Carrier Oils and their Role in Aromatherapy
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Carrier oils have a major role in aromatherapy. The oils are a necessity, and the aromatherapy process would not be possible without them. Essential oils cannot be used in aromatherapy until they are diluted in a carrier oil, because essential oils are to powerful to be used neat (undiluted). There are other carriers such as creams that may be useful in diluting essential oils, but carrier oils are the most common mediums due to their versatility. These oils provide the lubrication to allow hands to move freely over the skin while massaging instead of dragging. The lubrication provided by carrier oils also allows the essential oils to be carried into the body. The oils must be light and non sticky for the penetration to take place effectively.
Although many people may not realize it, carrier oils have a significant role in aromatherapy. The carrier oils are just as important as essential oils in aromatherapy. There are also many health benefits that may be associated with carrier oils. The carrier oils contain vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, which may soften and improve the condition of the skin. Some carrier oils may also be effective in treating irritated, and sensitive conditions of the skin. The skin conditions that may be improved by carrier oils include eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles, and scar tissue.
Carrier oils are also known as fixed oils because they do not evaporate. The oils may also be known as base oils and vegetable oils, because they are generally derived from nuts and seeds. However there are a few exceptions, such as coconut oil. A special process known as “copra” extracts oil from the white flesh. The jojoba coconut oil is extracted from the leathery-leaved shrub, and is defined as a liquid wax instead of oil. The carrier oils that are obtained from nuts and seeds are usually extracted using two methods.
The first method of oil extraction is known as “cold pressing,” which is restricted to small scale production due the high cost. In this process the nuts and seeds are placed in a horizontal press with a rotating screw that is known as an “expeller.” During this process the oil is squeezed out of the nuts and seeds. A certain amount of heat is produced during the cold pressing process due to friction, but the temperatures aren’t extremely high and cause little damage to the carrier oil. Oil is filtered after the cold pressing process, and is set to be sold to consumers.
Hot extraction is used for large-scale industrial production of carrier oils. The process is similar to cold pressing, but a great amount of heat is applied during the process. The high temperature increases the yield of oil, and temperatures often reach 200 degrees C. The extreme temperatures destroy the important vitamins and fatty acids. Waste products from the extraction methods are known as cake, and are often times re-processed using solvents to extract more carrier oils. The carrier oils are reheated, redefined, deodorized, and the color is bleached out. After this process, artificial color, preservatives, and vitamins are reintroduced into the carrier oil.
These carrier oils are unsuitable for use in aromatherapy, and are more suitable for cooking products. They are not useful in aromatherapy because of the vitamins, mineral, and fatty acids are destroyed during the hot extraction process. Cold pressed, carrier oils are best for aromatherapy treatments, and may help many individuals improve their skin, and other health problems. There are many refined and unrefined carrier oils that are available for consumer use. The most common oils that may be refined are unrefined include Avocado, wheat germ, and Coconut oils, which are available in either form.
If your interested in learning more about Aromatherapy have a look at Learn the Power of Aromatherapy
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