Lavender is the only essential oil that can be directly applied to the skin.
Carrier oils are types of vegetable oils that come from the fatty portion of a plant such as the nuts, seeds and kernels. They are used for making essential oil blends, as most essential oils cannot be applied directly to the skin without causing severe irritation. There are a wide variety of carrier oils available, each with its own therapeutic properties. Some carrier oils are odorless; however, many contain a faint nutty scent. Carrier oils with strong, bitter odors have gone bad and should not be used in essential oil blends.
Instructions
1. Purchase a carrier oil marked "organic" and "cold pressed." Unprocessed carrier oils work best in aromatherapy, according to Aroma Web. Some of the most commonly used carrier oils in aromatherapy are sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, olive oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, jojoba oil and evening primrose oil.
2. Blend essential oils with your carrier oil as necessary for your chosen recipe. For example, an essential oil hair treatment would use 1/2 oz. jojoba or sweet almond oil (or 1/4 of each) and six to eight drops of an essential oil, such as chamomile (light hair) or rosemary (dark hair). For a nail massage oil, use 1 dram of jojoba oil mixed with five drops of vitamin E oil and 10 drops of selected essential oils, such as two drops each of lemon, lavender, sandalwood, tea tree and benzoin resin oils.
3. Store carrier oils in dark bottles with tight-fitting lids and place them in a cool, dark location. Many carrier oils, such as borage seed, can be stored in the refrigerator while others such as avocado, will turn cloudy or solidify in the fridge.
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