What you Need to Know about Carrier Oils....(really good)

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Carrier OilsA carrier oil is basically the foundation for any salve, balm, oil mixture, or infused oil. Essential oils are combined into it for application or herbs can be infused in it as well. Carrier oils have their own properties that they can add to a herbal formula, so it is important to consider their charachteristics before use and purpose in a recipe. Even so, almost all are used in the same way, though special considerations may need to be made for an individual oil's properties…Most of these oils can be used for creams, lotions, balms, body butters, hair oils, lip balms, massage oils, etc for the body, and/or face…when some use is not suitable, I will try to be sure to note it…HOWEVER, be sure to research fully any use or compound that you are not familiar with, as quite a few of these I have only passing familiarity with…Lingo to know when when purchasing oils…Cold Pressed - A method of mechanical extraction where heat is reduced and minimized throughout the batching of the raw material. This helps the oil maintain its original state, constituents, and depth. Temperatures are rigorously controlled to insure that it does not exceed 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Although not a practical method of extraction for all vegetable oils on the market it is highly regarded as the extraction method of choice.Expeller Pressed - A method of natural, mechanical extraction and processing of oils where a small amount of heat is produced simply through the frictional heat created by hydraulic presses. This is usually around 120-200 degrees Fahrenheit and makes the oil suitable and economical as a base for cosmetics because of its fairly undisturbed molecular state. It also makes a fine food grade oil.Refined - A fully processed oil where it has been exposed to high temperatures as high as 450 degrees Fahrenheit, winterization as low as -10 degrees, deodorization (the removal of content which gives an oil its natural scent), and other forms of refinement that will alter its color, depth, and scent. This makes for an economical oil in cosmetics and body care products but it is not the healthiest as a food grade oil.Caveat emptor: Refined oils may also be extracted with the use of solvents, extracting mediums or other chemicals.Unrefined - A process of mechanical extraction and screen filtering where no additional refining process has taken place. This ensures the finest quality product and makes the oil the most exquisite for food and cosmetic preparation. The unrefined process helps oil retain a rich, strong flavor and color that is true to its natural state. Unrefined oils are always darker in color and richer in scent.Solvent Extracted - Unfortunately many of the oils offered on the market today, including commercial store varieties are extracted with the use of solvents. This method of extraction often involves high yields at a low cost, but the chemicals used as the extracting agent have severe environmental impacts and endanger the health and vitality of the final product.From http://www.botanical.com/products/bulkoil/bulkoil.html*denotes my favorite/most used oilsApricot Kernel Oil:http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/apric050.htmlShelf life: 6 months to a 1 yearColor/Odor: light yellowConsistency/Quality: light, absorbs easilyVitamin/Mineral Components: in oleic and linoleic acidsBest used for: mature skin, sensitive skin and skin that is inflamed, irritated or dry, awesome in massage oil mixes for babies and adultsCons: Should be refrigerated after openingUsage notes: Acceptable substitution for sweet almond oilMagickal Properties of Apricot: Water, Love, Aphrodisiac in nature.Avocado Oil:Shelf life: up to 1 yearColor/Odor: dark green if unrefined, light yellow and little odor (also fewer nutrients) if refinedConsistency/Quality: thick, penetrates easilyVitamin/Mineral Components: vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, Vitamin D, E, minerals, protein, lecithin and fatty acidsBest used for: dermal regeneration, dry or dehydrated skin, exzemaUsage notes: Blend with other oils at 10% otherwise it may