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Many suffer from Rosacea, with no solution working or working for long before the return of symptoms. It's debilitating, leaving our confidence shattered. While Rosacea is a chronic inflammation that affects the skin, the medical condition Eczema involves several issues with the skin barrier. The skin barriers' job is to protect us from external threats which include chemicals, systemic toxicity, infections and allergens. Unfortunately many times Rosacea treatments are used for Eczema and vice versa. Although these two have a few similar symptoms, they are two totally different health issues and must be treated specifically to one or the other. Rosacea may also lead to issues such as dry eyes, blurred vision and a tingling feeling. It can also leave one prone to anxiety and depression. Addressing each of these symptoms may help deal with the emotional turmoil of Rosacea. Unlike Rosacea, Eczema makes people more susceptible to skin infections and persistent dry and itchy skin. Will the same product that helps one’s Rosacea help other skin issues? I wish the answer were a simple "yes". However, it is going to depend on the individual, the skin disease (in this case, Eczema) and symptoms involved. More about Rosacea Rosacea primarily occurs in the center of the face, on and around the nose and cheeks. It has also shown up in other areas such as the ears, neck, and chest. If Rosacea is left untreated, it can become uncomfortable and more difficult to deal with. Eczema, on the other hand, will show up as a rash with itchy skin and the skin becomes thickened. Along with that, scaling, blistering, excoriation, a.k.a. dermatillomania (picking at skin) can also occur along dry and discolored skin. A Few More Common Symptoms Although the symptoms of Rosacea are common, as stated, they can vary from person to person and vary in the severity of it. It also seems to occur in cycles or what is called a ‘flare-up”. It can happen for several days, weeks or more then disappear, to only return later down the road. Common symptoms include worsening of facial redness, small, raised bumps that look similar to acne can occur (papules and pustules), visible broken or dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias), and possible skin thickening changes. How Is It Diagnosed Rosacea is diagnosed based on certain characteristics of the patient. Only a physician should diagnose whether you have Rosacea or facial flushing from other causes. The actual cause of Rosacea is unknown, so looking for certain characteristics can assist with diagnosing it. The characteristics that are looked for include immune disorders, a relative that had/has it, those that are blue-eyed, blonde hair and fair-skinned and if one is of Celtic or Scandinavian decent. It usually starts occurring between the ages of 30-50. Women are more often diagnosed with Rosacea than men. However, according to research, when it occurs in men, it seems to be a worse case scenario. How Can Aromatics Assist Both essential oils and carrier oils may help the various symptoms of Psoriasis. For Eczema, please refer to our article Fixed (Carrier) Oils and uses, under the carrier oil "Borage" and you will find a successful recipe for the related symptoms, a recipe for adults and one for children. It's with great joy that many clients have successfully used this and have been able to quit prescription medication. Will it work for you? As stated, with each individual, any solution, whether holistic , homeopathic, prescriptions drugs and more, how well it works depends on the individual. Another carrier oil that has been effective on both skin issues is Almond Prunus amygdalus var. dulci oil. Look to our article "Fixed (Carrier) Oils and Uses. For Psoriasis, I use the carrier oils Sea Buckthorn and Tamanu. Both are highly effective for most skin disorder symptoms. As to essential oils and Rosacea, Lavender Lavendula angustifolia has two major chemical components within it, Linalool (Linalol) and Linalyl acetate and has shown effective against Rosacea. Also the essential oils Sandalwood, Bergamot and other citrus oils. With citrus oils, caution using those that are phototoxic outside and under UV lighting. If you're looking for a luxurious lotion for the face, I've created our Luxury Facial Creme. To our surprise, two clients found it cleared their Rosacea. You'll find it in our product section. Final Note This short article does not cover full details about Rosacea. However, I’ve attached several excellent resources that go into more detail. Please remember, the same product that works for one, whatever the condition, symptoms or diagnosis, may not offer the same results for another. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rosacea/what-is/causes https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12174-rosacea https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29089180/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33170492/ https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/r/rosacea.html https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32623016/ https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/15/3/750 copyright by Rehne Burge

Making a nice creamy skincare product can be challenge when unsure how to approach it. That's why I'm here, to help (smiles). I’ve certainly had my failures. I finally have created a beautiful, skin soothing, loving body cream and I want to share it with you. When applying it to my skin, it took very little and when I first applied it, it felt a bit oily from the coconut oil. Then it quickly absorbed into my skin, leaving my skin feeling soft and beautiful. This cream made with coconut oil is anhydrous which simply means it contains no water. Most anhydrous products are formulated without a preservative since they contain no water. I chose to add a preservative simply because some people will dip wet or damp fingers into there cream, creating a possible bacteria breeding ground. The preservative will protect the product. Always start with sterile equipment. To avoid contaminating your cream, use clean dry fingers or dipping median when getting a dab from the jar. So here we go: Gather your ingredients together. · 4 ounces coconut oil · ½ ounce corn starch · ¼ teaspoon Boswellic acid powder · 1 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E (helps keep rancidity at bay but is Not a preservative) 1.4 ml Preservative Eco (1%. Do not go over 1.5%) · 1.5 ml skin friendly essential oils Gather your tools: · Small saucepan · Measuring cup · Electric mixer · Bowl to mix in · Small kitchen scale · Spatula Directions: Be sure to use a small kitchen scale for precise measurements, not a measuring cup. Weight of liquids vary slightly with temperature, altitude, chemical composition, etc. Add enough water to your pan to heat coconut oil. Place your coconut oil in the measuring cup and gently place in the saucepan to avoid splashing any water. Heat to melt oil. Do not boil water. Remove the measuring cup, making sure to wipe all water off the outside of it. Pour the oil in a small mixing bowl. Add the corn starch and Boswellic acid powder. Blend well Add your preservative when temperature is below 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit)* Add the vitamin E Mix well and place it in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Remove it from the freezer. Using your mixer, start whipping it and as it softens, add your essential oils. Use your spatula to keep the cream down in bowl as you mix. Mix ingredients which takes about 6-10 minutes. Place in jars and label. *Preservative effective range is pH3 to pH8. It is water soluble, so it can be used in water based products such as toners. copyright-Rehne Burge

Nurse practitioners are essential for ensuring great patient outcomes. When their body isn't at its best, it can become a detriment to their work. Interestingly, aromatherapy offers numerous advantages for those working in healthcare. Researchers from the University of Arizona (1) found that aromatherapy is proving successful at stress reduction. Occupational stress isn't atypical across nurse practitioners, but when it manifests, it can impede these professionals from providing effective and quality care. One reason that nurse practitioners are getting stressed is that they make up the shortfall of physicians across the country. A good example of this is Washington. A 2021 Nursing Education study found that 4 counties in Washington were among the top 15 counties in the nation with the highest primary care worker shortages. (2) In order to counter this shortfall, remote nurse practitioners in Washington are being utilized in different roles to provide urgent care treatment and front-line patient care. (3) These roles include being a family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, and a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner. As they become further stretched there is a need for stress relieving aids. And one such aid is an essential oil. Of course, the benefits of essential oils are wide-ranging. Lavender Lavendula angustifolia essential oil, in particular, has been known to decrease inflammation, encourage wound healing, relieve insomnia and more. If you are a nurse practitioner (or in any stressful job), read on to know more about the therapeutic benefits of lavender essential oil and why it's important to incorporate it into your routine. 1. It has anti-inflammatory properties Skin inflammation and burns are often painful and as such, they can be a distraction while working. Our post "A Glance at Eucalyptus Essential Oil" (4) mentions that eucalyptus oil can be used for fast pain relief due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Similarly, you can also use lavender essential oil on inflamed skin areas. Findings from a BMC Complimentary Medicine and Therapies study (5) explained that the liquid is potent, so a little goes a long way. Because of the potency of essential oils, experts advise diluting essential oil in order to protect the skin from any possible negative reactions. You can dilute the lavender essential oil or any essential oils with a carrier (fatty or lipid) oil which is made from various plants such as coconut, moringa, grapeseed or other carrier oil before applying it to the affected area. For more ideas on carrier oils, see your article "Fixed Carrier Oils and Uses". (6) 2. It promotes wound healing As a nurse practitioner, juggling multiple patient assessments and physical examinations in a day is common. However, dealing with pesky wounds on top of that can be uncomfortable. Thankfully, Lavender essential oil promotes wound healing. The oil can accelerate the repair of deep skin wounds. Similar to the last point, you'll have to dilute it prior to applying it to your wound. Depending on your wound's severity, you can gently massage the diluted oil onto the wound. An excellent carrier to consider for wound healing would be the Tamanu oil. 3. It can alleviate stress and anxiety Nurse practitioners can encounter a lot of difficulties in their occupation. For one, a packed schedule of counseling and interpreting diagnostic tests can tire your body and your mind. Similarly, navigating through high-stress situations can take a toll on your mental well-being. You'll need to stay focused and alert if you're tasked to offer urgent care treatment. Thankfully, lavender essential oil can alleviate stress to ensure you stay mindful about your tasks. When inhaled, the oil can influence the autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, and hypothalamus to achieve changes in blood pressure and heart rate. These changes, in a nutshell, can reduce stress. 4. It can relieve insomnia Working from home doesn't necessarily mean you have a better grasp of your daily sleep schedule. For example, taking too many shifts can disrupt your sleep and lead to insomnia. This is where lavender essential oil proves useful. Data published by Perspectives in Psychiatric Care (7) shares an experiment that nursing students participated in. Here, most students said that sleepiness and fatigue were reportedly the most common symptoms of their insomnia. So that being said, consider using lavender essential oil with a carrier oil in a roller ball on your wrists and neck to achieve a good night's rest. Alternatively, you can add it to an unscented lotion and apply to your chest and neck area. This way, you'll wake up well-rested and energized for your next shift. Dilution rates vary from oil to oil, and this depends on the age and health of user as well as any safety precautions of oil(s) used. For further information on dilution rates, please visit Tisserand Institute - Essential Oil Education You can Trust or seek advice from a Certified or Clinical Aromatherapist. For further information, visit the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) at Home | NAHA written exclusively for Aromatherapy by Soul Essentials Duo AROMATHERAPY FOR REDUCING HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED STRESS AMONG NURSES AND PATIENTS (arizona.edu) 4 Washington counties among top 15 with highest primary care worker shortages | State of Reform Wheel | Remote Nurse Practitioner Jobs Washington A Glance at Eucalyptus Essential Oil (soulessentialsduo.com) Anti-inflammatory effect of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) essential oil prepared during different plant phenophases on THP-1 macrophages | BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Full Text (biomedcentral.com) Fixed (Carrier) Oils and Uses (soulessentialsduo.com) (PDF) Determination the effects of lavender oil quality of sleep and fatigue of students (researchgate.net) copyright-Rehne Burge

There are two forms of sleep, REM or rapid eye movement which occurs when we are dreaming. And then there is NREM, non-rapid eye movement. Both are important to our health. (1) (2) REM occurs three or four times a night and can last anywhere from 5 minutes to over 1 hour. (3) Our respiratory and heart rate become irregular, and the brain waves become slow and high voltage. Insomnia or sleep issues can interfere with this process and play havoc on our health. Insomnia can simply occur over time or come on quickly due to stress, irregular work hours, medications or other issues. It can also be an occurrence due to an underlying cause or secondary cause to an underlying condition. Essential oil properties work in two ways, physically and emotionally. While calming the mind by reducing stress, tension and worry, they can also relieve pain and discomfort allowing the body and nerves to relax and let go of added tension and releasing the muscles. Essential Oils and Sleep Important Note: Whatever you choose for an oil, make sure that the oils you purchase are high quality. The only way to determine this is through GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) analysis reports. Any reputable company will have these available on site or available to you upon request. Although the oil may have a pleasant aroma, oils that have been synthetically enhanced lose their therapeutic value and raise concern for possible irritation, even diluted. Instructions for Using Essential Oils to Sleep Better Determine Your Preferred EO or EO Blend Prior to choosing your oils, review any safety concerns that may be associated with the oil. Although from nature, like poison ivy, not everything from nature dictates to safety. With a few preparations, you can use your essential oils safely. Next, choose aromas that appeal to your senses and personal preferences. There are many sedative oils to choose from. The list we’ve provided are only a few oils that have sedative properties. A smell that is not appealing to us can have the opposite effect if we aren’t enjoying the aroma. Top Sedative Essential Oils for Facilitating Sleep General Sleep Issues: · Bergamot Citrus bergamia · Chamomile (German) Marticaria chamomilla (Marticaria recutita) · Chamomile (Roman) Chamaemelum nobile, Anthemis nobilis · Clary Sage Salvia sclarea · Frankincense Boswellia carterii, sacra, or italicum · Jasmine Jasminum officinale · Lavender Lavendula angustifolia · Patchouli Pogostemon cablin · Sandalwood Santalum album · Spikenard Nardastachus jatamansi · Sweet Marjoram Origanum marjorana · Tangerine Citrus reticulata var. tangerine · Valerian Valeriana officinales var. angustifolium · Vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides · Ylang Ylang (extra, 2, 3 & complete) Cananga odorata var. genuina Nervous Tension Related Sleep Issues: · Balsam Fir Abies balsamea · Chamomile (Roman) Chamaemelum nobile, Anthemis nobilis · Clary Sage Salvia sclarea · Petitgrain (orange) Citrus aurantium var. amara · Mandarin Citrus reticulata var. mandarin · Sweet Orange Citrus sinensis · Tangerine Citrus reticulata var. tangerine · Vanilla Vanilla plantifolia · Ylang Ylang (extra, 2, 3 & complete) Cananga odorata var. genuina What You Will Need to Begin Blending essential oils requires: · Essential oils · Glass container or graduated cylinder · Glass mixing rod (avoid metal, plastic or wood) · PET jar or container · Carrier oils of choice or unscented lotion Items needed for soaking: · Essential oil or oil blend · Carrier oil(s) · Bathtub or Sitz tub · Water · Epsom salts or Pink Himalayan Sea salts Items needed for a massage oil: · Essential oil or oil blend · Carrier oil or unscented lotion Items needed for a spray: · Essential oil or oil blend · *Emulsifier · *Preservative · Water or Hydrosol · Glass spray bottle-atomizer or spritzer *Although essential oils can be anti-bacterial, when blended with an aqueous (water-based) product, bacteria will grow in a matter of days. If you choose to not add a preservative, place your container in the refrigerator. It will last up to about a week. If it becomes cloudy, your product has bacteria growing in it and is best tossed out. Since essential oils and water do not blend, the oil remains at the top of the water. If using as a room spray or linen spray, shake and spray and it will spread the essential oil molecules over the surface. Let dry before making your bed. They will evaporate, leaving no concern for irritation. Since essential oils are not recommended on the skin undiluted, if you are planning to use a body spray, an Emulsifier will blend your oils into your water-based product. Option without a Preservative There are many options for a preservative but here we will discuss the use of alcohol for a preservative. The correct alcohol not only can preserve your product, but it also works as a proper solubilizer and diluter for your essential oils. The type and amount of alcohol you use plays an important part. It must be 190 proof Ethanol (grain alcohol) for it to work. The other three types, methyl, propyl and butyl alcohol will not work. Let’s look at what ethanol alcohol is and how it works. Ethanol or grain alcohol is made of 2 carbon, 6 hydrogen and one oxygen atom (C2H6O). It is water soluble, volatile, and inflammable. Ethanol is made by fermentation and the distillation of starchy sugars, fruits, and grains. Ethanol is a simple chemical compound that is used in many products such as foods, alcohol, cosmetics, perfumes, and cleaning products. Because it is cidal, it’s capable if killing off living microorganisms and has also been used in medications for many, many years. Since it works as a preservative, it is not necessary to use an additional preservative. You can find ethanol alcohol such as Everclear at many retailers that sell alcohol. I’ve used the brand Diesel Grain Neutral Spirits which is also 190 proof. To make your product, your formula must be done correctly. This is where a small scale comes in handy. I use a small kitchen scale to weigh out formulas. Why weigh it? Weight of liquids vary slightly with temperature, altitude, chemical composition, etc. The alcohol content needs to be between 20-30%. When learning about formulating, I found it easiest to use 25%. 