THE BASE OILS

I list below the base oils that can be used for blending essential oils into for massage, or as a face or body oil. They all have different qualities and some can be used to help skin and other conditions.

BASE OIL APRICOT KERNEL Pale yellow in colour, Apricot Kernel contains some vitamins and is a good oil for general skin care, for ageing and sensitive skins.g SWEET ALMOND A pale yellow oil, light and soothing, good for general purpose use. The oil contains vitamins, minerals and proteins to help nourish the skin. Sweet almond is helpful for the after effects of sun and wind, for itching, soreness, dryness and inflammation of the skin. AVOCADO OIL The oil is unrefined, heavy, rich and dark green in colour. Use at a ratio of 25% in a blend, with other oil(s) making up the bulk of the mix. Add the avocado to the pot first, adding the lighter oil(s) to it. Avocado is good for dry skin conditions, for dehydrated skin and eczema. The oil contains vitamins A, B, D, protein and lecithin. CALENDULA Calendula oil is an orange colour and is made using macerated marigolds. It is very good for any skin condition, particularly for chapped, cracked skin. Add up to 25% to another oil, such as Sweet Almond. CARROT Carrot oil is a rich orange colour and contains vitamins A, C, B1, B2 and minerals. It is helpful for ageing skin, skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, itching, dryness, boils and ulcers. It is a rejuventating oil. EVENING PRIMROSE Rich in vitamin F, Evening Primrose is useful for dry, scaly skin and reported to be helpful for conditions such as PMT, the menopause, psoriasis, eczema and ageing skin. HYPERICUM (ST JOHN'S WORT) The oil contains St John's Wort and is a dark red colour. Use for general skin conditions, bruises and wounds. JOJOBA The oil is made from a desert plant. Jojoba is a penetrative oil, helpful for eczema and other skin conditions, such as acne. It leaves the skin feeling silky. Jojoba makes a nice face oil. MACADAMIA This oil is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium and magnesium. It is a good oil for mature or dry skins, being rapidly absorbed. It is a light oil and can be used as part of a blend. PEACH KERNEL OIL A fine, light regenerating oil with a nice texture that helps to cleanse and contract the pores and smooth wrinkles. SESAME Sesame is good for treating rheumaticism, arthritis, dry eczema, psoriasis and muscular problems. The oil is rich in vitamins A and E and has antioxidant properties. WHEATGERM The oil is deep, orange colour, rich in vitamin E. It is good for dry skin, eczema and psoriasis, for ageing skin. Add to a mix as a preservative, it is a natural antioxidant.