overpower a blend.Magickal: Water, Love, Lust, BeautyBorage Seed Oil:Shelf life: 3-6 monthsColor/Odor: Consistency/Quality: richVitamin/Mineral Components: high in GLABest used for: skin rejuvenation for sun damaged skin Cons: EXPENSIVE, quickly goes rancidUsage notes: Use at 10%, should NOT be heatedCastor Oil:http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/casoil32.htmlShelf life: 12-14 monthsColor/Odor: strong, distinctive odorConsistency/Quality: thick with sticky textureVitamin/Mineral Components: fatty acids,Best used for: soothing, lubricating and attracting moisture to skin, as well as dry, brittle, damaged hair or hair lossMedicinal: effective laxative when taken internallyMisc: fresh leaves may have been used by nursing mothers in the Canary Islands as an external application, to increase the flow of milk.Coconut Oil (Fractionated):Shelf life: indefiniteColor/Odor: clear, odorlessConsistency/Quality: light, absorbs easilyVitamin/Mineral Components: Best used for: massage oil base, dry, itchy, sensitive skinPros: does not clog poresUsage notes: Substitute for sweet almond oil to avoid problems of a short shelf life.*Cocoa Butter:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoa_butterShelf life: 2-5 yearsColor/Odor: white/waxy to yellowish tan (refined vs. unrefined), smells like chocolate (refined has a lighter smell)Consistency/Quality: solid, melts at body tempBest used for: treatment and prevention of stretch marks if applied daily to the abdomen, breasts and thighsCons: Difficult to use at 100%Usage notes: Workable when blended.Emu Oil:Shelf life: 6-9 monthsColor/Odor: pale yellow or creamy white, no smellConsistency/Quality: Vitamin/Mineral Components: high level of linolenic acid and oleic acidBest used for: relief of burns, skin ailments, sore joints, muscles aches, etc; psoriasis, eczema, scarring, swelling, latex dermatitis, rhinitis, keliods, contact dermatitis, acne inflammation, radiation treatments, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, arthritis and bursitis, callused feet, tendonitis sprains, sports related injuries, chlorine irritation, tired muscles, razor burn and nicks, cracked, chapped skin, sunburn, diaper rash, minor cuts and scratches, bug bites, canker sores and cold sores, dry, irritated nasal passages, stretch marks, under-eye puffiness, age spots, wrinkles, cuticles and nails, suitable for both skin care and cosmeticsPros: good for everything—anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, encourages healing, stimulates skin, hair and nail growth, has a natural SPF, is a natural emollient and moisturizer, penetrates multiple layers of skin, is non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic, prevents and diminishes scarring/stretch marksCons: animal productUsage notes: Refrigerate to store longer than 3 months. Try emu oil, water and lavender essential oil in a spray bottle to heal wounds more quickly.Misc: Emu oil is rendered from a thick layer of fat on the back of the emu bird.Evening Primrose Oil:http://nccam.nih.gov/health/eveningprimrose/Shelf life: 3- 6 monthsColor/Odor: yellow Vitamin/Mineral Components: Best used for: eczema and other skin complaintsPros: anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidantUsage notes: Do not heat.*Grapeseed: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grape_seed_oilShelf life: 3-6 monthsColor/Odor: light green, sweet, light aromaConsistency/Quality: light texture, absorbs without feeling greasyVitamin/Mineral Components: contains vitamins, minerals, protein, GLA, vitamin A, C and EBest used for: Common massage oil; hair care products, lip balm, body creams, sunburn lotion, ok to use on acne-prone and oily skinPros: slightly astringent Magickal Properties for Grape: Water, Fertility, Garden magick, intuition, moneyMisc: Generally solvent extractedHemp Seed:Shelf life: 8 monthsColor/Odor: greenish, nutty odorConsistency/Quality: Vitamin/Mineral Components: anti-oxidants, complete protein, carotene, phytosterols, phospholipids, as well as a number of minerals including calcium, magnesium, sulfur, potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, and EBest used for: creams, lotions, facial or body oils, massage