1 oz. (25%) ethanol alcohol 3 oz. (75%) water To add essential oils, you would subtract the percentage from your water only. The following is for a 2% product. To get 2% of 4 ounces, you would multiply .02 x 4 = 0.8% (72 drops essential oils). Then subtract 0.8 from 3.00 (water) = 2.92-ounces of water. 1 oz. ethanol alcohol 2.92 oz. water 0.08% essential oil(s) or 72 drops In the 4-ounce container, blend the ethanol alcohol and essential oils and let it sit for at least an hour. Once it’s ready, top it off with the 2.92 ounces of water. Your final product may be cloudy, and this is normal. Place your cap on and you are ready to use. Note: Some oils used externally can affect us internally, so caution is advised. Remember that diluting does not mean we are diminishing the effects of oils. The term refers to adding a carrier or fixed oil to protect the skin from components that are irritants to the skin. Deciding Which Method Works Best for You Since we are all unique, what works for one may not work for another. Soaking works for some. I know some women prefer not soaking in tubs. An alternative is a Sitz bath, which surprisingly relaxes the body and eases any local inflammation or irritation. Diffusion is a simple solution and may be enough to allow you a restful sleep. Along with beautiful ambient lighting, diffusion may be your perfect solution. Or you may be one to enjoy a relaxing massage. Whether done at home or at a salon, be sure that anyone that is present is aware of the effects of essential oils. They may find themselves dozing off to sleep as well! And there is nothing like a warm soak to relax the body. Whatever you choose, you’ll enjoy the beautiful emotionally supportive, relaxing abilities of your essential oils. Soaking In a Tub or Sitz Tub Since essential oils can be irritating, using the right method will protect your skin and you can enjoy as long of a relaxing soak as your mind and body desires and needs. There are many carrier oils you can consider. For a list and their actions, see my article on Carrier Oils and Therapeutic Actions”. Since there seems to be some confusion about using aloe Vera as a carrier, let me clarify your safe options. If you choose to use an aloe-based product, and if you are not wanting to use a preservative or emulsifier, choose “Aloe Vera jelly”. The jelly already contains thickeners, preservatives, chelators and polymers as well as aloe Vera leaf extract to create a thick stable jelly. Aloe gel, juice and liquid need a preservative. There is also a powder that is supposed to blend with water but this, again, is water-based and would require a preservative. Now, we are ready! In your glass container, add the following in order given: In your container, add ½ ounce chosen carrier oil. Option: To increase skin safety, you can add 1 teaspoon Vitamin E as an added antioxidant. No more is necessary. To your carrier, add 5-20 drops of prementioned choice of oils. Single oils work great alone. Start low with your first bath to find your threshold. You may find 5 drops relaxes you perfect so there would be no need to go beyond that. And although you may have heard that we can “get accustomed or used to” essential oils and they lose their effectiveness, this does not hold true. Dr. Jean Valnet wrote in The Practice of Aromatherapy that “we no more stop benefiting from essential oils than we would stop gaining nutrition from an organic apple”. Next, add your carrier oil/oils to the bath salts. Avoid adding essential oils directly to bath salts of any kind. The salts will not absorb the essential oil, leaving it to adhere to your skin and possible irritation. For children, consider an aromatic bath with herbs. In a quart of boiling water (turn off first), add a sachet or muslin bag with 250g or approximately 8 ounces of herbs/flowers such as chamomile, lavender, rose and/or herbs and medicinal ‘safe’ weeds/plants to infuse for 10-15 minutes. To avoid getting burnt, cool then add to the bath. For adults, you can double the ingredients. See our article on “Sitz Baths” to learn more about the options and benefits of Sitz baths, a popular healing method of application in Aromatherapy. Diffusing Essential Oils Essential oil diffusers are available at several locations, including Amazon and essential oil online companies. If you don’t have one handy, there are several other methods of diffusion available to you. A few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball by your pillow, an inhaler or an essential oil diffuser are a few ways to ‘diffuse’ the essential oils. Diffusing your essential oils before bed will begin your relaxation. If you have a timer on your diffuser, you could set it for your time limit, lulling you off to sleep. Diffusion is safest at 30-60 minutes on with about 10 minutes breaks. This is especially a safe method for children since they have not completely developed yet and are more susceptible than adults. Tisserand states that if diffusion is done at very low levels, say 1-2 drops in the diffuser, it is barely noticeable, at a safe level and you can run your diffuser for longer periods of time. Be aware of individual safety of oils. It’s not recommended to use oils with warnings of neurological concerns when over exposed. For children of 5 years old or less, direct inhalation should be avoided. Direct inhalation includes inhaling essential oils from the hands, a cotton ball, a nasal inhaler, a bowl of hot water or similar. Indirect or ambient inhalation is safe for young children and includes any method that vaporizes essential oils into the air”. Although this is a safe method of application, it excludes premature babies, and the health of the child, i.e., medications, asthma, etc. must be taken into account. (5) The diffusion method doesn’t erase the importance of the individual oil safety precautions. Some oils, no matter what method, is not safe for children or adults. For children, hydrosols work great. They have the same therapeutic properties, although milder and are safe for children and adults. Hydrosols can be diffused all night. Massage Gentle touch and beautiful smells can quietly erase worries, stress, emotional turmoil and relax our muscles, releasing tension and allowing us a deeper more relaxed sleep. Choose your essential oils and your carrier oil. You could consider using a carrier or fixed oil that compliments your skins needs. For example, Cranberry seed oil is cold-pressed and unrefined. It’s anti-inflammatory, used for healing skin infections, has antioxidants properties, moisturizing for the skin, skin protecting, culinary purposes, it changes its wonderful skin healing properties. Or you could go with Jojoba. Although a liquid wax, Jojoba protects the skin but allows it to breathe as well as healing and an antioxidant. Massage is an excellent way to relax before bed. You can create your own signature blend of massage oils to help induce a good night's sleep. You’ll just need to use a carrier oil or unscented lotion that is mixed with your favorite EO to prevent any potential irritation from applying undiluted essential oils to your skin. Spritz A spritz of essential oils from a sprayer is a nice way to get your sheets ready for bed and you ready to hit the sheets. Lightly scenting your bed will allow you to enjoy its fragrance overnight. You may find it best to spritz your bed a short time before bedtime to avoid lying on damp sheets. Create your spritz by filling up a spray bottle with water and adding a few drops of your essential oil or oil blend. Lightly shake the bottle to mix. Before spraying your bed nightly, you’ll also want to continue with the light shake to make sure that it stays evenly mixed. Step by Step Instructions for Blending Your Favorite Essential Oils Step 1: Ingredients Gather your choice of pre-mentioned essential oils. You’ll always blend your essential oils prior to adding to carriers, lotions or sprays. Mixing Oils Using a glass bowl or graduated cylinder, add your drops to your container; one oil at a time. Dependent on the essential oil, it has been known to eat through plastic. If you choose plastic, use PET plastic, safe for aromatic products. Most essential oil bottles come with an insert referred to as an orifice, that precisely drops the oil out. If by rare chance an orifice is not included, you can purchase them or a pipette, which also measure out drops. These can be purchased from most essential oil suppliers and on Amazon. Write Down Your Recipes Be sure to write down the correct amount of each oil used to create your special blend. You may find the perfect one while experimenting but later not remember exactly how you made it. Was it two drops of that or three of that one? Write it down. Storage of Your Blended Oil Pour your mixture in a glass bottle specifically made for essential oils to avoid oxidation and store in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration is best for oils containing d-limonene (citrus oils) and oils high in a-pinene. 60-65 degrees is optimal. The use of essential oils can be quite beneficial on their own and even more effective when used in conjunction with other sleep-inducing practices as the one's forthcoming in this article. Aromatic References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24395522 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24499013 https://www.semel.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/publications/13%20rem%20Hsieh%20Siegel%20Lai.pdf Robert Tisserand states, 2nd Ed. Essential Oil Safety, pg. 658/659 Dr. Jean Valnet, The Practice of Aromatherapy; 2011: Edited by R. Tisserand

by Alice Compton The use of essential oils in any aspect of healthcare can be a tricky subject. This is primarily because they are not, for lack of a better phrase, official medical treatments. The debate over essential oils as they relate to health is multi-faceted and complex, but the bottom line for a lot of people is that they are not FDA regulated. They should therefore not be treated as medicinal in the strictest terms. This does not, however, mean that essential oils can’t be put to use in a variety of scenarios. In fact, there are numerous situations in which nurses specifically are known to be open to the use and/or recommendation of essential oils with patients. This stems from the work of Jane Buckle, PhD, RN, who in the mid-'90s created the first clinical aromatherapy course for nurses and doctors throughout much of the U.S. This concept and course set the tone for what is now known as integrative medicine: the use of essential oils alongside conventional medicine in a safe and controlled manner, considering both oils' effects and patients' medicines and conditions. That is the foundational concept behind essential oils in nursing. To understand how the actual practice is performed despite a lack of FDA approval, one needs to recognize two key points. The first is that nurses have every right to recommend product and substances for the alleviation and/or management of symptoms. That is to say, a nurse can use aromatherapy and essential oils to help make a patient more comfortable, without equating the method with treatment of a condition. The latter would, at least from an ethical practice standpoint, require FDA approval. The former requires only understanding of essential oils’ benefits and of the condition of the patient in question. These points, however, are to be taken very seriously. Nurses combining these practices need to have comprehensive awareness of the possible effects of the oils at hand, as well as how they might react with patients' medications or conditions. A nurse without the proper knowledge and understanding in these regards can actually wind up causing additional, unnecessary harm. The second key point, meanwhile, is that we are also seeing nurses increasingly moving into specialty areas where the use of essential oils can be more welcome than it might be in some traditional hospital environments. Mostly because of the availability of online courses that allow practicing nurses to pursue online RN-to-BSN degree advancement, professionals in the field are finding it easier to pursue qualification in specific fields and settings. This is leading to more nurses in nursing homes, community centers, and home healthcare settings, to name a few examples. And incorporating something like essential oil is easier in these settings. As to how nurses incorporate essential oils in these and other settings, there are numerous possibilities. Stress Reduction This is a perfect example of how nurses can use essential oils for assistance, even if they can’t claim to use it for treatment in the strictest terms. Patients struggling with anxiety, fatigue, or other detriments to mental health cannot be medically treated or cured via essential oils. But a nurse can apply a number of different oils and aromatherapy practices to help instill a sense of calm and thereby alleviate symptoms when necessary. In some cases, a nurse may also pass on the knowledge of how this works, such that a patient gains the ability to use essential oils on his or her own when stress becomes overwhelming. Weight Loss Assistance The topic of aromatherapy and weight loss is one we’ve covered before, with the acknowledgement that this brand of therapy does not help patients to “shed pounds” in any direct sense. Unfortunately, there still aren’t reasonable shortcuts in that department! As we expressed though, essential oils can help patients who need to lose weight to manage some of the emotional highs and lows, and even versions of withdrawal that arise during the effort. In short, if a patient is working on losing weight, a nurse can help the process to be more comfortable through the use of these kinds of therapies. Relieving Pain & Discomfort This is a broad category, because nurses in all settings encounter patients with debilitating pain or discomfort. In these cases, essential oils and aromatherapy cannot be used to treat underlying causes, nor to “solve” the problem of pain, or rid the patient of it permanently. Used responsibly though, they can help to relieve pain and discomfort for short stretches of time — which particularly for chronically ill patients can be a godsend. Nurses using these methods should be very clear about which oils they’re using and why, and should be careful not to mistakenly irritate patients further. But with responsible use, these therapies can be instrumental in making patients in pain more comfortable. Energizing Patients This may actually be the most significant category, for two reasons. First is because there are numerous energizing essential oils and therapies that can be put to use, from peppermint to rosemary. And second, because there are countless kinds of patients for whom nurses might be interested in decreasing fatigue and boosting energy. Once again, the oils involved to not offer permanent solutions, but they can certainly be used to provide a pick-me-up to a patient struggling with a lack of energy due to a given condition, or even treatment. These are all areas in which nurses can practice integrative medicine, provided they have the aforementioned clarity regarding the potential ill effects and side effects of specific treatments. With this understanding, nurses can use aromatherapy effectively, and without overstepping the appropriate boundaries or these kinds of therapy. When using oils to supplement treatments rather than replace them, nurses can provide a lot of benefits that may otherwise be difficult to come by.

