin A and is an
excellent facial oil, leaving the face feeling soft and supple.
Avocado Oil (Unrefined) (Persea americana)
Cold Pressed. A deep penetrating oil which feeds the skin and
helps delay the signs of ageing skin because it is rich in essential
fatty acids.
Avocado Oil (Refined) (Persea americana)
Refined. Also available from Quinessence is Avocado oil that has
been processed to remove the dark colouring and odour from the cold
pressed oil. Some people prefer refined Avocado oil because it has
no odour when applied to the face as an intensive facial treatment
for mature skin.
Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)
Cold Pressed.Black seed oil is particularly rich in unsaturated and
essential fatty acids which makes it perfect as a skin food - it
nourishes, softens and conditions skin. Despite its deep
moisturising qualities, it does not leave skin feeling greasy.
Borage Oil (Borago officinalis)
Cold Pressed. Borage oil is the richest source of gamma linolenic
acid (GLA) containing up to 25%, which is more than twice as much as
occurs in Evening Primrose oil. Clinical trials have shown that GLA
helps to encourage healthy, mobile joints, and used regularly on the
skin it helps to soften fine lines and wrinkles.
Calendula Oil - Infused (Calendula officinalis)
Infused. This oil is an infusion of Marigold flowers and has been
used for centuries due to its renowned calming and soothing
properties on the skin. Calendula helps to balance excessively oily
skin. It can be used alone for skin conditions, or added to Almond
or Grapeseed oil at 15% or more for massaging.
Coconut Oil (Fractionated) (Cocos nucifera)
Fractionated. Perfect for moisurising both hands and body, Coconut
oil is light and easily absorbed into the skin leaving it satin
smooth. It can also be used as an intesive treatment to moisturise
and condition brittle, dull or dry hair.
Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)
Cold Pressed. Evening Primrose oil is a perfect skincare oil;
moisturising, softening and soothing to dry and irritated skin. This
is because it contains high levels of linoleic acid and gamma
linolenic acid (GLA), which are essential fatty acids.
Grapeseed Oil (Vitis vinifera)
Pressed. A popular oil, Grapeseed is light and readily absorbed into
the skin leaving it feeling smooth, making it an ideal carrier for
massaging. Grapeseed oil can not be produced by cold pressing.
Natural Attars, on the other hand, are made using a process called hydro distillation. Hydro distillation protects the fragile aromatic oils better than does steam distillation.
With attars, freshly picked flowers are placed in copper stills over an open fire, where they are gently simmered in water using low heat and pressure. The aromatic oils rise in the steam, and are collected in a vessel of sandalwood oil. This process is repeated daily for up to two weeks.
Scientific research shows that flowers and plants have a beneficial impact on state of mind and emotions. Rutgers University's behavioral studies have proven that flowers provide a simple way to improve emotional health.
- Gives clarity to life’s purpose and vocation.
- Brings harmony to the body, heart and mind.
- Eases emotional and psychological pain while fostering spiritual growth and understanding.
- It is completely natural.
- Aids all forms of energetic and physical work.
Essential oils are extracted from flowers , herbs, bark, fruit and spices by either steam distillation, dissolving in solvents or by simple pressure.
They have been called the lifeblood of plants' containing their healing properties in a very concentrated form. Aromatherapy is a holistic method of healing based on the skilful use of pure essential oils which stimulate the natural regenerative processes of the body. Ancient Egypt, China, Greece and Rome used them as perfumes , in cosmetics preparations, incense and medicines.
Today essential oils are collected from all over the world and science is confirming their usefulness . They can be used to treat a broad spectrum of conditions including physical , mental and psychosomatic stress problems, Research has shown that smelling them alone has the power to alter one's state of mind .
Orange flower is a wonderful remedy for anxiety , worry or insomnia ; Rose is soothing for stress and depression and can alleviate hangovers; Basil , Rosemary and Patchouli stimulate mental clarity, concentration and memory.
