Author: Sharon Hopkins
Source: isnare.com

Essential oils in aromatherapy are highly concentrated and potent. Essential oils have adverse effect on skin if used undiluted. Though there are some essential oil exceptions that can be used directly on the skin. It is ideal to dilute essential oils with carrier oils.

Carrier oils are of a vegetable origin possessing highly therapeutic properties. Extracted from nuts and seeds by cold pressing as this process does not destroy the essential fatty acids & vitamins content.

Carrier oils provide much needed lubrication allowing hands to move freely over the skin, helping with the absorption of essential oils into the body. Carrier oils are light, non sticky and effectively penetrate the skin. They should be 100% pure, unrefined and cold pressed.

1 drop of essential oil = 1 tsp of carrier oil for 1% dilution. 2 drops essential oil to 1 tsp of carrier oil = 2% dilution and so on.

Commonly used carrier oils

- Apricot Kernel Oil – light, easily absorbed and moisturizes both the body and face well. Contains vitamin E. Extracted from the kernel of apricot fruit, it is pale yellow in colour. Vitamins A & B help in healing and rejuvenating skin cells. Good for all skin types especially for sensitive, inflamed and dry skin. Excellent oil for facial, leaving the face soft and supple.

- Avocado Oil – Rich in lecithin, vitamins, A, D, & E. Easily penetrates the skin, acts as sunscreen and helps in cell regeneration. Mix zinc oxide in half bottle of avocado oil and apply on skin that is exposed to the sun. Delays anti aging as it is rich in essential fatty acids. For intensive facial treatment for mature skin, refined Avocado oil is preferred as it lacks odor.

- Grape seed Oil – Odorless unlike most oils, it is light and good for skin not absorbing other oils. No greasy feeling after application. Slightly astringent, it tightens, tones the skin and alleviates acne. An ideal carrier for body massage.

- Jojoba Oil – One of the best oils for hair and skin. Penetrates the skin quickly, excellent for skin nourishment. Heals inflamed skin, psoriasis, eczema, or any sort of dermatitis. Controls acne, oily skin or scalp as excess sebum dissolves in jojoba. Good for all skin types, but clogs pores sometimes. Good base oil for treating rheumatism and arthritis. Promotes healthy, glowing complexion.

- Rosehip Oil – Called the queen of carrier oil. Good oil for cosmetic, cell regeneration prevents premature skin aging and softens wrinkles. Good for eczema, psoriasis, PMS and menopause. When combined with calendula oil, it treats stretch marks, burns or scars. Cold pressed from the seeds of rose hips, it pale yellow light texture. Wonderful carrier oil for skin care.

- Sweet Almond Oil – Popular carrier oil in body massage. Lubricates and moisturizes the skin. Good for all skin types, especially eczema. Quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving your skin to feel soft and non greasy. Provides relief from itching, soreness, dryness, inflammation. Rich in proteins and vitamin D.

- Calendula Oil – infusion of marigold flowers, renowned for its soothing properties. Balances excessively oily skin, can be used alone or blended with almond or grape seed oil for body massage.

- Evening primrose oil – Perfect skincare oil for moisturizing, softening and soothing to dry and irritated skin.

- Wheat germ oil – highly nourishing oil with vitamin E. Perfect oil for dry, mature and lifeless skin.

- Sunflower oil – Used for facial treatments and body massage. Has good softening and moisturizing properties.

- St. John Wort oil – Infusions from the Hypericum bush; it is excellent for all types of sensitive, red and sore skin.

- Coconut Oil – Perfect moisturizer for body and hands. Light, easily absorbable into the skin giving smooth satin effect. Moisturizes and conditions brittle, dull or dry hair.

Author: Sherry Simsbr
Source: articleage.combr
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In my search for at-home spa treatments and home herbal remedies, which I really enjoy playing around with, I came across a product called Emu Oil.
The next time that I was at my local health food emporium buying various essential oils and herbs for my latest herbal experiment, I asked the sales clerk if they carried Emu Oil. She handed me a cobalt blue bottle with a picture of a large, prehistoric-type bird on the label.
I really wasnt quite sure what I was going to do with this yet, but I usually follow my intuition when I feel like I should buy something. It almost always becomes apparent to me within days exactly what I will use it for and Ill be glad that I have already purchased it and have it on hand. I learned a long time ago to trust that little voice in my head that seems to always be there to assist me, even when I do not fully understand why.
That day I proceeded to create some yummy herbal spa treatment recipes which were quite delightful, but the Emu Oil remained unopened and pushed aside.
It wasnt until several days later that I found myself on the internet looking for a solution to a problem that I had been having for about a month. The last time that I had visited my hair stylist she had recommended a hair product that would add volume and body, which I needed for the cut that I was currently sporting.
I purchased the product she had recommended and liked the results. But soon I begin to notice that my scalp was having a bad reaction to it. After several weeks of using the product, I finally decided that I needed to stop using it completely. But by this time my scalp had become irritated and itchy.
If youve ever felt itchy, you know that it can drive you crazy. I wanted relief and I wanted it NOW!
Online I found some information that indicated one thing that might alleviate my condition was massaging Emu Oil into the scalp.
Hey, how about that! I just happen to have a bottle of Emu Oil in the cupboard, and now I know why I bought it.
Well, not only did it bring me instant relief, it made my hair very soft, as well.
So I started reading about some of the other things that Emu Oil has been touted to have been helpful in alleviating.
Some of the items were:
*Burns, including sunburn and radiation burns
*Heal wounds, minor cuts and injuries
*Relieves eczema, psoriasis and acne
*Soothes discomfort of insect bites and rashes
*Helps prevent scarring of fresh wounds
*Aids in diminishing stretch marks and other skin blemishes
*Reducing pain and inflammation caused by arthritis
*Reduce swelling and muscle soreness
*Improve condition and rate of growth of hair and nails
Apparently there are some people out there who claim that Emu Oil has been effective in reversing hair loss. Is there anything that Emu Oil cant do?
I dont personally have any experience with Emu Oil other than using it as I mentioned above. But I certainly would give it a try if I ever needed relief from one of the other problems that so many people say it can help.
Although 100% Emu Oil doesnt really have an unpleasant smell, it certainly doesnt contain any of the perfumed scents that are usually added to other products that we purchase over the counter. I found that adding a few drops of my favorite herbal essential oil to the Emu Oil was a great way to have the smells that I like while also being able to enjoy the benefits of the healing properties of Emu Oil.
Copyright ฉ 2005 Sherry Sims
Sherry Sims has spent the last 20 years assisting people as a professional psychic, intuitive counselor, energy healer and teacher. Helping people to resolve personal and relationship issues has been at the core of her work. She gently assists her clients to accept their true power which allows them to begin taking control of their lives through healing, awareness, and self-love.
To learn more about creating happiness and fulfillment in your life you will want to sign up for her free newsletter: SIMPLE MAGIC – Creating the Life You Want.
Find out more about Emu Oil and its benefits at http://Mystic-Hearts.com
For more articles by Sherry Sims please visit http://Mystic-Hearts.combr
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