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In their pure state, essential oils are too highly concentrated to rub directly on the skin. We use vegetable and carrier oils to dilute them. These oils are made from vegetables, nuts, or seeds. They are produced mainly for food and are a good source of nutrients and energy. But they are also used in aromatherapy. Many of these oils have healing properties even when we use them by themselves.

Here is a list of a few of these base oils and the various skin types they can be used for:

Sweet Almond Oil
Rich in protein, good for all skin types.

Apricot Kernel Oil
All skins, especially prematurely aged, sensitive, inflamed, and dry.

Avocado Oil
All skins, especially dry and dehydrated; eczema.

Borage Seed Oil
Prematurely aged skin. Good for regenerating and stimulating the skin. All skin types.

Carrot Oil
Premature aging, itching, dryness, psoriasis and eczema. Rejuvenating; reduces scarring.

Evening Primrose Oil
Helps to prevent premature aging of the skin.

Jojoba Oil
A waxy substance that mimics collagen. It can be used for inflamed skin, psoriasis, eczema, acne, hair care, all skin types; highly penetrative.

Olive Oil
Rheumatic conditions, hair care, cosmetics; soothing.

Wheatgerm Oil
Prematurely aged skin; all skin types.

This post is based upon The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, by Valerie Ann Worwood. Novato, CA. New World Library, 1991

As we learn more about essential oils, we are finding that we can use them to take control of our life and environment.

For instance, in your garden some of your beautiful plants may attract aphids. We have found a non-chemical treatment to use without causing you to cough and your eyes to burn. You can make a spray of peppermint essential oil. Just put 4-8 drops of oil in 1 gallon of water and spray your plants.

You can also use peppermint oil to keep mice and ants away. If ants are coming into your house, put one or two drops of peppermint essential oil on the threshold or wherever they enter. To clear a nest, put 2 drops of peppermint essential oil directly into the nest and the ants will scatter. Mice hate peppermint too, and you can use the same methods with them.

Mosquitoes dislike the aroma of lemongrass, citronella or lavender essential oils. Add 3 drops of one of these oils to a cereal bowl of water and soak some ribbons in this solution. Then attach the ribbons to the branches of your trees. These flying insects will decide there is a better place to be. If you have candles outside, put a drop of the essential oil into the melted wax at the top. Or if you have an outside light, put one drop of oil on the bulb. As the bulb heats up, the aroma will be released. (Don’t add the oil when the bulb is hot, though.)

Many essential oils can be diluted in base oils (such as jojoba or olive oil) and applied to the skin. Or they can be used in the bath. They can even be used by inhalation. Lavender essential oil wiped on a burn leaves no scars and using a drop rubbed into the temples when you have a headache brings such relief. Put a few drops on a cotton ball and put it in your closet to deter moths.

The information for this post was taken from:
Natural Beauty Recipe Book, by Gill Farrer-Halls. Gloucester Mass. Quarry Books, 2006
The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, By Valerie Ann Worwood. Novato, CA. New World Library, 1991