When making a room spray, body mists or perfume, in most cases to avoid bacterial growth, you would need a preservative, disperser, and a soluble. Using water alone will not work since water and oil are polar opposites, meaning they repel each other and will not blend. And once water is in a product, it becomes a bacteria breeding ground as well as other microorganisms. I wanted to give you the simplest way to accomplish this without trying to figure out which products to ensure your personal product is safe to use and most importantly, effective. And I know I am being repetitive but it is for your safety. We all like making our own home remedies but if those home remedies aren’t formulated correctly, instead of killing off the ‘bad’ microbes, your product becomes a breeding ground for the growth of microbes, defeating your purpose. Instead of killing off the bad germs, you are attributing to their growth. A preservative is a chemical substance that will slow down or prevent the growth of living microorganisms, which include not only bacteria but also mold and fungi that commonly contaminate products. There are many options for a preservative but here we will discuss the use of alcohol for a preservative. The correct alcohol not only can preserve your product, it also works as a proper solubilizer and diluter for your essential oils. The type and amount of alcohol you use plays an important part. It must be 190 proof Ethanol (grain alcohol) for it to work. The other three types, methyl, propyl and butyl alcohol will not work. Let’s look at what ethanol alcohol is and how it works. It is also used in many many medications, behind and over the counter and has been for many years. Above is the molecular structure of ethanol. Cool, huh!! Ethanol or grain alcohol is made of 2 carbon, 6 hydrogen and one oxygen atom. And that would be "C2H6O". Pretty simple. It is water soluble, volatile, and inflammable. Ethanol is made by fermentation and the distillation of starchy sugars, fruits, and grains. Ethanol is a simple chemical compound that is used in many products such as foods, alcohol, cosmetics, perfumes and cleaning products. Because it is cidal, it’s capable if killing off living microorganisms and has also been used in medications for many, many years. You can find ethanol alcohol such as Everclear at many retailers that sell alcohol. I’ve used the brand Diesel Grain Neutral Spirits which is also 190 proof. To make your product, your formula must be done correctly. This is where a small scale comes in handy. I use a small kitchen scale to weigh out formulas. Why weigh it? Weight of liquids vary slightly with temperature, altitude, chemical composition, etc. You’ll need to tare (balance) the scale to accommodate the weight of the container you are using. The alcohol content needs to be between 20-30%. When learning about formulating, I found it easiest to use 25%. With this in mind, we will be using 1-ounce (25%) of ethanol alcohol 3-ounces (75%) of water To add essential oils, you would subtract the percentage from your water only. The following is for a 2% product. To get 2% of 4 ounces, you would multiply .02 x 4 = 0.8% (72 drops essential oils). Then subtract 0.8 from 3.00 (water) = 2.92-ounces of water. 1 oz. ethanol alcohol 2.92 oz. water 0.08% essential oil(s) or 72 drops In the 4-ounce container, blend the ethanol alcohol and essential oils and let it sit for at least an hour. Once it’s ready, top it off with the 2.92 ounces of water. Your final product may be cloudy, and this is normal. Place your cap on and you are ready to use. If you are using citrus oils, be cautious if using topically on exposed areas in the sun and tanning beds. Keep safety of essential oils in mind when preparing your sprays/perfumes. If you make a product with ethanol and have more in mind than just personal use, be sure to check with state and federal guidelines. Thank you for taking time to read my article. Please leave comments. I appreciate you being here. Resource: https://tisserandinstitute.org/effective-use-alcohol-aromatic-blending/ Rehne Burge

I often speak of how useful Aloe Vera is. I have many old plants that I have used in self care for many years. With this in mind, I decided to gather and give more details of this remarkable plant. Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. There are around 250 species of this wonderful plant. Aloe is an evergreen perennial and originated from the Arabian Peninsula. It also grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world. It is raised for agricultural and medicinal uses. It grows outside but also grows successfully indoors as a potted plant. Aloe Vera has many medicinal benefits. The plant is used for both external and internal applications. My recommendation if using internally is to add to something pleasant as the taste is quite unpleasant. The lower leaf has many curative functions. The gel from the leaf is used to treat many skin ailments including dermatitis, burns and various other skin disorders. After having three large babies, I developed hemorrhoids. I had tried many ointments in an attempt to ease the inflammation and flair ups from hemorrhoids. None would heal them completely. However, when using fresh Aloe Vera from my plants, I have complete healing each time these flair ups occur. Ten studies were located. They suggest that oral administration of aloe Vera might be a useful adjunct for lowering blood glucose in diabetic patients as well as for reducing blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia. This study also concluded that aloe Vera, used as a topical application was not an effective preventative for radiation-induced injuries. (1). However, from my own personal experience of using this on my mother-in-law on a very moist personal area where she had severe radiation burns and after all prescription ointments failed to offer her any relief, the Aloe Vera healed her burns quickly. In a more recent study, radiation induced burns from treatment of acute radiation-induced Proctitis was treated with Aloe Vera. The study showed that Aloe Vera topical ointment was effective in prevention of symptoms of ARP in patients undergoing RT for pelvic cancers. (2) Furthermore, Aloe Vera has been shown to have therapeutic uses as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, and skin-protective and wound-healing. These uses have been attributed to the presence of many of the active compounds within the juice. These compounds include anthraquinones, anthrones, chromones, flavonoids, amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. (3) So, as we can see, Aloe Vera is useful for dermatitis, burns, hemorrhoids, radiation burns, lowering blood glucose levels. It’s shown to have several therapeutic properties including as an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral, wound healing and more. 1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10885091/ 2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32404169/ 3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31272819/ 4. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera

If anyone knows my history, I am so good at injuring myself. Certainly not bragging, but the truth is, it's a fact that I am a clutz. I can't recall if the broken toes or stitches across the forehead was last. Anyway, I've created the following and find such great healing relief from this blend. Stay injury free, but if it happens, you'll be ready for it. So let's get started. Depending on your injury, you'll either want rapid relief or long term healing. Carrier oils: These are used for rapid release. For injuries, I use either Tamanu, Trauma or or Hemp oil. They each have an ability to ease pain, inflammation, treat swelling and tissue damage, ease scarring and much more. There are many other carriers to choose from if these are not handy, although the healing ability may not be as effective. Balms or Salves: Use for slow, constant healing and release of essential oil constituents. This would be used for long term healing such as 4 times a day for 5-7 days. For adult, standard percentage used for pain and injury repair is 3%, keeping in mind the recommended maximum for each individual oil. To make a soft balm, leave out any butters or beeswax which gives a thicker consistency. A softer balm is nice for those tender injuries where pressure is not optimal. 50 ml carrier or combination of carrier oils. Do not measure your ingredients. Use a small kitchen scale for precise measurements. OR 25 ml Coconut oil (melt) 25 ml Hemp oil 0.03% Eco preservative * *Add your preservative and essential oils when temperature is below 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit)* Blend Notes 6 drops Bergamot Citrus Bergamia T 8 drops Black Pepper Piper nigrum M/B 14 drops Helichrysum Helichrysum italicum M/B 12 drops Copaiba balsam Copaifera officinalis B Directions: Blend well. Let your balm/salve cool. Use as needed. Overall Chemistry This is why I love this blend and why it works. It's about the chemistry. Bergamot: d-limonene 39.80 %, Linalyl acetate 26.42 %; linalool 14.54 % Black pepper: b-caryophyllene 18.89 %, d-limonene 17.12 %, a-pinene 13 % Helichrysum a-pinene 15.92 %, neryl acetate 13.25 %, y-curcumene 13.07 % Copaiba balsam: b-caryophyllene 26.75 %, a-caryophyllene 7.27 %, b-elemene 6.81% I hope you find these helpful in your healing process.

