In rereading my previous blog entry (from a personal standpoint I don’t want to give any misinformation and cause any readers distress; from a legal standpoint I don’t want to give any misinformation, cause minor distress and get consequently sued – so I do lots of editing) I realized I did not adequately explain the use of carrier oils.

Carrier Oils are easy to gloss over because they don’t contain therapeutic constituents like the oils I mentioned above.  They are naturally derived oils from vegetarian sources and they don’t evaporate as rapidly as therapeutic essential oils. Using a carrier oil reduces the concentration of your therapeutic oil while carrying them and their therapies for longer. Not all carrier oils work for all users, so I would mix and match until you find your favorites and their concentrations.

1. Grapeseed oil: This is light, thin, and deeply moisturizing making it great for carrying massage oils like lavender. The only downside is its relatively short shelf life, so start with a small bottle and see how you like it.
2. Almond Oil: Almond oil has a sweet aroma meaning it mixes great with the stronger therapeutic oils like clove and peppermint. It a thicker than grapeseed oil which allows its richness in vitamin E and oleic acid. This is great for anyone who doesn’t have a nut allergy.
3. Jojoba Oil: I love using this one on its own for skin and hair health. I live in a very cold climate so for about 6 months each year, my scalp, nails and hair are screaming for moisture. Accompanied by whichever essentual oil I’m in the mood for (usually lavender) I massage jojoba oil into my scalp, cuticles, hair and face two evenings a week before bed. This one has a long shelf life too, so one bottle can last you the entire winter and maybe some of next winter!
4. Coconut Oil: Googling coconut oil will convince you that any human ailment may be repaired by a thin layer of coconut oil. I don’t necessarily disagree! Coconut oil is solid at room temperature but can be heated into an oil with a distinct coconut aroma. It’s so moisturizing, just so so moisturizing. Natural-haired may love it for moisturizing their hair but if you have thin hair, I don’t advise using this unless you want to be washing it out for two weeks. It’s great as a gentle make-up remover, cuticle repair, course callous treatment, etc. Oh and you can cook with it, which I do regularly.

Again, from a legal standpoint I must remind users to not use any of this advice to override that of their healthcare provider. I do however heartily suggest these life changes as supplements to your current regimen of care.