oils, shampoo, conditioner, shaving products, lip balm, soap, and any other productUsage notes: Will degrade in light/temp flux*Jojoba:Shelf life: over 1 yearColor/Odor: gold, faint odorConsistency/Quality: liquid wax, may solidify at low tempVitamin/Mineral Components: Best used for: anything for the skinMisc: Jojoba has a similar chemical makeup to the oil that our skin produces naturallyMeadowfoam Oil:Shelf life: 2-3 yearsColor/Odor: light yellow, noneConsistency/Quality: easily absorbedVitamin/Mineral Components:Best used for: Moisturizes the skin, rejuvenates and adds shine to hair, UV protection, reduces wrinkles and signs of aging; add to lotions and lip balmsUsage notes: Extremely stable, will extend shelf life of less stable ingredients, helps retain scentNeem:Shelf life: 10-12 monthsColor/Odor: strong odorConsistency/Quality: semi-solid in its natural stateVitamin/Mineral Components: Vitamin E, and essential fatty acidsBest used for: anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and anti-parasitic agent in toiletries, soap, toothpaste and skin/hair care productsPros: Usage notes: may need to be liquefied at a temperature exceeding 85 degrees.Medicinal: In toothpaste/mouth rinse neem helps relieve swollen and bleeding gums and kills the bacteria that cause gingivitis, in foot powder, neem oil will kill fungus and bacteria, DO NOT USE INTERNALLY WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE, DO NOT USE INTERNALLY IN CHILDREN OR PREGNANT/NURSING WOMENMisc: Mix with Castille Soap and water, spray onto infested plants as needed. The spray will suffocate soft bodied insects, and will repel other insects.*Olive Oil (Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive_oilhttp://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/o/olive-06.htmlShelf life: up to 1 yearColor/Odor: dark yellow-greenish, distinctive smellConsistency/Quality: heavyVitamin/Mineral Components: in minerals, vitamins, and proteins and essential fatty acids, especially alpha linolenic acidBest used for: dry skin, hair and nail conditioner, great in salves, and infusionsPros: reasonably priced, easy to findUsage notes: May overpower blend, Do not expose to extended periods of lightMagickal Correspondences (Olive Tree): abundance, balance, fertility, fidelity, fruitfulness, harmony, healing, hope, longevity, marriage, peace, potency, prosperity, rebirth, reconciliation, security, success, victory, Mercury, Sun, Moon, Aquarius, Aries, Leo, masculine, Athena, Minerva, ApolloMedicinal: effective laxativeMisc: used to make castile soap*Rose Hip Oil:Shelf life: 12-18 monthsColor/Odor: amber, strong odorConsistency/Quality: light, absorbs easilyVitamin/Mineral Components: in essential fatty acids, vitamins and mineralsBest used for: damaged skin where the regeneration of new skin cells is needed—such as burns, stretch marks and scarsPros: natural anti-oxidant properties and is slightly astringentCons: EXPENSIVE, goes rancid quickly, recommended to be refrigeratedUsage notes: 10% in mixture, or use in combination with calendula infused oil, not recommended for use on acne, or on very oily skinMagickal: Heart Chakra, love, secrecy, selflessness, beauty, Aphrodite*Sunflower Oil (high oleic):http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunflower_oilShelf life: 9-12 months (only if high oleic)Color/Odor: yellow Best used for: massage carrier oilPros: reasonably priced, easy to find, noncomedogenicMagickal: High spiritual vibrations, drenched with the energies of the Sun. Aids in clairvoyance. (Cunningham), assists meditation, protects from physical harm, can be sued to consecrate healing tools, success, Leo, Virgo, Apollo, DemeterMedicinal: Research suggests that pre-term infants with low birth weight can benefit from sunflower oil skin treatments. Infections decreased by 41% in infants that received a daily skin treatment of sunflower oil. (from wikipedia)Shea Butter:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_butterhttp://sheabutterblog.blogspot.com/http://www.thesheaproject.org/index.htmlShelf life: 12-18 months unrefinedColor/Odor: white or yellowishConsistency/Quality: solid,Best used for: lotions and crèmes, for dry, damaged and maturing skin, scars and stretch