Please excuse the appearance of my copy of Tisserand and Youngs' 2nd Edition of Essential Oil Safety, 2014. I do pride myself in how I care for a book. I have since this picture repaired my precious book. It is in this condition out of much use and love. I rely on it daily and have for many years. It is the one book that started with my career as an Aromatherapist. It is the book that explained to me the importance of respect for oils and sustainability, the importance of having a basic knowledge of essential oil chemistry, the importance of safety, knowledge before use and so very much more. According to Tisserand, the book is based on reading 4,000 research papers over 25 years. It was obvious that some sort of guidelines needed to be set and although guidelines can change with emerging research, it gives us a basis for safe use of essential oils. I had the book for some time before taking my certification. With that, I found that a certification program alone was not enough, and I took the best Aromatherapy certification program. Going more in depth into the chemistry and safety as well as specific dilution rates of essential oils is a must in order to have the ability to blend with the safest most therapeutic efficiency that you can offer yourself and those you blend for. As a former college Instructor, I noticed that students tend to skip sections, hopping around looking for answers and missing key information. An example is on the first day I would hand out the textbooks to my students. When they returned the next day, I asked them what the first thing was they turned to and rarely if ever was it the “introduction” of the book. This is so relevant and even more so with the Essential Oil Safety book. A great deal of information is presented in the introduction. From the introduction, Tisserand clarifies that a great deal of online information can mislead us or confuse us. Much information is incorrect or important information needed to use your oils properly is left out. Tisserand continues with clarifying the importance of ensuring that oils you purchase have a botanical name accompanying the description as well as a knowledge of the composition of the oil. The introduction also clarifies that there is more than one way (application) to use your oils as well as other aromatics which can include absolutes, CO2's, and more. From Tisserand, "We live in a world replete with toxic substances, yet ‘hazard’ should not be confused with ‘risk’. An example is Acetaldehyde, a possible human carcinogen. It is an organic chemical compound which is one of the most important aldehydes, a chemical family found in some essential oils. Although this compound can be toxic, it depends on the percentage. In very low percentages, it is a natural compound found in many foods we eat such as ripe fruit, breads, coffee, and more and is not toxic. It is naturally produced by plants. This compound is also produced by partial oxidation of ethanol and contributes to that hangover after consuming too much alcohol. It is also produced by the partial oxidation of ethanol by the liver enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. Other ways we are exposed to it include air, water, land, or groundwater, as well smoke. "The presence of a toxic substance (hazard) is only problematic if exposure is sufficiently great (risk)." Many of the essential oils, herbal extracts also contain tiny amounts of single constituents that alone, and in high percentages are toxic, but the parent natural substance is not toxic. To refer to an easy reference of contraindications, turn to Appendix A. Why Appendix A? In Appendix A, you'll find Clinical Safety starting on page 655. Before using any essential oil, start here. This section addresses health and reaction concerns with essential oils including but not limited to interactions with various diseases, interactions with medications, importance of diluting, oral dosing, patch testing, Cancer treatment, pregnancy, etc. It also points you in the directions of various boxes that include oils to avoid during pregnancy, very young children and children in general, elderly, medication contraindications, concentrations suitable for children, and more. Next, let's look at dilution rates. Knowing dilution rates is important but the same dilution rate does not apply to all oils. Dilution does two things; 1) Slows the evaporation rate of your oil(s) allowing a higher percentage of penetrable components to enter the skin and 2) dilution protects the skin from possible irritation and/or sensitization. Dilution is dependent on many factors; safety per oil, the therapeutic action, site of application (total area), the individual, age, sensitivity (health and integrity of skin), the temperature of the skin. Before we go to the dilution charts, let’s look at the Essential oil profiles beginning on page 187. The book has provided 400 profiles. Before you dig in, read the “Information given in the profiles” to better understand the terms used. For example, the common name for Lavender is Lavender. The botanical name, not to be confused with Latin name, is Lavendula angustifolia. Why is this important? Many plants, including Lavender, have several species (Latin name). I often see Tea tree referred to as “melaleuca”. This is a partial Latin name which can be any number of oils including Tea tree, Cajeput, Niaouli, honey Myrtle. Continue to read through this section before digging into the profiles. Tab your page; make notes, highlight. We’re going to start at the very beginning with African Bluegrass on page 189. Don’t worry that this is not one you’ve used or are familiar with. Tisserand lists name, synonyms, botanical name and the family plant. The source of plants can be from leaves, grass, flowers, resin, roots. Next are the key constituents. These components are the molecular structure within the oil. The therapeutic use and safety are dependent on these constituents. The first constituent listed for African bluegrass is b-Myrcene which is found in this oil and many more. It is part of the chemical family Monoterpene and can be found on page 603. A monoterpene is a chemical family amongst others that apply to essential oils and in these chemical families is where you find the various components (constituents). Any given oil can have more than one chemical family and anywhere from 2-200 components within the oil. You’ll find b-myrcene in many oils you may be familiar with. A few are Rosemary, Hemp, Hop, Juniper Berry, African Bluegrass, Lemongrass, white Pine, Ravensara leaf, Frankincense Boswellia frereana, and many more. Not all will have the same percentage as it varies from oil to oil. After each component, Tisserand has listed the approximate percentage of each component within the oil. I say “approximate” because it will have a slight variation in percentage depending on where your oil comes from and batch to batch. Tisserand has given an average range for each constituent, with B-Myrcene in the African bluegrass ranging from 15.4-20.2%. STOP! I know you are tempted to look up each component under this oil but before you do, let’s discuss the rest of the information on the oil. The next topic under the oil is Safety Summary and dependent on oil and if it applies to that particular oil, you may find acute toxicity, potential hazards (i.e.; potentially carcinogenic), contraindications, maximum adult dosage, maximum dermal use levels, and safety advise. He will also list any regulatory guidelines that may apply, any organ-specific effects such as adverse skin reactions or reproductive toxicity and systemic effects. The components (constituents) of concern will be mentioned here as well. Components of essential oils is listed separately since they in themselves are where are safety concerns and therapeutic actions come from. Turning to page 603, we will find the pre-mentioned b-Myrcene. Under components you find notes, pharmacokinetics, adverse skin reactions, possible toxicity, in various areas including subacute, sub chronic, reproductive, mutagenicity and genotoxicity, etc. Although this all seems a bit confusing, at the end, Tisserands sums it up for us by noting that this is a non-irritating, non-toxic and non-allergenic and an antimutagenic component. However, if we turn to page 641 and review the component Thymol and the safety advise, this particular component or constituent is quite the opposite in that it is a skin irritant if not used at or lower than a 1% maximum, and in cosmetic products at a low 0.5%, keeping in mind that “maximum” is for adult, healthy, unopened skin. Internally, thymol has antiplatelet aggregation activity, and is cautioned when taking anticoagulant drugs, major surgery, childbirth, peptic ulcers, hemophilia or other bleeding disorders. Thymol and components that are high risk is why we cringe when we see oils being taken internally. Learning components therapeutic actions will help guide you in choosing your oils. You'll also discover that not all components penetrate the skin, some do but not well and others, such as b-myrcene, penetrate well and help support those that penetrate poorly such as b-caryophellane, by assisting them along and into the blood stream. B-caryophellane is praised for its amazing ability to combat pain but it couldn't do it or would give poor results without assistance. How cool is that!? Not only can b-myrcene offer support in penetration, others you can look to for this would include terpinene-4-ol and linalool (penetrates easily). Limonene does as well but in the sun or a tanning bed, it can cause photosensitization, which can be quite painful. Using it cautiously and with this in mind, it offers great penetration. These can be found on your GC/MS reports that should be provided with the oils you purchase. The next section I’d like you to turn to is page 649, General safety guidelines. Here we find “first aid, safety in health, and general safety measures. Mr. Tisserand explains the signs and symptoms of toxicity including local skin irritation, allergic reaction, and photosensitization, especially related no undiluted oils. This section gives sources where to report injuries. On page 650, box 15.1 gives you the suggested general first aid procedures to follow if injuries occur. This includes injuries from ingestion, inhalation, eye contact, and skin contact. Further down, he lists specific oils of concern and signs and symptoms to watch for. How can we avoid these injuries? On page 651 lists the guidelines to follow to prevent or manage adverse reactions. The next two pages lists three charts: Essential oils that present a high risk of acute toxicity and carcinogenicity, Essential oils that present a known or probably risk of acute toxicity if ingested by children of 6 years and this chart continues on page 653. We’ll stop there today and next I will discuss Clinical Safety and by the time we are done, this book will remain by your side as your best reference guide. Clinical Safety (pg. 655-660): This section starts with “Note: We advise checking the Safety Summary of individual essential oil profiles before using an essential oil”. Clinical safety is a list of clinical terms and definitions and includes terms such as “baths” and do’s and don’ts for oils and water, safety with children, childbirth, eyes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), patch testing, pregnancy, skin, sunlight/sunbeds, undiluted essential oils, vaporization and various other terms. This section is invaluable and brings to light many terms and concerns in the Aromatherapy world. Since oral dosing is a “hot” topic these days, I do want to take a moment and quote some of the oral dosing information that Mr. Tisserand provided. “Oral dosing is accompanied by an increased risk of toxic reaction because of the possibility of higher blood levels and the potential risk of overdosing. Oral dosing increases the risk of interactions with prescribed drugs and radiotherapy, and of adverse reactions in specific groups, such as those with porphyria, or in pregnant women. In order to avoid gastric irritation, orally ingested essential oils should be diluted in a suitable vehicle. In order to be effective, enterically coated capsules are needed in some cases, it is not recommended that anyone self-prescribe essential oils orally. Only practitioners permitted to do so according to the laws of their country of residence should prescribe essential oils for oral ingestion.” Tisserand, EO Safety, ED. 2007, pg. 658. An example is the illness IBS which occurs in the lower bowel; something I personally have dealt with. Enteric capsules can make it through our system to the lower bowel where they dissolve where regular capsules would not work since they dissolve before reaching the lower bowel. What carrier is used is also relevant. Again, it's wise to consult with an Aromatherapy Practitioner for internal use. Please review my article on my blog “Ingestion of Essential Oils-Cautiously Approached” for further information on ingestion and other applications of essential oils. If you do not have this great book, I hope that this has encouraged to get it. And if you have it but felt intimidated, I hope this has eased that. The next section is on page 665. Many times, I see the question “how do you know what the dilution rates are”? Turning to page 665. You will find conversion tables for essential oils. Of course, these are standard rates and will vary depending on the oil, age of client, any possible medications or health issues. To further understand dilution rates and much more, I highly recommend taking Robert Tisserands course on safety "The Essential Oil Master Class" offered through his website at https://tisserandinstitute.org. Along with his Masterclass are many other remarkable courses through his institution and presented by Mr. Tisserand as well as other remarkable people with various degrees of Aromatic knowledge. To learn more on the chemistry of essential oils, one of the best programs I've taken and enjoyed tremendously was Dr. Joy Bowles Chemistry Certification Program, Level 1 and I am planning on working on Level 2. It was a true new understanding to the workings of essential oils. Check out the course at https://tisserandinstitute.org/online-courses/ I’ve helped you work through several sections and now you are ready to take on this remarkable book. I hope you continue your journey into the world of Aromatherapy. Other remarkable books I've gathered and enjoyed through the years include: 1. The Practice of Aromatherapy, Dr. Jean Valnet 2. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Manuals, Sylla Sheppard-Hanger 3. CO2 Extracts in Aromatherapy, Madeleine Kerkhof 4. The Art of Aromatherapy, Robert Tisserand 5. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Gabriel Mojay 6. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Vol I-Foundations & Materia Medica, 3rd. Ed., Salvatore Battaglia 7. Harmonized Aromatherapy, Shanti Dechen 8. Clinical Aromatherapy, Jane Buckle 9. The Heart of Aromatherapy, Andrea Butje 10. The Aromatherapy beauty Guide, Danielle Sade 11. The Complete Book of Essential Oils, Valerie Ann Wormwood 12. Authentic Aromatherapy, Sharon Falsetto Resource: · 1. Tisserand and Young, 2007 2nd Edition Essential Oil Safety · 2. https://tisserandinstitute.org/online-courses/ · 3. https://www.soulessentialsduo.com/single-post/2017/10/02/Ingestion-of-Essential-Oils-Cautiously-Approached-by-Rehne-Burge-CA

