Carriers are substances that are used to dilute essential oils in order to make them more applicable for use in aromatherapy. They don’t actually have any therapeutic properties of their own, but they do help your essential oil blend penetrate the skin better. Carriers are used in both herbal and essential oil recipes. They are usually liquids like water or oil. Carriers also come in solid forms like cedar chips, sugar, or salt. The best carrier for your specific needs will depend on the type of essential oil you are using. Here is a list of some common carriers and their uses:
Aloe Vera is a very popular carrier oil that is often used to dilute and preserve essential oils. It is a thick, gel-like substance that is also used topically to soothe irritated skin. Aloe Vera is often used in herbal recipes that are intended for external use, such as for skin care or as a massage oil. It is not recommended to use it as a carrier oil when making essential oil recipes. It is not a suitable carrier for internal use because it will not mix well with essential oils. As an example, you cannot use an essential oil recipe that includes lavender, chamomile, and bergamot essential oils and then add aloe Vera to it as a carrier oil.
Olive Oil is a thick, nutty-smelling liquid that is often used as a carrier oil. It is often used in herbal recipes that are intended for external use. It works well as a carrier oil in herbal recipes that are meant to be used topically, such as for massage or as a skin care product. It is not recommended to use it as a carrier oil when making essential oil recipes. It is not a suitable carrier for internal use because it will not mix well with essential oils. As an example, you cannot use an essential oil recipe that includes lavender, chamomile, and bergamot essential oils and then add olive oil to it as a carrier oil.
Coconut Oil is another thick, nutty-smelling liquid that is often used as a carrier oil. It is often used in herbal recipes that are intended for external use. It works well as a carrier oil in herbal recipes that are meant to be used topically, such as for massage or as a skin care product. It is not recommended to use it as a carrier oil when making essential oil recipes. It is not a suitable carrier for internal use because it will not mix well with essential oils. As an example, you cannot use an essential oil recipe that includes lavender, chamomile, and bergamot essential oils and then add coconut oil to it as a carrier oil.
Jojoba Oil is a liquid that is pressed from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It is often used as a carrier oil in herbal recipes that are intended for external use. It works well as a carrier oil in herbal recipes that are meant to be used topically, such as for massage or as a skin care product. It is not recommended to use it as a carrier oil when making essential oil recipes. It is not a suitable carrier for internal use because it will not mix well with essential oils. As an example, you cannot use an essential oil recipe that includes lavender, chamomile, and bergamot essential oils and then add jojoba oil to it as a carrier oil.
Sesame Oil is a thick, nutty-smelling liquid that is often used as a carrier oil. It is often used in herbal recipes that are intended for external use. It works well as a carrier oil in herbal recipes that are meant to be used topically, such as for massage or as a skin care product. It is not recommended to use it as a carrier oil when making essential oil recipes. It is not a suitable carrier for internal use because it will not mix well with essential oils. As an example, you cannot use an essential oil recipe that includes lavender, chamomile, and bergamot essential oils and then add sesame oil to it as a carrier oil.
Vegetable Oil is a thick, nutty-smelling liquid that is often used as a carrier oil. It is often used in herbal recipes that are intended for external use. It works well as a carrier oil in herbal recipes that are meant to be used topically, such as for massage or as a skin care product. It is not recommended to use it as a carrier oil when making essential oil recipes. It is not a suitable carrier for internal use because it will not mix well with essential oils. As an example, you cannot use an essential oil recipe that includes lavender, chamomile, and bergamot essential oils and then add vegetable oil to it as a carrier oil.
Carrier oils are substances used to dilute essential oils in order to make them more applicable for use in aromatherapy. They don’t actually have any therapeutic properties of their own, but they do help your essential oil blend penetrate the skin better. The best carrier for your specific needs will depend on the type of essential oil you are using. It is important to use a carrier oil that is compatible with your essential oil blend. It is recommended to do a small patch test to make sure that your chosen carrier oil is suitable for your needs. It is also advised to store your essential oil blend in a dark, cool place to prevent degradation and loss of essential oil properties.