Odyssey Magazine Issue 4 | Page 126

natural oils, base oils or fixed oils. They are so named because they help 'carry' the scented oils of aromatherapy, which are sometimes highly concentrated and too strong to use directly. Thanks to their own properties, carrier oils — also known as natural oils, base oils or fixed oils — can also help deliver health, beauty and a state of well-being. Mixed together, they can be daubed onto or massaged into your skin. Sometimes one drop of an essential oil is all you need, and with carrier oils you can deliver that drop of essential oil to your whole body. Another common way to use carrier oils is to infuse them with herbal and plant ingredients. To accomplish this, fresh or dried herbs are placed in airtight containers and covered with oil. After a week or two, the oil absorbs the scent and healing properties of the ingredients. Carrier oils are made from various plants and are generally odourless, which enables them to carry the properties of the scented oils and ingredients without interfering with their scent. These base oils are also easily absorbed by the skin and have a long shelf-life. You will want to store your carrier oils in a cool, dark, dry spot or in amber bottles, because sunlight and heat can alter their properties.  it makes a great base for aromatherapy oil mixes. It’s an antioxidant and loaded with flavonoids which play a role in enhancing collagen and maintaining elastin. Avocado oil: Dark green oil from the avocado fruit. Contains vitamins, protein and essential fatty acids. Can be used by all skin types, especially dry skin, and by those who suffer from eczema. Olive oil: Pale yellow to dark green. Contains protein, minerals and vitamins, can be used in hair care and is soothing to sore, achy muscles and joints. Olive oil isn’t just a healthy addition to salads, it is high in skin nutrients like linoleic acid and beta-carotene, effectively moisturising and nourishing your skin or hair. And you don’t need to search far and wide for the perfect brand – South African olive oils are of excellent quality and manufactured to exacting standards. Sesame oil: Dark yellow and rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Can be used to treat arthritis, psoriasis and eczema. Good for all skin types. Sesame oil is great for oily skin as it has drying properties. Filled with antioxidants, it also offers some sun protection. Mix with olive oil to create a soothing body moisturiser. Sunflower oil: Pale yellow oil that contains vitamins and minerals. Can be used by all skin types. Jojoba oil: Popular because it is similar to our own skin oils. Contains protein and a waxy substance that is similar to collagen. Useful in reducing inflammation and treating acne. Can be used by all skin types. Jojoba oil resembles sebum (the oily substance secreted by your sebaceous glands to keep skin and hair moisturised) and is great for dry, ageing skin, as well as sunburn, chapped skin and psoriasis. It’s filled with micro-elements like zinc, copper, silicon, iodine, chromium, vitamin E and B. Castor oil: Pale, unscented oil made from the seeds of the castor plant. One of the few oils soluble in alcohol. Can be used by all skin types and also can be used on hair, nails and lips.  Jasmine Oil is sensually scented and imminently feminine. It’s a common ingredient in perfumes, but also assists in improving skin elasticity, stretch marks and natural Carrier Oils Sweet almond oil: This pale yellow oil made from the nut kernel is rich in protein and good for all skin types. Helps relieve dry, itchy skin, and can help reduce inflammation. Almond Oil is a wonderful moisturiser and an all-natural beauty treatment for all skin types. It is a favourite choice for massage therapists as it is non-greasy and easily absorbed. It’s packed with vitamins A, B1, 2 and 6, and vitamin E. Corn oil: Pale yellow oil that contains protein and minerals and is soothing to all skin types. Look for oil that doesn’t contain genetically modified corn, generally found at health-food stores. Grapeseed oil: Colourless and odourless, made from pressed seeds. Contains vitamins and minerals, and can be used by all skin types. Although it has a drying effect, Holistic Emporium AND CALL CALM KEEP HOLISTIC EMPORIUM www.holisticemporium.co.za Contact Us: Tel: (011) 453-6932 Cell: 082 8767445 87/89 Linksfield Road Dowerglen, Edenvale Johannesburg South Africa 1609 Leading Wholesale Supplier of Premium Quality Aromatherapy Products for your Spa, Salon, Allopathic Practitioners and Home use. Pure Essential Oils, Cold Pressed Carrier Oils, Pre-Blened Massage Oil, Speciality Oils, Fragrances, Hot Stone Kit Sets, Massage Tools, Aroma Kit and more. For any enquires email us: [email protected] ODYSSEY?126 •? DIGIMAG