This beautiful blend is so perfect to diffuse in the morning. You'll find it uplifting, emotionally and mentally supportive and an overall lovely blend to kick start the day with. Enjoy Grapefruit/Jasmine Delight Diffuser Blend 7 drops Grapefruit Citrus paradisi 2 drops Orange Citrus sinensis 2 drops Geranium Pelargonium roseum x asperum 1 drop Jasmine Jasminum grandiflorum #blends #essentialoil #grapefruit #aromatherapy

I have a love for this beautiful oil and hope I present it as it deserves. I'm going to cover what little I know about this remarkable plant and in turn, remarkable essential oil. Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Members of the genus dominate the tree flora of Australia, and include Eucalyptus regnans, the tallest known flowering plant on Earth. Eucalyptus has been used by the indigenous people of Australia for centuries to relieve everything from common aches and pains to cold and flu symptoms. There are more than 700 species of eucalyptus growing in the world with the vast majority grown in Australia. The Koala bear rarely drinks water-his water comes from the Koala's food, eucalyptus leaves. They must know something we didn’t know; how awesome eucalyptus is for us! Although indigenous to Australia, the Eucalyptus has spread to other countries. Some species can grow a mind-splintering 125 feet in just 3 years. The gum species Eucalyptus camaldulensis, can live from 500 to 1000 years. Eucalyptus are the third tallest trees in the world with the tallest species located in Tasmania’s Arve Valley. This species is nicknamed Centurion and stands at a mind blowing 326 feet (99.6m). The first production of Eucalyptus essential oil began in 1852 in Victoria, Australia and by the turn of the century, eucalyptus oil was being exported to many countries. Over the next 50 years the Australian industry became and continues to be the main eucalyptus oil supplier for all over the world. The oil is extracted by steam distillation that separates the essential oil from the dried eucalyptus leaves. The following chart is an example of some of the various species of Eucalyptus used for essential oils and the therapeutic actions of each species. I’ve also listed an average percentage of active components within each one. This does not cover all species of Eucalyptus. SOME SAFETY TIPS: There is no formal testing on dives. It is suggested that this oil be avoided by those that are pregnant, infants, and children. There is no formal testing on radiata. It is suggested that this oil be avoided by those that are pregnant, infants, and children. Avoid use on sensitive or damaged skin. You’ll find that I use the citriodora (lemon) often since this species is the safest choice for children and those that are pregnant. For those that are unaware, 9 drops of essential oil diluted in one ounce of a fatty or carrier oil represents a 1% dilution rate. We dilute essential oils for two specific reasons; to protect the skin from any possible skin irritations and because essential oils evaporate rather rapidly, the carrier oil “fixes” the essential oil, slowing down the evaporation rate. This allows more time for the absorbable components of the essential oil(s) to absorb through the skin. The suggested maximum dilution rates for citriodora are: 3-24 months no more than 0.5% or 4-5 drops per one ounce of carrier. For 2-6 years of age maximum of 2%, 6-15 years would be a maximum of 3% and 15+ no more than 5 %. Those that are pregnant should stay under 2% and avoid the first 3 months of pregnancy. The suggested maximum use for globulus and radiata are as follows: Use less than 0.5% for those less than 2 years of age. 2-6 years old, use less than 1%, 6 to 15 years old, the suggested maximum is 2% and 15+ is a maximum of 5%. And for those that are pregnant and beyond the first 3 months, a maximum of 2% is recommended. Below are a few ways that Eucalyptus can be instituted into your health routines. I’ve provided some blends. I hope you enjoy them. If so desired and keeping safety in mind, change the suggested Eucalyptus species I've chosen to one that suits your personal needs based on the above chart. 1. A Natural Cough Suppressant For over a century, people in the western hemisphere have been using eucalyptus to treat coughs and upper respiratory irritation. Most cough drops on the market today contain a small concentration of eucalyptus oil to scratch that tickling itch in your throat. Since we’re not Chemists and formulating for internal use requires intense schooling and safety, I do not recommend you use Eucalyptus internally. However, externally it still has powerful effects, especially in an inhaler or steam. The vapors produced by eucalyptus oil work to soothe irritated nerves in your respiratory tract and some components within the oil work as a numbing agent. The provided blend kicks out coughs and respiratory congestion. *Due to some of the constituents within Eucalyptus species, it is not recommended for internal use. Piperitone is an example of a constituent, that, when ingested can induce vomiting and diarrhea. (1) * Inhaler 1 blank inhaler 5 drops Eucalyptus Eucalyptus dives 5 drops Rosemary Rosmarinus ct. verbenone 5 drops Frankincense Boswellia carterii Directions: Blend your oils and add to one blank inhaler. Inhale as needed. Keep in mind “some safety tips” noted above for the species dives and adjust as needed. 2. Cold and Flu Symptom Relief One of the greatest benefits of eucalyptus oil is its function as an expectorant. Whether you are still suffering from the cold or flu or remnants of it, an expectorant will help to clear out the left behind mucous build up. An expectorant works to release sputum, phlegm and mucous from our airways. Dr. Jean Valnet speaks of how one must take a strong antibiotic “from three to upwards of twenty days and this would be for a feverish condition, straightforward bronchitis or simply nasal catarrh. The essences of eucalyptus would have dealt with such conditions in a matter of 24-48 hours-; 8 days at the most for the stubborn cases”. (2) For daytime or night relief, the following will open your airways to make breathing and sleeping more comfortable. The sweet marjoram, frankincense and vetiver will help you rest more peacefully since these oils also are calming and sedative to the CNS (central nervous system). Vetiver is also known for it’s support during grief or sadness, so it really puts you in a peaceful state of mind. Cold and Flu Symptom Relief Chest Rub 1-ounce unscented cream or carrier oil 3 drops Sweet Marjoram Origanum majorana 3 drops Frankincense Boswellia carterii 3 drops Eucalyptus Citriodora (lemon) 9 drops Vetiver Chrysopogon zizanioides or Ruh Khus Vetiveria zizanioides You can leave out the cream and use this blend to diffuse. Due to the Sweet Marjoram and Vetiver, this blend can produce a sedative effect. Diffusion is the safest method of application. However, for children 5 and under, direct diffusion would be a concern. Direct diffusion includes inhaling oils from hands, on a cotton ball, in a steam or the use of inhalers. (3) *To avoid possible neurological side effects, Robert Tisserand suggests diffusing at no more than 30-minute intervals, with at least 10-minute breaks. WE do not recommend diffusing all night. Diffusion is the safest method of application for children when using oils considered safe for children and following safety advice.* Alternatively, you can use Eucalyptus using a simple steam technique. Steams are a great way to open clogged passages and the respiratory system. Avoid oils that are hot or spicy oils, such as Nutmeg or Black Pepper. You’ll need a few supplies to prepare. Using no more than 1-2 drops, either alone or in the following blend. There is no need to use more than suggested amount to achieve end results. Heat a quart of water on the stove to boiling point BUT do not boil. We just want it hot. Transfer to a ceramic bowl. Add chosen oil/oils, close your eyes, cover head with a small towel and breathe in the steam. You can do this up to 10 or more minutes, taking breaks in between. Once the water cools, uncover and let it sit to cleanse the air. The following blend can also be used in a steam: 9 drops Eucalyptus Globulus or Radiata 5 drops Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia 1 Drops Lemon Citrus limon Directions: Using 1-2 drops (no more is needed or safe), you are now ready for your steam. Store your remaining blend in an amber glass bottle and a cool dark place to reserve the shelf life of the blend. A Side Note: If using citrus oils in steams, they should be kept at no more than 10-15% of the total blend. This will help to avoid any mucous membrane irritation. So, for example, if we are making a blend of 30 total drops, then we would use a maximum of 3-4 drops of citrus oil. This is a master blend; one I can store and use for more than one application. 3. Soothing and Healing Shampoo Shampoos and soaps made with eucalyptus are wonderful for stress relief and soothing sore muscles in your neck and shoulders. One way you can use eucalyptus essential oil to make your own hair and skin lotion. However, most are irritants so choosing a skin friend Eucalyptus is imperative to avoid irritation. The second thing to consider is the maximum percentage that can be topically used safely, yet effective. At 2% and above, Eucalyptus was irritating to various subjects. (4). Whenever using oils that have possible irritation to skin, keep it below the recommended maximum percentage and use along with skin friendly oils to help ease the possibility of irritation. For the following recipe, I’ve chosen Helichrysum for its cicatrisant (skin healing) properties and Patchouli for its wound healing properties and ability to ease scalp irritations. They compliment Eucalyptus nicely in skin blends including shampoos. Soothing Eucalyptus Shampoo 4 Ounces unscented shampoo 3 drops Eucalyptus Eucalyptus smithii 10 drops Patchouli Pogostemon cablin 5 drops Helichrysum Helichrysum italicum 4. Sinus and Allergies For sinus and bronchial infections, we go with Odorata. When 8 Eucalyptus essential oils were tested in a study, Eucalyptus odorata stood out amongst the others. The cytotoxic effect and the antiviral activity varied significantly within Eucalyptus species oils. E. odorata showed the strongest activity against several strains including S. aureus, H. influenzae, S. agalactiae and against all the tested fungal strains. For further details, see reference. (5) Used with other oils with similar properties can help ease symptoms and discomfort from sinus inflammation and swelling. 1 Inhaler 6 drops Eucalyptus Eucalyptus odorata 3 drops Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia 2 drops Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis ct. 1,8 cineole 3 drops Lavender Lavendula angustifolia *Safety Alert: Due to Eucalyptus and Rosemary and possible neurological effects, this inhaler is not for children under the age of 10 years old. Adjust as needed.* 5. Household Use Because of Eucalyptus globulus strong anti-bacterial actions and antimicrobial properties, it’s a good addition to your cleaning products. You can blend 1-2 drops into a tablespoon or so of pine oil then add to your water to wipe down your counters and mop your floors. It’s refreshing and keeps us healthy. *Caution though! If you have pets or small children, we discourage using essential oils in cleaning supplies since there respiratory and neurological systems are much gentler than ours.* 6. Insect Repellent Recently, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released a promising study of the use of lemon (citriodora) Eucalyptus oil in insect repellent products. (6) I’ve personally experienced its success in a blend. We had a wedding of 300 hundred in August in Louisiana, the land of mosquitoes. On our country property next to the mosquito loving lake, with the following blend, we danced into the night and not a single guest had concerns of mosquito bites. Since creating the following blend for the wedding, we’ve continued to use nothing else but this great blend and recipe for our outdoor times. And the best thing is it is safe to use for all ages. The Best Insect Repellent 2-ounce unscented lotion, cream or carrier oil 12 drops Patchouli Pogostemom cablin 6 drops Vanilla Oleoresin 6 drops Cedarwood Juniperus virginiana 6 Drops Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Citriodora (lemon) Directions: Apply to exposed skin to head off mosquitoes. Application last 4-6 hours. 7. Disinfectant The Aborigine tribes of Australia have historically used eucalyptus leaves to bind wounds and treat burns. Eucalyptus oil acts as a natural disinfectant in cleaning a wound or burned area of the skin. The oil has strong anti-microbial properties that prevent infections during recovery, and the anti-inflammatory properties ease pain and speed the healing process. Do not use it or any essential oil undiluted on the skin or on open wounds. Here, we show you how to use it effectively and safely during your healing process. Wound or Skin Healing Oil 2 ounces Forahana (Tamanu) Oil 5 drops Eucalyptus Eucalyptus odorata 10 drops Helichrysum Helichrysum italicum 5 drops Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia 10 drops Frankincense Boswellia sacra Directions: After wound has closed (scabbed over), apply to wound 3-4 times a day. *Never apply essential oils to an open wound.* 8. Soothing Cold Sores As an anti-inflammatory treatment, eucalyptus oil provides fast pain relief and reduces the swelling of cold sores. In fact, many cold sore balms on the market today include eucalyptus oil in their active ingredients for use on cold sores. Because of the tender mucous membranes that are exposed during a breakout of cold sores, we discourage making your own formula with Eucalyptus for this purpose and rely on one that has been formulated. 9. Aches and Pains/Arthritis We love Eucalyptus for aches and pains. Depending on the species you choose, you can help to combat sore muscles after exercise and ease arthritis related aches and pain in your hands, knees, or feet with some simple guidance. (7) Along with essential oils, removing inflammatory foods from your diet can help. Adding herbs, and fresh vegetables that combat inflammation can be an additional tool. Some suggestions are celery, turmeric, black pepper and other spices. The Arthritis Foundation lists foods that contribute to the inflammatory process. (8) Arthritic Symptom Relief 4-ounces unscented cream or carrier of choice 10 drops Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus 20 drops Engleman Spruce Picea engelmanii 30 drops Siberian Fir Abies sibirica 10 drops Hemp sativa Directions: Apply to inflamed area 3-4 times a day or as needed. Skin is more receptive to absorption of any topical products when it is clean, warm and dry. 10. Minor Dental Care Because we do not consider encouraging internal use, including in the mouth, we suggest Eucalyptus Hydrosol for your oral needs. Hydrosols are the waters left after distillation of the essential oils. They have strong therapeutic effects with a gentle approach. For children, pets and those sensitive, we recommend hydrosols. I use them daily for my personal needs as well. Orally, you can swish your mouth after brushing to freshen and protect breathe. When it comes to taking care of your teeth and freshening your breath, due to its antimicrobial properties and its function as an anti-inflammatory, hydrosol can soothe irritated gums and kill bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease. We recommend diluting your hydrosols with water at a 50/50 ratio before using. 