Blending essential oils.
Each essential oil has a variety of therapeutic properties. It has been shown over the years that the effect of a mix of essential oils is greater than the sum total of the individual oils. ie. 2 or more essential oils that work together they produce more of an effect than they do alone.
Carrier oils are the medium that, literally, carry the essential oil all over the body in a massage. Carrier oils will also slow down the evaporation rate of the essential oil and help transport the essential oil molecules all over the body to be gradually absorbed through the skin.
Carrier oils themselves are only absorbed into the surface layers of the skin because the molecules are too large to penetrate deeper.
The following is a list of the carrier oils that can be used.
Light Coconut oil.(cocos nucifera) Pressed from the flesh of the coconut. It is a non greasy and readily absorbed by the skin. Traditionally used for dry skin and especially for hair and scalp treatments.
Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera) From the seeds of grapes.
It is finely textured and is high in linoleic acid and contains some vitamin E. Smooth texture – good for body massage.
Sweet Almond oil (prunus amygdalis var. dulcis) From the SWEET almond nut.
Contains a high % of vitamins, A, B1, B2, B6 and mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Same texture as grapeseed oil. It’s a nut so check for nut allergies.
Evening Primrose (oenothera biennis) From the evening primrose flower seeds.
Contains linoleic acid and Gammo linoleic acid (GLA) which are both essential for the body but not made by it. The GLA is also known to reduce the symptoms of pre-menstrual tension. Useful for treating dry skin and useful for PMT.
Jojoba Bean (simmondsia chinensis) This is a liquid wax. It has a fine texture, same chemical structure as the skin’s own oil. Nourishing for the skin. It is a very stable, so it will keep well. This is the main carrier oil I would use when I do a massage at work.
Peach Kernel (prunus persica) From the stone or seed of peaches.
Similar to sweet almond. It is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 and B6. It keep’s well.
USE 1% to 2% of essential oils in your selected carrier oil (you can mix different carrier oils). 1 – 2 drops for every 100 drops of carrier oil.
100 drops of carrier oil is equivalent to 5 ml or 1 teaspoon.
So 2% would be 2 drops of essential oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil
I use 2% of essential oils (normally 3 essential oils) in jojoba liquid wax in my massage treatments.
For sick, weak, old or children use the 1% dilution.
The average shelf life of blended oils is short so make up small amounts – i.e. enough for you to use for a week or so.