A carrier is an oil or a base such as a lotion or cream that can be blended with essential oil to allow safe use. Many aromatherapy companies now produce unscented lotion, bath and shampoo bases to which essential oils can be added to create a product of your choice.
Carrier oils are my preferred method of blending essential oils. These are plant/vegetable oils which are safe to use on the skin and can carry the essential oils into the skin. This also means you can use less of your essential oil which is always much more expensive than a carrier oil. Carrier oils also have their own benefits. For example, Sweet Almond Oil has a natural vitamin E which is very beneficial for the skin. When creating an oil blend it is recommended to ensure your carrier oil is the right type of oil for your skin and or concern. This will allow you to reap benefits from both the carrier and essential oil making your product doubly effective.
Storing oils
As a general rule, it is always best to store all oils in a cool dark place away from sunlight.
Essential oils should always be stored in dark glass bottles, and away from direct sunlight. Essential oils stored correctly can last for many years. The length of time will depend on the variety of oil and how the product is stored.
The time frame that carrier oils can be held for varies as per the type of oil, always follow the manufactures advice on how long the oil can be kept. It is also a good idea to make a note of the date when the seal on the bottle was opened and ensure the oil is used by the date of expiry provided by the manufacturer.
Once an essential oil is blended with a carrier oil, it needs to be used by the expiry date provided on the carrier oils labelling. Some oils such as rosehip preserve better when held in a fridge. Always label with the date you created your blend.
Are oils safe for children, pets & pregnant women?
There are essential oils which are safe to use. Always check if the particular oil you want to use is safe with a professional before using and obtain the correct dosage for the recipe you are creating. Some oils can be used in smaller doses, while others are not recommended at all.
Never use essential oils on a new-born baby. For using essential oils around or on pets always seek advice from a certified animal aroma therapist.
How to choose the right oil and where to start
Always ensure you have the botanical name of the essential oil you plan to purchase and check that it provides the benefits and qualities that you seek. This will ensure you purchase the correct oil for the purpose you require it for.
Many plants have different varieties within the same family and the common names of the plants and or oils can be the same. Knowing the botanical name of your oil will help ensure you do not purchase the wrong oil.
For example, there are many varieties of Lavender, Lavender Angustifolia will help with sleep-related issues while other varieties of Lavender can be stimulating and have the opposite effect.
Check that the oil you are purchasing is not labelled fragrance only, or blended. For full benefits, essential oils should be 100% pure, natural, and with no additives. Bottles should always be labelled clearly with the botanical name, safety data etc.
Check that the supplier is certified by the soil association, and registered with the Aromatherapy Trade Council.
If you can’t decide which oils to start with why not download our free eBook on the Top 5 essential oils every family should have. This book will guide you through the oils and comes with recipes for you to get started.