11. Brain Boosting Because of the stimulating effects on the circulatory system and central nervous system, they are perfect for getting those brain waves going and preparing to take on mental tasks. (9) Unless you know everyone’s health, it is best to use a personal inhaler in public forums. Stimulating and Energizing Lotion 1-ounce unscented lotion 6 drops Eucalyptus Eucalyptus citriodora (lemon) 3 drops Rosemary ct. Rosmarinus verbenone Directions: Apply to chest and wrists. We’ve kept this at a safe 0.33% for topical use. To make an inhaler, use 10 drops of Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus and 5 drops of Rosemary ct. Rosmarinus verbenone. 12. Stimulating Immune Responses Several documented studies have shown that when exposed to eucalyptus oil, it can stimulate the immune system. This might drive development of a possible new family of immuno-regulatory agents. (10) 13. Mobile Air Conditioning When you know you are going to be outdoors in the heat for an extended period. Eucalyptus hydrosol is the perfect choice. Combined with peppermint hydrosol, you’ll cool right down and enjoy the therapeutic benefits offered by these beautiful hydrosols. Dilute your hydrosol with water by 50% for added protection to the skin. 14. Bath Salts For a soothing bath, add 2 drops of Eucalyptus citriodora to 2 tablespoon of jojoba oil or carrier of choice. Add your blended oils to one ounce of bath salts. Add one tablespoon to your bath. Not only will you breathe easier, but your sore muscles and tired feet will appreciate the pain-relieving soak. Overall, eucalyptus oil is an excellent oil that provides a myriad of health benefits to people every day, all over the world. It is truly remarkable and should top your “Gotta' have this oil” list. If you enjoyed what you read, please let me know by liking the post and sharing what you liked best in the Comments section below. Thank you kindly-Rehne Burge, C.A. Resources: Sheppard-Hanger, Sylla; The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual; Part III Phytochemical Index, Phellandrene, Pg. 519 Dr. Jean Valnet, The Practice of Aromatherapy; Pg. 57 Tisserand, R. and Young, R. (2007) Essential oil safety; A guide for health care professionals (2 Nd Ed.). NY: Churchill Livingston; Inhalation, pg. 658 Tisserand, R. and Young, R. (2007) Essential oil safety; A guide for health care professionals (2 Nd Ed.). NY: Churchill Livingston; Eucalyptus (cineole-rich), pgs.; 273-274 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22742534 https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/the-pre-travel-consultation/protection-against-mosquitoes-ticks-other-arthropods https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3703330/ https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/foods-to-avoid-limit/food-ingredients-and-inflammation.php https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Eucalyptus+essential+oil+immune+response Additional Resource https://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/WfHC/Eucalyptus-camaldulensis/index.html #scar #essentialoil #blends #safety

What’s a Carrier Oil and Why Do I Need one? By Rehne Burge We love our essential oils. However, many, if not most, have components within them that can irritate, even burn, your skin. Simply put, although therapeutically valuable, essential oils are irritants on the skin. Carrier oils, also referred to as lipid or fatty oils, are used in conjunction with essential oils in Aromatherapy. They are blended with the essential oils to a safe topical level to protect the skin. The percentage of blending is based on the safety guidelines of each essential oil. Our skin is most receptive to these oils when it is warm and damp. You can also use a hydrosol to moisten the skin. So many great ones include Beautyberry, Rosemary, Neroli, Spearmint and more. Carrier oils do not moisten the skin themselves. When applied, they block the moisture in the skin, keeping the skin from drying out. If applying after a shower, our skin is receptive, allowing a faster absorption rate. Absorption rates vary, depending on which carrier you use. Carrier oils are also ingestible and often used in cooking and food preparation. An example is olive oil. They do not have the safety concerns that come with essential oils. They are non-volatile, the opposite of essential oils. A volatile organic compound (VOC) is defined by the EPA as “any compound of carbon” and includes essential oils. Although few essential oils constituents have been implemented, long term exposure to moderate mixtures of terpenes entails possible health risks. (1) Many carriers have remarkable therapeutic properties externally and internally. Not only do they keep our skin safe when using essential oils, they also enhance the therapeutic effect of essential oils on the skin. Should I buy Refined or Unrefined carrier oils? Carrier oils can be purchased unrefined or refined. This defines the amount of processing the oil will go through. Unrefined oils are the most sought for carrier oils. There is minimal processing involved which ensures a higher quality oil rich in nutrients. Unrefined gives the true color and flavor of the oil as well as the aroma. The downfall to unrefined oils is often they are less stable than refined oils. This means that your oil will go rancid more quickly. This could shorten the shelf life of the final product you make. The shelf life is based on the ingredients in your product. The ingredient with the shortest shelf life, be it essential oils or the carriers, will be the shelf life of the product. Some oils that are unrefined carry a strong color or smell (ex.: Avocado, Neem) and overpowers other ingredients including essential oils when blended. Some don’t care for the strong aroma. Unrefined Shea butter has a very distinctive aroma that some people like and some don’t care for. It’s unique to the individual, as is essential oils. Because of the further processing that refined oils go through, there are fewer active compounds in the oil than unrefined oils. The further processing removes and damages some therapeutic compounds. I’ve found that refined oils are often less expensive, and they have a longer shelf life. When deciding to purchase your carrier oils, look for cold-pressed, expeller-pressed, unrefined or virgin oil. These are the least processed oils. Depending on what you plan to use your oils for will have a bearing on your decision. Unrefined is the best for therapeutically effective facial products. Unrefined oils can be used for overall body products. “While the chemical composition of vegetable butters and oils has been studied in detail, there is limited knowledge about their mechanisms of action after application on the skin. To understand their dermal effects better, 27 clinical studies evaluating 17 vegetable oils (almond, argan, avocado, borage, coconut, evening primrose, kukui, marula, mustard, neem, olive, rapeseed, sacha inchi, safflower, shea butter, soybean and sunflower oils) were reviewed in this research. The reviewed studies focused on non-affected skin, infant skin, psoriasis, xerosis, UVB-induced erythema, atopic dermatitis, molluscum contagiosum, tungiasis, scars, striae and striae gravidarum. We conclude that in inflammation-affected skin, vegetable oils with a high content of oleic acid, together with the lack of or a low linoleic acid content, may cause additional structural damage of the stratum corneum, while oils high in linoleic acid and saturated fatty acids may express positive effects. Non-affected skin, in contrast, may not react negatively to oils high in oleic acid. However, the frequency and duration of an oil's use must be considered an important factor that may accelerate or enhance the negative effects on the skin's structural integrity.“ (26) When using essential oils in my products, I want the aroma of the oils to be dominant. In this case, it is best to use refined carrier oils as the aroma is less dominant. Let’s review some carrier oils. There are many others, but these are some of my top picks. 1. Allanblackia floribunda Butter The Allanblackia butter is a genus of flowering plant in the Clusiaceae family. Allanblackia seed oil contains on average of 52-58% stearic acid, 39-45% oleic acid and 2-3% palmitic acid. There are five species. It has similar characteristics to Shea butter, and meets the stringent outlines set by the cosmetic industry. The heated oil extracted from the seeds is used as a liniment to treat rheumatism, rubbed into sore joints, or dabbed on wounds and rashes. (2) The butter can be used alone or in products. Internally, it's been used in Africa to treat hypertension. Try the following blend with anti-inflammatory and analgesic essential oils known to be effective of joint and muscle pain. This butter is used best for inflammatory issues. Pain Relief One-ounce Allanblackia butter 6 drops of Siberian Fir Abies sibirica 3 drops of Juniper Berry Juniperus communis 2 drops of Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus 4 drops Lavender Lavendula angustifolia Blend your essential oils. Add the oils to the butter and mix well. Apply to achy joints 3-4 times a day. Store in closed glass container. 2. Almond Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis Oil Almond oil, known as Sweet Almond, is cold pressed, subsequently refined then mixed with a soft Shea stearine. It assists with protecting the moisture of the dermis. (3) Almond oil contains minerals and vitamins including A, B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E. Sweet Almond is an emollient and has sclerosant properties. Based on research, it’s shown to ease itching from dry skin, smooth and rejuvenate the skin, as well as treat psoriasis and eczema. (4) Almond is especially effective on dry, aging skin. Wonderful on burns and inflammation. I find this works best as a base oil. Try in the following recipe with sweet almond at 40% and Black Currant oil at 60%. Or use the carrier of your choice. Skin Healing Oil One-Ounce Carrier oil 6 drops Carrot seed oil 3 drops Bergamot Citrus bergamia 6 drops Palmarosa Cymbopogon martini var. motia 6 drops Cedarwood Juniperus virginiana 3 drops Ho Wood Cinnamomun camphora ct linalol Directions: Blend and apply as needed. 3. Aloe Vera With several types of Aloe vera available, using what is not water based is important since, as we know, water and oil do not mix. The aloe leaf extracts that do not blend are Aloe gel, jelly, juice or liquid. None of these work as a carrier "oil" for blending with essential oils for bath water. These will simply separate in the bath water, risking skin irritation. However, if using for the application on the skin, Aloe Vera Jelly with added thickeners and preservatives, may be used with proper dilution rates per the essential oil(s) you use. Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. There are around 250 species of this wonderful healing plant. Aloe is an evergreen perennial and originated from the Arabian Peninsula. It also grow wild in tropical, semi-tropical and arid climates around the world. It is raised for agricultural and medicinal uses. It grows outside but also grows successfully indoors as a potted plant. Here on our property, we grow several species of this beautiful plant. The plant is used for both internal and external applications. The taste is quite unpleasant. My recommendation is if using it internally, add to juice or to lessen the taste. The lower part of the leaf has many curative functions. The gel from the leaf is used to treat many skin ailments including but not limited to dermatitis, burns and various other skin disorders. After having three big babies naturally, I developed hemorrhoids. At that time, choices of ointments were limited and did not ease the inflammation and flair ups nor heal them completely. Thankfully at the time, I had my first Aloe Vera plant and applied it liberally several times and day and was able to get my hemorrhoids under control. I continue to use this plant for that and other issues. I located ten studies on Aloe Vera. Some studies have shown that aloe vera might be a useful adjunct for lowering blood glucose in diabetic patients as we as reducing blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia. One study concluded that Aloe Vera, used as a topical application was not an effective preservative for radiation-induced injuries. (28) However, from my own personal experience of using this on a relative on a very moist personal area where she had severe radiation burns, and after trying prescriptions gels and such failed, the aloe healed her burns quickly. In a more recent study, radiation-induced Proctitis was treated with Aloe. The study showed that Aloe vera topical ointment was effective in prevention of symptoms of ARP in patients undergoing RT for pelvic cancers. (29) The therapeutic uses include as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, wound healing and as a skin protector. These uses have attributed to the presence of many active compounds within the juice. These compounds include anthraquinones, anthrones, chromones, flavonoids, amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. (30). 4. Apricot Prunus armeniaca Kernel Oil Apricot kernel oil is cold pressed from the seeds of apricots. This carrier oil is a favorite of massage therapists, due to its fast absorption rate and many therapeutic properties. Its therapeutic properties include gentleness on inflamed, aging or sensitive skin. It absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling moisturized and silky smooth. When taken internally, it can help reduce cholesterol levels and help lower hypertension. (5) The main constituents within the oil are Linoleic acid between 21.9% – 31.6%, Oleic acid between 62.1% – 71.8%, Palmitoleic acid between 0.4% – 0.8% and Palmitic acid around 4.6% – 7.6%. Apricot kernel has a suppressive action on 5alpha-Androst-16-en-3-one generated by microbial metabolism. What does this mean? Androsterone was the first human sex pheromone to be identified by researchers. It is found in many mammals, and in humans it is primarily found in sweat and can lead to unpleasant odors, especially in women. Apricot kernel was identified as one of the carriers to suppress androsterone. With this discovery, it would be an excellent addition to women’s deodorant products or used alone. (6) Apricot kernel can also be used alone or in facial blends. Helichrysum and Frankincense essential oils are cicatrisant (skin healers) and work perfect in a facial serum. Try using Apricot as a base oil at 10-50%. This blends nicely with Grape seed oil. Try the following to soothe your skin. Blend and apply on clean, dry skin. One-ounce Apricot Kernel CP (Cold pressed) oil 10 drops Helichrysum Italicum (Corsica) 5 drops Frankincense Boswellia sacra *See “additional resources” below for research on the effects of Amygdaline from Apricot Kernel on transplanted tumors in mice.