"Aroma-Pedia"
by
Well
Beings Aromatherapy Products
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"Aroma-Pedia" |
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CARRIER OILS AND BUTTERS |
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| Because essential oils can not in most cases be applied directly to the skin in their pure state, they must be diluted in carrier oils, also known as "base oils". These are rich in fatty acids, vitamins and moisturizing agents. In addition to diluting the essential oils for use, they perform other useful purposes such as healing damaged or dry skin and rendering it more soft and supple. A carrier oil should be pure and preferably extracted from the plant material by "cold pressing" This helps the oil to retain its vitamin content. The following is a list of some beneficial "carriers". | |
| Almond Oil, Sweet (prunus amygdalus var. dulcis) |
Prunus Dulcis or the Sweet Almond tree grows to over 30 ft tall. The tree produces a dry-fleshed fruit containing a nutritious seed from which the oil is pressed. Note: Not to be confused with Bitter Almond. A light clear, pale yellow lubricating oil used in good quality massage oils. Olein is its principal constituent. Sweet Almond Oil is an excellent emollient, protectant and emulsifier and is a definite skin softening agent . Can be used at 100% strength. Helpful to all skin types it contains minerals, and vitamins A, B1, B6 and E. Sweet Almond oil is also rich in protein. It helps to relieve itching, soreness, dryness and inflammation. |
| Castor Oil (ricinus communis) |
The castor plant is a tall, perennial woody shrub or small tree native to India. The oil is pressed from a bean or seed. The seed if ingested, is fatal, there are no antidotes. Clear and heavy, castor oil is colorless and has a slight fragrance. The major constituents are palmitic and other fatty acids, ricinoleic acid, and glycerin. The oil is a good emollient. Because it is viscid, it is usually mixed with another carrier oil. Sometimes used as an analgesic and for dandruff. The oil helps in preventing scars and is helpful to dry, chapped skin & lips. Use at 10% dilution. |
| Cocoa Butter (theobroma cacao) |
The Cocoa Tree is native to the tropical lowlands of Central and South America and Western Africa. The tree bears evergreen leaves, and grows up to 26 ft tall. Strangely the fruit grows not from the branches but directly on the trunk of the tree. Cocoa butter is pressed from the seeds found within the fruit. A creamy fatty wax, cocoa butter is solid at room temperature and is an excellent emollient. Can be used alone or mixed with other ingredients |
| Coconut Oil (cocos nucifera) |
An emollient, this oil comes from the meat of the coconut and is excellent for cracked or brittle skin. Helps retain skin's moisture. In soap, it can dry out skin if moisturizing oils are not added. Use at 10% to 50% dilution. |
| Glycerin (Vegetable) | Not an oil but derived from vegetable oils, glycerin is a sweet, colorless, thick, syrupy by-product of the soap manufacturing process. Glycerin is an excellent moistening agent and emollient also possessing antiseptic properties. |
| Jojoba (simmondsia chinensis) |
Derived from the seed of the evergreen shrub, Jojoba is actually a wax and not an oil. It is very similar to our bodies own natural oils and penetrates skin very rapidly. Jojoba oil contains myristic acid an anti-inflammatory and also possesses anti-bacterial, hydrating and excellent emollient properties. Jojoba does not oxidize or become rancid and has a long shelf life. The oil helps with the healing of inflamed skin, psoriasis, eczema & dermatitis. Can help control acne and oily skin or scalp. Good for all skin types. Use at 10% to full strength. |
| Macadamia Nut Oil (macadamia ternifolia) |
Produced from the pressing of Macadamia nuts. Similar to human sebum, our skin's own natural oil, Macadamia oil is good for all skin types. Macadamia's omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are helpful in maintaining the natural moisture levels in skin. Tones aged or dry skin, skin softening and wound healing. Macadamia oil is self stabilizing and has a long shelf life. |
| Olive Oil (olea europaea) |
The olive tree is a small evergreen growing to 23 feet tall. It grows largely in the Mediterranean countries but also in California and Argentina. A pale greenish oil produced from the pressing of olives, olive oil is good for dry skin. The oil does have an odor and is therefore best used blended with other oils. Olive oil is disinfecting, healing and is excellent in soothing chapped skin. The oil has excellent stability and has a shelf life of up to one year. Use at 10% to 50% dilution. |
| Sesame Oil (sesamum indicum) |
Sesame oil is derived from the seeds of the sesame plant, an annual with a single erect stem that grows up to 40 inches tall. The plant is native to hot, dry tropical areas. The seeds containing 55% oil yield a practically odorless oil. Sesame oil is a good natural sunscreen. The oil is very stable and will keep for years without turning rancid. It is rich in vitamins A, E and protein and contains the substance sesomoline, a natural preservative. |
| Sunflower Oil (helianthus annus) |
Obtained from the seeds of the common sunflower plant it is a wonderful light oil that is quickly absorbed into the skin. Helps softens skin and helps skin maintain its natural moisture levels. |
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The
information contained within this site is presented for information
only. This site is not intending to diagnose, prescribe, or treat
any condition or illness. Not responsible for omissions or errors,
typographical or otherwise. |
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