Carrier Oils

You may or may not know much about oils, especially the difference between pure oils and carrier oils. Carrier oils derive from plants; they are the fatty, vegetable oils that you may know of by your interest in aromatherapy and essential oils. Pure oils are in fact, extremely harmful to the skin. That is why a carrier oil is needed.

Only a few drops of essential oil are needed to dilute the carrier oil and the concentrate aromatic. This step is essential because it allows the oil to be safer, thus you will be able to use it; this step ultimately allows you to get the most out of your aromatherapy and your oils.

There are many options when it comes to carrier oils so that you will have access to many different kinds. Because of this, the majority of the carrier oils out there can benefit you greatly.

In the world of carrier oils, there are three main categories: based, fixed and vegetable. Kelly's Health is here to help you understand these three categories and what these oils can do for you. Not all carrier oils are actually vegetable oil; however the majority of aromatherapy oils are best used with vegetable oil.

Do keep in mind that carrier oils are not scentless. In fact, some oils will have a light scent that is leftover from the plant. For example, a rose oil with contain a light scent of roses that you will be able to smell.

Carrier oils can also be rancid. If this is the case, the oil must be discarded immediately. You never want to use oils that are rancid--it means they are no longer good.

Remember, having the right carrier oil for your essential oil is very important. When you use the right carrier oils, you along with your oil will benefit.

Keeping Pure Essential Oils / Carrier Oils “Pure”

Having pure essential oils and carrier oils on hand is something a lot of people do if they appreciate the wonders of aromatherapy. However, how you store those oils is going to dictate how long those oils last while remaining pure and good.

Yes, pure essential oils and carrier oils CAN go bad. They will have a rancid odor that not only smells horrible but also the feel will be less than pleasant. In addition, rancid oil tends to have a lot of the nutrients dissolved or no longer present.

A recent study showed that many people are using rancid cooking oil simply because they do not know the difference. While it is not deadly, in most cases, to consume, it is not going to be healthy. When it comes to the pure essential oils and carrier oils we all use for aromatherapy, you will not be achieving the same positive effects from your choice of substances. Plus, it just smells gross!

So the question becomes, “How do we keep our pure essential oils and carrier oils ‘pure’”?

The first step is to insure the essential oils and carrier oils you purchase are not rancid to start with. Purchasing this oil can often be a hit and miss proposition, but there are ways to insure what you purchase is good from the start. One good indication is that you should not purchase oils that have a think layer of dust on them. This is a surefire sign that the oil has been on the shelf for too long.

When storing your pure essential oils or carrier oils, store in the refrigerator until needed. Yes, the oil may thicken, but you can warm slightly by allowing it to sit on a dark shelf away from the sun. Then when finished, replace in the refrigerator again for storage.

Exploring Carrier Oils

Derived from a plant, the fatty, vegetable oil that is often referred to as a carrier oil to those fond of aromatherapy and essential oils. Pure essential oils can be extremely hostile to our bodies, even on the outside acting as an irritant or even worse, and this is where the carrier oil comes into play!

A few drops of essential oil can be added to a carrier oil to dilute the concentrated aromatic. This is going to be beneficial because it will be safer for your usage while allowing you to get more from your aromatics or essential oils.

There are numerous types of carrier oils on the market today. The majority of the oils available will be a great benefit to you and your lifestyle promoting health and safety.

When it comes to carrier oils, there are generally three main types: vegetable, fixed, and based. Not all carrier oils are vegetable. For instance, emu oil and many fish oils are considered to be fixed/based oils. However, the majority of carrier oils used for aromatic reasons are best kept at vegetable oil.

It is important to keep in mind that some carrier oils will not be odorless. There are some of these carrier oils with light scents leftover from the plant. A carrier oil made from roses may have a faint scent of roses.

Believe it or not, carrier oil can go rancid. If you find one that has a strong smell, chances are bad it is rancid and should be discarded immediately. The rancidness will have a direct affect on how your aromatherapy affects you!

Having the right carrier oils for your essential oil is vital. With the right one, you will appreciate your essential oils for longer reaping the benefits of sweet or musty smells.

What type of carrier oils do you use? Why is that your choice?