* 5. Argan Prunis amygdalus var. dulcis Oil Argan oil is cold pressed from the pits or kernels found in the fruit of a tree endemic to the calcareous semidesert Sou’s valley of southwestern Morocco. The oil produced is a beautiful light golden yellow. This is a wonderful carrier oil with many therapeutic benefits. Argan has shown the following therapeutic properties: Anti-inflammatory, barrier repair, relieves itchy dry skin, reduce tiny veins, wound healing and possibly effective on skin cancer. (7) Argan is rich in protein and contain glucosides as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E. It has similar qualities to Sweet Almond in that it is great on all skin types, especially those prone to eczema or those with sensitive skin. I’ve used it successfully with Bergamot citrus bergamia essential oil in skin irritant formulas. It goes well with Cedarwood Juniperus virginiana essential oil for itchy, dry scalp. Although Argan has an average absorption rate, it leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. Aside from topical, the benefits of ingesting Argan oil are quite remarkable. In a controlled clinical study, ingesting Argan oil showed the effectiveness on knee Osteoarthritis symptoms. (8) *Unrefined carrier oils have a stronger fragrance than refined carrier oils. * 6. Arnica Arnica montana Oil Arnica is an herbal tincture and is often applied externally on unbroken skin to treat sore muscles and joints as well as bruising, sprains and strains. Try making a salve for arthritic conditions. Arnica is a rubefacient meaning that it does it’s work by bringing more blood to the injured area causing a slight irritation. This is a normal reaction and part of the increasing healing process. However, Arnica has a high adverse reaction, especially with sensitive skin and is best used as a base oil. You can prepare it yourself or purchase Arnica oil. This is my favorite way of using Arnica. Arnica Salve with Plai 1/2 cup dried arnica (or purchase Arnica) 1 cup oil (olive oil works great) 1 oz. Beeswax 60 drops Plai Zingiber cassumunar 40 drops Balsam Fir Abies balsamea 10 drops Hemlock Tsuga canadensis 10 Norway Pine Pinus resinosa 10 Engleman Spruce Picea engelmanii Directions: If you choose to make your own infused arnica, follow the infusing arnica steps. Prepare an arnica infused oil. This involves covering the arnica with oil and allowing it to infuse. This can take 30 minutes to 6 weeks depending on the method you choose. Once you have your arnica infused oil, place the 1 cup of arnica oil into a small saucepan and add 1 oz. of beeswax. Heat over low until the beeswax is melted. Stir to fully incorporate. Remove from heat and add essential oils. Transfer your salve to a container of your choosing; mason jars work great. Allow salve to cool before covering with a lid. To Use: Apply arnica salve to the affected area and massage into the skin. Remember arnica should not be used on open skin. 7. Avocado Persea Americana Oil Avocado oil is an edible oil pressed from the fruit of the Persea Americana. Avocado oil is cold pressed from the flesh of avocados. Avocado oil contains minerals and vitamins A, B1, B2, B5 (Pantothenic acid), D, and E. Avocado also contains protein, lecithin and fatty acids and is high in gamma linoleic acid. Avocado has shown wound healing properties and possible anti-inflammatory properties. Avocado is a skin penetrator through the upper layers of skin. It smooths dry, damaged skin, eases eczema and improves elasticity of the skin. It works well as a 10% additive to other carrier oils. (5) (9) As noted above, Avocado oil is one of the oils with a stronger aroma. Although not unpleasant, it will dominate the aroma of your essential oils. Despite this, the therapeutic effect of the following blend is smoothing and healing to the skin. Avocado works well with other carrier oils. Dry Skin Relief One-Ounce Avocado oil 4 drops Helichrysum Helichrysum italicum 4 drops Roman Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile 4 Patchouli Pogostemom cabin Directions: After cleansing and drying skin, apply as needed. 8. Babassu Orbygnia speciosa Oil This tree is native to Brazil, Indonesia and Malaysia. Babassu oil, also sometimes called babassu wax, is a creamy white solid when kept cool and turns into a pale-yellow liquid at 76 degrees F./24 degrees C. Babassu acts as an emollient and anti-microbial agent. It is obtained by cold-pressing the Babassu nuts. It contains lauric acid which offers anti-microbial actions. When it in contact with the body, it melts immediately. It provides a shiny, soft and smooth feeling to the skin. Although it has an average absorption rate, it leaves your skin feeling so lovely. Moreover, the melting process is accompanied by a slight cooling effect, which feels fresh on the skin. Babassu is high in linolenic acids and is best used as an additive with other carriers. It’s often used in cosmetics and skin-care products. Using Babassu with Jojoba will help protect and heal the skin. The addition of essential oils that are also known for their antimicrobial properties will help to accelerate the healing actions of the Babassu oil. Try the following recipe for itchy dry skin irritations. 1/4 -Ounce Babassu oil ¾ -Ounce Jojoba oil 4 drops Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia 5 drops Lavender Lavendula angustifolia Blend. Use on clean dry skin to heal dry itchy skin. 9. Baobab Adansonia digitata L., Malvaceae seed Oil Baobab oil is cold pressed from the seed of the baobab tree. The baobab is not just one tree, but nine species in the genus Adansonia. Two species are native to mainland Africa, six to Madagascar, and one to Australia. All nine inhabit low-lying, arid regions. In sub-Saharan Africa, you find baobabs rising above hot, dry scrublands and savannas. The animals rely on the Baobab tree for moisture and nutition. This is a main source of nutrition for the Elephants. Elephants love the spongy inside. Despite the big chunks that elephants eat on, the tree regrows (regenerates) which is why it has survived for many many years. The leaves are edible and the woody pulp. The African Baobab's angiosperm has set the age of the tree at approximately 1275 years old. Many people in the area where they grow rely on the trees for nutrition and herbal remedies. The fibers from the tree is strong and used to make ropes. Baobab is highly penetrating, deeply nourishing and softens dry, damaged skin. It is known to restore and re-moisturizes the epidermis. It’s great for hair, absorbing quickly. Baobab improves the skin’s elasticity and is a cell re-generator. It helps to relieves eczema and psoriasis. It has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves discomfort from burns and regenerates the epithelial tissue quickly. It’s a stable oil and goes well with other carrier oil s in formulas. Baobab is works as an anti-oxidant (10) 10. Borage Borago officinalis seed Oil Borage, also known as a starflower, is an annual herb in the flowering plant family Boraginaceae. The oil is derived from the seeds of the plant. Borage oil contains high levels of the ω-6 series essential fatty acids that play an important part in the function and structure of the skin. It’s high content of linolenic and linoleic acids is the highest source for GLA’s (gamma linoleic acid). It’s often taken internally to decrease cholesterol levels in the blood as well as assist with coronary heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Borage is a great addition during “that time” of the month, assisting with symptoms of PMS as well as menopausal symptoms. (11) Topically, Borage has great regenerating properties which makes it quite effective on premature and damaged skin, psoriasis and eczema. A study was done on 37 patients with infantile seborrheic dermatitis. The linoleic acid in borage oil contributed to its therapeutic actions against ISD. It was shown to normalize the skins barrier functionality. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed to test clinical effects of undershirts coated with borage oil on children with Atopic Dermatitis (AD). In the group treated with borage oil, improvement showed with no side effects. Borage is best used as a 10% additive in your products. (12) Eczema Oil Treatment 1 teaspoon borage oil 1 ounce’s jojoba oil 2 drops Helichrysum Helichrysum italicum 6 drops Roman Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile 4 drops Geranium Pelargonium roseum x asperum 8 drops Lavender Lavendula angustifolia 1. OR 2. Since "one shoe" does not fit all, using the same carrier oils, here is another great blend that has helped many. Above carrier oils · drops Oregano Origanum compactum · 6 drops Roman Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile · drops Neroli Citrus aurantium var. amara · 9 drops Sandalwood Santalum album Blend and apply to area 3-4 times a day. The essential oils used are cicatrisant (skin healing) essential oils. 11. Calendula Calendula officinalis (CO2 extract, infused) Oil Calendula contains salicylic acid, carotenoids and phytosterols. It’s a skin regenerator, anti-microbial, antiseptic, great for wound and skin healing (cicatrisant), varicose veins, skin infections, cuts, chapped skin and lips. In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, women of reproductive age were tested using Calendula officinalis extract-based cream versus metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis. All symptoms, including vaginal itching and burning sensation, odor, dysuria, and dyspareunia, were relieved with no side effects. This gives women a holistic approach versus using synthetic products (13) 12. Coconut Cocos nucifera Oil Coconut oil is one of the most commonly-used carrier oils. It is cold pressed from coconuts which are harvested from coconut trees. Unfractionated (unrefined) Ccoconut oil is composed of many FFAs (fatty acids) including lauric acid (49%), myristic acid (18%), palmitic acid (8%), caprylic acid (8%), capric acid (7%), oleic acid (6%), linoleic acid (2%), and stearic acid (2%). Refractionated (Refined) is mostly saturated fatty acids which is the closest to human sub-cutaneous fat and more compatible to the skin than vegetable oils. It’s a pure oil with no irritants present. Unrefined oil may contain irritants. Coconut oil has been found to be the best for wound caring and works well for conditioning, spot treatment for acne, and helps other carrier oils from going rancid which makes it a good carrier to add to your products. Cellular studies have shown that it is also anti-viral and anti-fungal. (14) Because coconut is comedogenic, which means it can be clogging, for some pores. Why some people and not everyone? Everyone’s chemistry is different and unique. Coconut oil can be used alone or as a soothing salve for the skin. Try the following beautiful skin loving recipe. It absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling moisturized and silky smooth. Homespun Soothing Salve 2-ounce Bees wax 2-ounce Jojoba wax 3-ounce Shea butter 2-ounce Coconut butter 81 drops essential oils (1%) * 1 teaspoon Frankincense Boswellic acid powder (can be purchased at https://desrosiersintl.com/collections/absolutes-co2s-other-extracts) Directions: In a slow cooker, add and melt Bees wax. Once melted, add the jojoba wax. This will harden the bees wax a bit, but it will liquify again. Continue the same process with the Shea and Coconut butter. Once melted, turn off heat and add your skin friendly essential oils. Blend well and immediately add to glass jars and seal tightly. This tends to be a bit thick, more in line with a lip balm. To thin down, you could lower the Bees wax to perhaps 1-ounce. *Try one or more of the following skin friendly essential oils in your product: Lavender Lavendula angustifolia, Juniper Berry Juniperus communis, Cedarwood Juniperus virginiana, Patchouli Pogostemom cablin, Roman Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile, Basil (sweet) Ocimum basilicum ct linalool, Carrot Seed Daucus carota, Sandalwood Santalum album or Santalum paniculatum (or Patchouli Pogostemom cablin), Helichrysum italicum and/or Frankincense Boswellia carterii.* 13. Dandelion Flower & Leaf Oil Aged skin becomes more transparent, loose, and fragile becoming more vulnerable to ultra violet rays. Dandelion extracts offer exceptional UV protection and is shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic activities. (add’l resource 8) 14. Grape seed Vitis vinifera Oil Grape seed oil is a carrier oil that is often used in massage therapy. Grapeseed oil is extracted through hot extraction. Due to the small amount of oil in the seeds, a hot expeller technique is used. When oils are extracted using this method, the grapes are heat pressed to release the oil. There are no chemicals used in this process and it produces the best grape seed oil. There is another method called solvent extraction. Hexane is used to extract the oil from the seeds. However, this method leaves behind toxic residues. Despite what you may have read, Grapeseed oil is not cold pressed. Grapeseed contains a large amount of similar phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and stilbenes. Phenolic compounds are anti-oxidants. These compounds also play an important role in the oxidative stability of an oil. It contains linoleic acid, vitamins, minerals and protein. (15) Grapeseed oil is odorless, a skin penetrator and good for all skin types. Grapeseed oil is a wound healer, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. It has a light, sweet-nutty fragrance. It absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling moisturized and silky smooth. 15. Jojoba Simmondsia chinensis Oil Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is a long-lived, drought resistant, perennial plant Jojoba (hohoba) oil is used often in skin care products. It offers a nice skin barrier and is often used in cosmetic products. It has a high content of wax esters. It’s anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and used for various skin infections and issues. Jojoba is a good choice to repair the skin from dermatitis, eczema, AD and acne. It’s having a high oxidative stability which keeps the oil from going rancid. Jojoba is often used for topical absorption of drugs. (16) But, with all its benefits, it can be clogging. It is, after all, a wax. For acne, the perfect blend with Jojoba is Hazelnut kernel Corylus avellana oil which is great in controlling acne. Acne Spot Treatment One-ounce Jojoba Oil/Hazelnut oil 4 drops Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia 2 drops Geranium Pelatgonium roseum x asperum 2 drops Patchouli Pogostemom cablin 4 drops Helichrysum Helichrysum italicum Blend. Store in a skirt bottle for best results. Using a cotton ball, apply to area, especially after cleansing and before bed. It is a light, golden-yellow color and doesn’t have much of an odor. *You can mix your carrier oils and, in fact, some make better base oils and compliment other carrier oils.* 16. Kpangnan (pronounced Pawnya) Kpangnan is remarkably more moisturizing than Shea butter and when applied to the skin, it has a slight warming effect on the skin. Studies have found that Kpangnan contains a high amount of stigmasterol, an unsaturated plant sterol that contains anti- inflammatory and pain-relieving agents. Organic and unrefined will give you the best butter for skin preparations. As soon as it is refined it changes its wonderful skin healing properties. The butter should be hard and yellow. 