Health Qualities of Vegetable Carrier Oils

Vegetable Carrier Oils often have their own health qualities, so choosing an appropriate oil will heighten the dynamic nature of a massage and can have specific benefits, such as helping to guard against heart disease or inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.They can also help to boost the immune system.

Vegetable oils are made up of essential fatty acids and contain the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E. Some oils also contain large amounts of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), useful for the treatment of PMS.The fatty acid compounds help to reduce blood cholesterol levels and strengthen cell membranes, slowing down the formation of fine lines and wrinkles and helping the body to resist attack from free radicals.

Heat-treated oils lose nutritional value, so always use a cold pressed, unrefined vegetable oil as a carrier oil for essential oils. Likewise, use a certified organic vegetable oil, as this guarantees that no chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or fungicides have been used in its production. The darker the colour and stronger the odour, the less refined the oil, so it will be richer in health-giving properties.The following oils can be used alone, or as a carrier oil for essential oils. Once opened, store in the refrigerator.

Almond Oil: A good source of vitamin D. It is suitable for all skin types, but is sesame especially good for dry or irritated skin.

Avocado Oil: Easily absorbed into the deep tissues, it is excellent for mature skin. It is help to relieve the dryness and itching of psoriasis and eczema. It blends well with other oils, and its fruity smell may influence which essential oils you choose.

Borage Oil: One of the richest sources of GLA and useful for eczema and psoriasis as well as for the symptoms of PMS.

Carrot Oil: A valuable source of beta carotene and useful for healing scar tissue and soothing acne and irritated skin.

Evening Primrose Oil: Rich in GLA, it is useful for the relief of eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, PMS, and tender breasts. It is also suitable for face treatments, but is a sticky oil and should be mixed with a lighter oil, such as grapeseed, soya, peanut, or peachnut.

Grapeseed Oil: A non-greasy oil that suits all skin types. It is widely available in a refined state and is best enriched with almond oil.

Hazelnut Oil: Its astringent qualities make it useful for oily and combination skins.

Jojoba Oil: Good for all skin types and penetrates more easily than other oils. Rich in vitamin E, it is excellent for massaging faces with sensitive or oily complexions. It also has anti-bacterial properties, making it a useful oil for treating acne.

Olive Oil: Too sticky for massage, but excellent in a blend for mature or dry skin.

Peachnut Oil: A fine oil, rich in vitamin E and good for delicate skin, and ideal for face massage.

Peanut Oil: Highly nutritious if unrefined, but rarely available. Its refined form makes a good base oil for massage, but is best enriched with a more nutritious oil if you require more than just a slippage medium.

Safflower Oil: It is light and penetrates the skin well. Cheap and readily available in an unrefined state, it is a useful base oil.

Sesame Oil: Made from untoasted seeds, it is good for skin conditions. It has sunscreen properties and is used in many suncare products. Use commercial preparations with a stated SPF number.

Sunflower Oil: A light oil rich in vitamins and minerals. It can be enriched by the addition of more exotic oils.

Walnut Oil: Contains small amounts of GLA and has a pleasant, nutty aroma.

Wheatgerm Oil: Rich in vitamin E and use-fill for dry and mature skin. It is well known i-6r its ability to heal scar tissue, smooth stretch marks, and soothe burns. It is too sticky as a massage oil, so add small amounts of it to a lighter oil. It should not be used on people with wheat intolerance.