marks, eczema, burns, rashes, acne, chapped lips, variable UV sun protection up to SPF 6Usage notes: Similar to cocoa butterMedicinal: anti-inflammatory topical cream perhaps helpful in cases of arthritis, a possible nasal decongestant by applying it to the inside of the nostrilsSoybean Oilhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soybean#OilShelf life: 6-9 monthsVitamin/Mineral Components: vitamin E, lecithin, unsaturated fatty acidsBest used for: superb moisturizer, massage carrier oilPros: regenerative, anti-oxidizing and anti-inflammatory actionSesame Oil:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sesame_oilShelf life: 1 yearColor/Odor: yellow, distinctive odorConsistency/Quality: heavyVitamin/Mineral Components: vitamin B & E, protein, lecithin and mineralsBest used for: Eczema, Psoriasis, Blemishes, Stress, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Aching MusclesPros: natural sunscreen effect of SPF4Usage notes: Use in combination, will overpower mix. Keep stored away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness and nutrient value.Magickal: Gives hope to one who is sick, discouraged or lonely (Cunningham)Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil:Shelf life: 2-3 yearsColor/Odor: amber,Consistency/Quality: Vitamin/Mineral Components: vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, & K, oleic and linoleic acidsBest used for: acne, dermatitis, irritated or dry skin, eczema, skin ulcers, postpartum pigmentation, burns, scalds, cuts, and tissue regeneration, burnsCons: if not diluted, will stainUsage notes: will solidify at low temperaturesMedicinal: Reportedly, taken internally, it can help prevent gums from bleeding, recuperate mucous membranes, heal peptic and duodenal ulcers, aid urinary tract and cervical erosion, treat solar and cancer radiation injuries*Sweet Almond Oil:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almond#Almond_oilhttp://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/almon026.htmlShelf life: 6 months-1 yrColor/Odor: pale yellow, slightly nuttyConsistency/Quality: medium, absorbs easilyVitamin/Mineral Components: rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and EBest used for: dry, sensitive or irritated skin, to relieve itching, soreness and dryness…soothing, healing, lubricating, softening, revitalizing and nourishing…Pros: good all-purpose carrier oil to keep on hand and is moderately priced, can be found at most grocery storesCons: May stain clothing/sheets when used in massageUsage notes: Do not confuse this with Bitter Almond Essential Oil: it may cause prussic acid poisoning. Use an antioxidant when using sweet almond oil in anything you do not plan to use right away.Magickal Properties of Almond: Air, Money, Prosperity, Wisdom, Love overcoming obstacles, Artemis, Hecate, Zeus,Misc: Soap making– saponifies easily and yields a mild soap with good latherWalnut Oil:Shelf life: 3-6 months Color/Odor: light, nutty aromaConsistency/Quality: absorbs quicklyVitamin/Mineral Components: Best used for: massage/carrier oil baseCons: short shelf life, persons allergic to nuts might have reationUsage notes: BE CAREFUL OF ALLERGIESMagickal Correspondences (Walnut Tree): change, fertility, healing, inspiration, intentions, new perspective, protection, wealth, air/fire, Aphrodite, Artemis, Astarte, Diana, Rhea, Apollo, Jupiter, Zeus, Vishnu, Jupiter, Sun, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, weather magickWheatgerm:Shelf life: up to 1 yearColor/Odor: reddish-orange, strong odorConsistency/Quality: thick, heavy, stickyVitamin/Mineral Components: proteins, minerals, and vitamins A, D and EBest used for: adding SPARINGLY to massage blends for extending shelf lifePros: stimulate tissue regeneration and is often added to other oil blends because of its antioxidant propertiesCons: May cause individuals to become overly sensitive to compound.Usage notes: Use at 5-10%—Magickal Correspondences for specific trees is from Whispers from the Woods: The Lore and Magic of Trees by Sandra Kynes—the Magickal uses attributed to Cunningham are from his book, Magickal Herbalism (because I'm a dork, and about the only book I don't have by him is his Incense, Oils and Brews)