17. Marula oil (wild crafted) Marula serves as a fantastic carrier oil and is beautiful with a delicate aroma and light-yellow color. Rich in oleic acid, Marula is hydrating and can help increase epidermal smoothness. Known to protect and nourishes the skin, good for oily skin and hair, relieves Dermatitis, Eczema, and Psoriasis. It helps heal sunburns, and chapped/irritated skin. It’s a great anti-oxidant and can be used around the eye area for fine line treatment. It’s got antibacterial action - used to treat wounds and burns and has free-radical scavenging properties. 18. Moringa Moringa oleifera Seed Moringa was first discovered in the Egyptian tombs and like olive oil, castor and flax, is known as an ancient oil. The tree grows in Egypt, India, Africa, Oceania and the new world Americas and is native to the lowlands of the Himalayas. It easily grows in warmer as well as drier climates. It’s a plant that offers many nutritional benefits, internally and to the skin, especially from the seeds. All parts of the tree are used including the leaves, flowers, roots and seeds. This beautiful oil is high in antioxidants, minerals as well as vitamins which is so nourishing to the skin. This along with the fatty acids protect and when used consistently, can show improvement, not only in the tone of our skin but the texture as well. It’s an oil with a long shelf life and very stable oil. This is due to its unusual long-saturated chain the inhibits oxidation of the oil for up to 5 years. Moringa is high in oleic acid, up to 70%, and 10% of the long-chain behenic acid which helps keep the oil from feeling oily on the skin. This also will help to protect skin as well as hair against oxidation and environmental damage. Moringa can also contain up to 2% of the omega 7 fatty acid, palmitoleic, which helps to preserve the health of the skin. The oil has shown to act as an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory. You just can’t beat a better oil for the skin. One last thought, Moringa has been noted to enhance sexual performance. 19. Neem AKA Indian Lilac (CP) Neem oil has a list of great therapeutic properties including as an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, fungicide, restorative for your skin, antiseptic, and insecticide, eases symptoms of Psoriasis, helps heal skin diseases, herpes, allergies, itching and sunburns. Neem has many benefits, but also has a very strong scent that can over power the scent of an essential oil. It's best known for its anti-aging properties. Due to its antioxidant properties, Neem protects the skin from harmful UV rays, pollution and other environmental factors. The vitamins and saturated fatty acids in Neem improve and maintain the elasticity of the skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It can feel heavy on the skin, leaving an oily feeling. However, it is a great moisturizing barrier and although slow to absorb, eventually it absorbs nicely. 20. Olive Olea europaea Oil (Virgin pressed) Olive oil comes from the fruits of Olea europaea trees. It consists mainly of oleic acid, some fatty acids such as linoleic and palmitic acid. Olive oil contains phenolic compounds, with Hydrolic phenols being the highest percent and the most abundant anti-oxidants in olive oil, higher than vitamin E. Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties, wound healing properties, acne, bruising and insect bites as well as having a positive effect on skin cell regeneration. It has a slow absorption rate and can leave a slight oily residue. Olive oil contains protein, minerals and vitamins. For rheumatic type conditions, you can use alone or as a 10-50% additive. (18) Skin Wound and Healing Oil One-Ounce Olive Oil 6 drops Helichrysum Corsica italicum 4 drops Myrrh Commiphora myrrha 4 drops German Chamomile Matricaria recutita 4 drops Frankincense Boswellia carterii Directions: Rub on closed wound 3-4 times a day, especially on clean dry skin and before bed. Note: This is a 2% blend. For short term and acute wounds, you can go from 5-10% blend. Always start low and find your healing threshold. By starting at a 2% for the first week, you can get a better gauge on your body’s healing progression. Depending on the extent of the wound, it can take several weeks to heal. *Safety Alert: If pregnant, leave out Myrrh Commiphora myrrha. Myrrh is contraindicated for pregnancy and breastfeeding, due to its components (constituents) β-elemene and furanodiene content, which may be fetotoxic. * (19) 21. Pomegranate Seed Oil (Refined CP): Pomegranate seed oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the plant. Because of the high content of fatty acids, the Pomegranate oil is a great anti-Inflammatory as well as a skin re-generator, moisturizing, and excellent for dry, damaged and aged skin. It's nourishing and protective to the skin. However, it is slow to absorb and can leave a slight oily residue. Most promising, pomegranate seed oil has been shown as a potential safe and effective agent against skin cancer. (20) 22. Rosehip Rosa canina L. Oil One of my favorite carrier oils, Rosehip oil is extracted from the seeds. It’s high content of linoleic acid, anywhere from 35-55%, makes it especially therapeutic on the skin. Rosehip oil has a high content of polyunsaturated fats, has a high content linoleic acid at around 35-55% with a-linolenic acid and oleic acid following. It is a wonderful anti-oxidant and has anti-inflammatory actions that have shown to be effective on eczema, burns, bruises, ulcers, neuro dermatitis and other inflammatory skin issues. You can use as a 10% additive or for aging, dry skin, use Rosehip oil alone. It heals and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no greasy residue behind. (21) 23. Raspberry Rubus idaeus L. Seed Oil Raspberry seed oil’s major constituents are omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid and γ-linolenic acid). Raspberry seed oil has several therapeutic properties including as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as many other properties. (add’l ref. 7, 9) 24. Shea Butter Shea butter comes from the nut of the Vitellaria paradoxa or Shi tree and is the only species of its kind and is indigenous to Africa. Shea feels elegant to the skin, anti-inflammatory and great at easing symptoms of eczema. Shea moisturizes dry itchy skin, is anti-aging. It has shown to ease irritation from shaving and help reduce stretch marks. However, it is slow to absorb and can leave a slight oily residue. Study shows that Shea was as effective as a prescribed cleanser and cream for eczema. (22) 25. Souchet (Tigernut) Cyperus esculentus L. Studies indicate that this plant has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, insecticidal, and anticancer potential. Chemical compounds identified in the species belong to the classes of terpenes, fatty acids, phenolics and flavonoids. The flavonoid orientin, for example, was isolated from leaves of C. esculentus and showed neuroprotective effects against ischemia-reperfusion-induced brain injury. Your nervous system controls how you process and feel pain throughout the body. The nervous system consists of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system which is the nerves and nerve pathways that are throughout the body. When the body is harmed either by an injury or disease, the tissues in the affected will release chemicals that communicate with the nerves. The nerve pathways carry the messages from the hurt area and travel through the spinal cord and into the brain. The pain messages go to several areas of the brain that recognize pain. These areas of the brain also help control our mood, sleep and hormones. Because of this, chronic pain can affect many aspects of the body. The brain sends messages back through the pathways down to the body to reduce or stop pain sensations. The message from the brain may also trigger an immediate response, for example, to pull your hand away from a hot stove. Pain treatments can target your nervous system by blocking or easing the pain receptors in the brain, stopping the inflammatory chemicals from communicating with the nerves, quieting overactive nerves that send the pain messages and to assist stimulating the release of natural pain-relieving chemical called endorphins. Pain can become its own disease if we cannot take control of it. The oil is also an anti-inflammatory and contributes to wound healing. It is also an antioxidant and shows oxidation stability. (27) 26. Tamanu Oil Treating scars, stretch marks (fades stretch marks with great results), minor wounds, skin irritations, rashes, bedsores and many other skin concerns. promotes new tissue formation, accelerating healing and healthy skin growth, is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal. In addition, Tamanu oil has properties that make it stand out from other lipid because it has the ability to be able to affect nerve conditions through the skin. We don’t find this in other fatty oils which makes it so unique. However, due to its thickness, it is slow to absorb and can leave a slight oily residue. Although thick, it’s not a saturated butter. Its thick consistency is from a property of glycolipids (starches attached to lipids) that are unusual in the nature of oils. It even has a percentage of a unique fatty acid called Caulophyllic acid that adds a uniqueness to this oil’s ability to help us treat a variety of skin issues. 27. Touloucouna Carapa procera Oil Touloucouna oil is traditionally used in treating skin problems including eczema, acne, psoriasis with muscle relaxing anti-inflammatory properties. Touloucouna oil has been known for its hair conditioning properties without a greasy effect. Unrefined Touloucouna oil is soothing and rich in oleic acid and used as a natural insect repellent [belongs to the same plant Meliaceae family as neem. The oil, although edible in West Africa, has a very bitter taste and solidifies under 25°C due to the natural occurring palmitic acid. The oil feels like a butter. It's cold pressed from the seeds which contains approximately 40% protein and 5% glycerin. This oil is an excellent quick absorbing oil with 18% myristic acid. It’s wonderful on the skin, helping to retain skin elasticity. The oil is used for massage oils, facial creams, hair growth, cradle cap and hair/scalp treatments. 28. Trauma Oil Combination of Organic or Wildcrafted St. John's Wort, Organic or Organically grown Calendula, Organic or wild-crafted Arnica. It’s been known to reduce the pain of injury, relieve swelling and promote healing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, Perfect for healing bruises, Eases sore and achy muscles, Nerve pain such as sciatica, as a massage oil for especially sore areas. 29. Watermelon Watermelon Seed Oil (WSO) is a very nourishing yet light oil with good absorption. It is a good choice for use with oily skin but can be effective with all skin types. Its viscosity, mild aroma and indefinite shelf life make it a good all-purpose carrier oil for use in aromatherapy. It’s great for acne prone skin and gentle and nourishing to aging skin and adds elasticity back to the skin. This is a great summer time oil. Try using an ounce of watermelon seed oil with 18 drops of Helichrysum italicum essential oil. Your skin will love it. Was this list helpful to you? Select a carrier oil that will enhance your blend. Don’t be afraid to experiment with carrier oils. Find the one that suites your needs. By following the references, it will lead to more carrier oils for you to choose from. Please like, share and leave your comment. Thank you kindly-Rehne *Note: Several references lead to the same research publication on multiple carrier oils. Additional resources have also been provided. Resources and Reference 1. Tisserand, R. and Young, R. (2007) Essential oil safety; A guide for health care professionals (2 Nd Ed.). NY: Churchill Livingston; VOCs; pgs. 100-101 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4613311/ 3. https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/product/i-icsc-almond-butter 4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41404356_The_uses_and_properties_of_almond_oil 5. Sheppard-Hanger, Sylla; The Aromatherapy Practitioner Manual, Vegetal Oils & Additives, pg. 43 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=apricot+kernel+on+skin 7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/ 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28699499 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/ 10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28265358 11. Sheppard-Hanger, Sylla; The Aromatherapy Practitioner Manual, Vegetal Oils % Additives, pg. 42 Borage 12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18078406 13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29441319 14. Coconut Oil; http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/1/70/htm 15. Grapeseed Oil; http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/1/70/htm 16. Jojoba Oil; http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/1/70/htm 17. Olive Oil; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/ 18. Moringa oleifera Seeds and Oil: Characteristics and Uses for Human Health (nih.gov) 19. Sheppard-Hanger, Sylla; The Aromatherapy Practitioner Manual, Vegetal Oils & Additives, pg. 47 20 Tisserand, R. and Young, R. (2007) Essential oil safety; A guide for health care professionals (2 Nd Ed.). NY: Churchill Livingston; Myrrh; pg. 357 21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14585180 22. Rose Hip Oil: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18384191 23. The beneficial effects of Moringa oleifera leaf on reproductive performance in mice (nih.gov) 24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26314567 25. Allanblackia oil - Wikipedia 26. Vegetable Butters and Oils as Therapeutically and Cosmetically Active Ingredients for Dermal Use: A Review of Clinical Studies - PMC (nih.gov)) 27. Cyperus esculentus L. (Cyperaceae): Agronomic aspects, food applications, ethnomedicinal uses, biological activities, phytochemistry and toxicity - ScienceDirect 28. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10885091/ 29. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32404169/ 30. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31272819/ Additional Research: Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/ Effects of Amygdaline from Apricot Kernel on Transplanted Tumors in Mice. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27021084 Effects of Babassu oil, olive oil and water on the skin. http://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/4/3/32 Nutritional Value of Baobab oil. http://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/6/7/54 Wax Esters (Inc. Jojoba Esters) http://aem.asm.org/content/78/16/5734.full.pdf+html?sid=fc65153b-028e-45b5-a461-131a728888b1 Borage oil for atopic dermatitis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20579590 7. Red Raspberry ( Rubus idaeus L.) Seed Oil: A Review - PubMed (nih.gov) 8. Dandelion Extracts Protect Human Skin Fibroblasts from UVB Damage and Cellular Senescence - PMC (nih.gov) 9. Hepatoprotective effects of raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miq.) seed oil and its major constituents - PubMed (nih.gov) #carrieroil #skincare #Psoriasis #scar