Friday, February 6, 2009

Sources Of Carrier Oils







Carrier oils are all-natural and are used in fields such as aromatherapy. Aromatherapyy practioners use what is called as essential or absolute oils and these oils are applied on the skin during massages. Eucalyptus and pine oil are exambles of esential oils. These oils are used to relax the body and ease the mind. Essential oils are absorbed through the skin as well as inhaled. Essential oils, though, might be too strong for skin in its pure form, so carrier oils are used to dilute the essential oil to prevent negative skin reactions. When the essential oil is absorbed, so is the carrier oil and its natural properties. Carrier oils have specific sources and characterisitcs. Massage creams, balms, skin creams and lotions contain carrier oils.


History


The history of oils for personal use goes back centuries. The Egyptians were the first to make oil by extracting oil from cedar wood. As the Egyptians prepared the bodies of the dead for entombment, they would cover the bodies with cedar wood, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg oil, among others. The Greeks adopted the usage of oils for their purposes. They used oil for its medical properties in healing wounds and bringing down inflammation. The Romans too recognized the medicinal properties of essential oils. The Roman physician, Pedanius Dioscorides, wrote about the medical properties of 500 plants, in his book "De Materia Medica." In the 13th century, pharmaceuticals were born and along with this, more interest in the distillation of essential oils. The distillation of oil developed over time to what we have today. From the ancient times we inherited the tradition of using oil, from cosmetic to medical reasons.


Carrier Oil Sources


Carrier oils are derived from a variety of natural sources. Sweet almonds is one source of carrier oil that is a good all purpose oil. Oil from apricot core is good as an additive in massage blends. Avocado produces carrier oil that is thick and waxy. Oil from borage is good for the treatment of skin ailments. Cocoa butter is also a good additive for creams and lotions. In this manner it is useful. Hazelnut is reported to be useful for those with oily skin. Evening primrose is reported to be good for skin condition treatments, much like borage oil.


Some More Sources


Another carrier oil source is macadamia nut. In addition to macadamia, olives and peanuts are sources. Oil from peanut is mixed with message blends as it has good massage and anti-arthritis qualities. Passion fruit oil is good for skin and fighting against swelling. Pomegranate carrier oil has anti-oxidant properties and helps renew the skin. Grape seed oil is an additive for massage cream blends as well as helping heal dry and acne-plagued skin. Camellia seed carrier oil also has anti-oxidant properties to help the skin. Meadow foam oil helps seal moisture in the skin.


More Natural Sources


Perilla seed carrier oil promotes the detainment of moisture in hair and skin. Jojoba oil, with vitamin E, promotes a renewed complexion. Babassu oil is an additive in skin creams, ointments and lotions. Carrier oil from the kernel of cherry helps protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. Tamanu carrier oil has antiseptic properties and is combined with massage blends. Rosehip oil is helpful in treating burns, scars and marks on skin. Kukuinut oil is used to treat dry skin, eczema and other skin problems.


Conclusion


These are some of the uses of carrier oils and the all-natural benefits on the human body. When the body is in need of relaxation and healing from the strains of labor and life, these carrier oils have the remedy. Not only do they ease the body but they heal as well.

Tags: carrier oils, additive massage, anti-oxidant properties, carrier that, cedar wood, creams lotions, good additive