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Carrier Oils: More than Important

by T.J. Phoenix

To begin, I think that the carrier oil that is used in comination with any essential has to be considered as important as the essential itself. First there is the nature of it. Is it natural? If it is sythetic is it reactive? Does the producer know the end effect on the user.

I speak only from my own direct experience, and the knowledge I have gained from my twenty-five years of study. The foundation of my aroma-therapy is fundamentally conservative. Conservative in that if I lack the knowledge about a particular interaction, I don't use it.

There are a lot of "new and improved" things in the world, but as an individual I don't think of that as naturally good. India has been "distilling" essential oils for some many hundreds of years that it dates back farther then westerners have been keeping accurate records of. Over the centuries the list of essential oils has expanded but the basic drive as to why they are used has not. The goal has always been about healing. Lessening suffering and increasing quality of living.

It is precisely because of modern knowledge of scent biasis', alergies and the like that a simple approach to carrier oils is the best.

Science itself supports this. Testing of some of the most revered and respected carrier oils holds up the answers as to why some oils are much better for our needs then others.

Evening Primrose oil. I prefer it in it's unrefined state.

Evening primrose oil is made from the evening primrose ( Oenothera biennis), a plant that is native to North America. The oil is extracted from the seeds of this plant. Other common names for this plant include sun cup and sun drop. Its name originates from the fact that its yellow flowers bloom at night and fade quickly in the morning sunlight.

The medicinal properties of this plant were first recognized by Native Americans who used all parts of the plant to treat a variety of ailments such as obesity, indigestion, and respiratory illness. Today, the oil from the plant seeds is popularly used as an herbal supplement for a wide range of health and skin problems that include atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and premenstrual syndrome.

Natural medicine practitioners claim evening primrose oil is useful for these conditions because it contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and other nutrients. Researchers have done some preliminary studies, which suggest that GLA may be beneficial for some conditions.

Medicinal Properties of Evening Primrose Oil

The key to the therapeutic value of this plant comes from the rich concentration of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in its seeds. The seed oil is a good source of GLA, a fatty acid, which plays an important role in many of the body’s biological processes. The body uses GLA to make a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin. Prostaglandin is responsible for bodily functions like soothing inflammations, regulating hormones, and controlling cell growth.

Uses of Evening Primrose Oil

Herbalists and naturopaths suggest that evening primrose oil can be beneficial for treating many health conditions. The "scientific community" is divided on the subject. The Mayo clinic's studies prove inconclusive, but we are talking in terms of the treatment of complex ailments such as diabetes, asthma, depression, PMS. This is not where our focus is. It's anti-inflamatory aspects are less disputed as is it's supplimental ability to support skin healing and boost natural hormone production. Studies also support the idea that it is beneficial in the treatment of eczema. It is a good anti-oridant and studies do support that it fights free radicals in the body.

It has a beautiful golden yellow color and is rich in vitamins and minerals. Evening Primrose oil is exceptionally high in fatty acids, and in gamma linolenic acid, which supports enzyme activity and ultimately the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandin deficiency can result in eczema, reproductive problems, and poor wound healing. The high GLA value of this carrier oil makes it valuable for healthy functioning of body tissues.

Evening primrose oil has a great texture, leaving only a trace of oiliness on the skin.

This oil has superb moisturizing properties and when it is used externally it has been shown to be effective in helping with both eczema and psoriasis. It is also used for dandruff, sun-damaged skin, aging skin or wounds.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp Seed Oil is pressed from the seeds of the Hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Hemp Seed Oil is considered to be the most nutritional of all oils available. Hemp Seed Oil provides the body with complete protein, nutrition, and with all the essential amino acids necessary for health and wellness.

In cosmetic and bodycare products, Hemp Seed Oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, balances dry skin, fights skin inflammations, helps heal skin lesions, has anti-oxidants, and contains moisture balancing properties. The oil is non-greasy, readily absorbs into the pores, is an emollient, and has rejuvenating and moisturizing properties for the skin. Adult users of Hemp Seed Oil have reported softer skin, and stronger nails and hair after only a few weeks of using 1-2 Tablespoons per day. The vitamins and minerals present in Hemp Seed Oil are easily absorbed through the skin, resulting in a more vitamin and mineral enriched bodycare product.

It is a source of complete protein and contains all twenty know amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids. It also contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, and E. The green color in Hemp Seed Oil is a result of the high level of chlorophyll which is naturally present in the seeds.
Perhaps the most valued property of Hemp Seed Oil is its percentage of Essential Fatty Acids, which is higher than any other plant in the world. It contains both Omega-6 and Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids, in a proportion of 3:1.

Coconut Oil