Essential Oils & Carrier Oils: A Simple Guide
When I first stumbled upon essential oils, I had no idea how seamlessly they could be woven into daily life - it’s easier than you think! For thousands of years, essential oils have been used to nurture the body and mind. Extracted from various plant parts - flowers, stems, roots, bark, and more - each essential oil brings its own unique benefits to the table.
Take Lavender essential oil, for example, it can help you to shake things up if you're feeling blue. Lavender essential oil, with its soothing, sweet floral aroma, can provide comfort and transport you to a place of peace and happiness. Beyond its delightful fragrance, Lavender is known for being incredibly versatile. It can help with depression, ease emotional stress, calm anxiety, promote restful sleep, and improve circulation. It's not a wonder it's a favorite of so many individuals.
I whipped up a blend of fractionated coconut oil and lavender (recipe below) and applied it to the bottoms of my feet to calm my nerves. I even had my husband give me a soothing neck and shoulder massage to release some built-up tension. And for those pesky tension headaches? A dab of lavender on my temples worked wonders!
But essential oils aren't just for personal care - they can help you take control of your home as well. Many oils, like lemon, peppermint, tea tree, and grapefruit, boast antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making them perfect for DIY cleaning solutions. Just imagine: fresh scents and fewer harsh chemicals!
Ready to Start Using Essential Oils? Here’s What to Know
If you're eager to dive into the world of essential oils, a little research goes a long way. High-quality oils are greaseless and pure, unlike lower-quality versions that can leave a sticky residue behind (often due to added vegetable oils or chemical solvents).
Invest in reputable brands, even if they’re a bit pricier as quality is key, and with proper storage, some essential oils can last for years.
Storing Your Essential Oils
First things first: your essential oils should come in dark brown or blue bottles to protect them from light. After using your oils, make sure the lids are tightly sealed to prevent evaporation. And when you’re making your own blends, invest in dark-colored bottles to store them.
The best place to store your oils is a cool, dark, and dry spot (like an inside closet where the temperature stays consistent - a pantry maybe). With the right care, your essential oils can last for years - although citrus oils tend to have shorter lifespans due to oxidation.
Performing a Patch Testing: Why It’s Important
If you're new to essential oils and unsure how they may react with your skin, it's important to perform a patch test before use.
To do this, mix 2 drops of essential oil with about 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil, then apply it to a small area of skin like your forearm or your inner elbow. Monitor the area for the next 1 to 2 hours for any signs of a reaction, which typically occurs within the first 5 to 10 minutes.
For best results, wait 48 hours before concluding the test. If no reaction occurs within that time, it’s likely that you don’t have a sensitivity or allergy to the oil, and it should be safe to use. If you do have a reaction you will signs of irritation, such as redness, itchiness, or inflammation. If irritation or discomfort develops, stop using the essential oil or adjust the amount of essential oil you put in the carrier oil.
Always check the label for proper usage instructions, and avoid applying essential oils to sensitive areas such as the eyes, ears, and mucous membranes.
"Neat" and "Hot" Essential Oils: Handle with Care
Some oils can be applied directly to the skin without dilution - this is called "using neat." Lavender is a favorite for this, but always do a patch test before going all in.
On the flip side, "hot" oils like cinnamon, clove, and peppermint can cause a burning sensation when applied to the skin. If you plan to use any of these, patch testing is a must!
Carrier Oils: Your Essential Oils' Best Friends
A common misconception is that diluting essential oils with a carrier oil weakens their effects. Not true! Carrier oils - made from nuts, seeds, fruits, and veggies - simply help the essential oil absorb into your skin, reduce irritation, and allow for easier application across larger areas.
When creating small blends (about 1 fluid ounce of carrier oil), you can add 10 to 12 drops of essential oil. If you’re making an even smaller batch, cut that in half. Some carrier oils to try:
- Sweet Almond Oil: Light, nutty scent. Moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, great for dry skin.
- Apricot Oil: Softens skin, ideal for dry or mature skin.
- Coconut Oil: Light coconut scent, excellent for moisturizing.
- Grapeseed Oil: Perfect for oily or sensitive skin, non-greasy.
- Rosehip Oil: Earthy scent, great for skin conditions and mature skin.
Get Curious and Explore
The world of essential oils is vast and exciting. Whether you’re looking to boost your mood, clean your home naturally, or whip up custom skincare, there’s an oil for that. Just remember to do your research, read the labels, and always ask a professional if you're unsure about usage - especially when pregnant or using oils on children.
With a little exploration, you’ll be amazed at the natural benefits these oils can bring into your life.
Lavender Massage Blend
This is a very quick and easy massage blend, and only two ingredients.
- Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil
- 4 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Fill a 2 ounce dark glass bottle almost full with the fractionated coconut oil then add the essential oil, shake to combine. You can add more lavender essential oil to this recipe. Starting with four drops and adding up to ten drops total.
