Carrier oils are really important. This is something I didn’t realize when I first started using essential oils.
So I like to repeat this message often, so that no one else makes the same mistake.
Plant Guru Carrier Oils
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I also want to tell you about Plant Guru Carrier Oil. That’s because this is a popular brand of carrier oil. It’s sold in a set of four, which allows for rotation.
For me, when working with natural remedies, rotation is a necessity. That’s because they work well initially. Then they stop. Once I take a break, they perform as good as they did initially. I’ve noticed this with herbs, as well as essential oils and carrier oils.
I don’t know why this happens. But my impressions have been confirmed by my holistic practitioner. She tells me it’s a sign my body no longer needs that particular remedy. So that’s why I try to switch them up.
I use carrier oils directly on my face, if I just want a simple all natural moisturizer. I also use them with essential oils. Carrier oils are needed if you plan to use aromatics for massage. That’s because they’re too strong to put on your skin unless they’re diluted. A carrier oils serves this purpose. It also helps “carry” the healing compounds into your cells.
Aromatics are not true oils. So they evaporate rapidly. But not if they’re mixed with a carrier, which serves to stabilize it.
What Type of Carrier Oil to Buy
Anyway, when I first started using essential oils, I ordered a few different types. At the time, I had a sore knee. So I started applying large quantities of oil right on my skin, rubbing it into my knee.
I’m really lucky I didn’t have a serious reaction. Using essential oils improperly may increase the likelihood of becoming sensitized, to the point where I’d probably never be able to use that oil again.
Also, some essential oils are considered “hot.” So they have the potential to burn the skin, unless you use mix them with carrier oils.
Later, though, even after I knew better, I tried using geranium oil without diluting it. I don’t know if this is what caused my heart to race. I also felt frightening little palpitations. My holistic healthcare provider warned me against doing this in the future.
I hope this article convinces everyone who reads it to use them sparingly. I now have even more respect for the power of these amazing oils, which have changed my life in a very positive way.
Plant Guru Carrier Oil
Nowadays, whenever I put an essential oil on my body, I reach for one or more of my carrier oils.
Essential oils are very strong. But I was really surprised to learn a commonly recommended dilution ratio only calls for a drop or two of aromatic oil to one teaspoon of carrier oil. This is for an otherwise healthy adult. Aromatherapists typically suggest less for someone who is elderly or for a child.
Plant Guru carrier oils are 100 percent pure are are tested to rule out the possibility of contaminants. The carrier oil collection shown here includes grapeseed, coconut, avocado and sweet almond oil.
Plant Guru Carrier Oil Collection
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In addition to adding a layer of safety, it’s believed carrier oils make your aromatics more effective. That’s because of their “carrying” action into your cells. Using carrier oils also allows you to stretch your essential oils.
Now that I know the correct way to use aromatics, I get upset when I see people telling others to ingest essential oils, or put them on their skin “neat.” (This means not diluted.) Everyone is different. Just because one person can do this, doesn’t mean the next person can.
Carrier Oils Their Benefits
Knowing what I know now, I’ve really come to appreciate carrier oils. If you want to use an aromatic for massage, you really can’t live without them.
With all the recent fuss about essential oils, it’s easy to forget that carrier oils seem to have their own benefits, apart from the essential oils.
For instance, here are a few tips things you may not know about some of the most popular carrier oils, such as the ones shown above.
- Grapeseed Oil – I often mix my essential oils with grapeseed oil, especially if I plan to use them on my face. Grapeseed oil is considered a good natural wrinkle fighter. During the summer, I make a DIY non toxic sunscreen with pure grapeseed oil and carrot seed oil. Grapeseed oil is also said to be good for dry skin.
- Coconut Oil – I love the way coconut oil makes my skin feel. This oil is known to have strong antimicrobial properties. In the South Pacific, it’s long been used by women to protect their skin from the harsh rays of the sun.
- Avocado Oil – This oil is often recommended for people with very dry skin.
- Sweet Almond Oil – This is also good for dry skin and for aging skin. Some people use it under the eyes, as a natural dark circle remover. However, it should probably be avoided by people with tree nut allergies.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils, unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
Photo Credit: Anna_Shepulova