Spotlight on Carrier Oils

Our top 8 Carrier Oils for Optimal Health and Healing 

In this post, let's shift our focus to the unsung heroes of therapeutic plant oils—carrier oils—and give them the spotlight they deserve. 

A top-tier carrier oil is a virgin base oil extracted from specific plant parts, primarily nutrient-rich nuts, seeds, and certain fruits. Referred to as vegetable oils, these oils boast larger, heavier molecular structures compared to the lighter, volatile essential oils. While essential oils evaporate, carrier oils oxidise with prolonged air exposure, eventually going rancid. 

Carrier oils aren't just support players for essential oils; they play a crucial role in dilution and absorption. Beyond that, certified organic carrier oils are among the most nutritious and restorative natural extracts on the planet, offering profound benefits for sustainable health.

Understanding good oils requires a discussion about food. While the misconception that all fats are bad has been debunked, the critical detail for creating pure, healthy oils remains widely misunderstood—minimal heat during extraction. Commercially produced oils, often found in clear plastic bottles, undergo an industrialised heat and solvent process, resulting in chemical residue and free radicals harmful to health. 

For oils at the purity level we endorse, the focus on low heat extraction ensures natural compounds remain intact. Extra virgin olive oil in your salad and virgin avocado oil for cooking exemplify this principle—maintaining higher heat stability.

Let's delve into the Top Eight Most Useful Carrier Oils:

1. Sweet Almond (Prunus dulcis): A versatile oil with anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting, and anti-toxicity effects. Ideal for massage and gentle enough for facial or baby skin, it enhances tone, reduces scarring, and addresses chronic dryness. Nutritionally rich, it supports digestive health.

2. Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis): A liquid wax akin to sebum, easily absorbed, balancing skin oil production, cleansing pores, and protecting against moisture loss and UV damage. High in nutrients, it rejuvenates, offering anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. (Note: cannot be ingested.)

3. Avocado (Persea americana): Rich in antioxidants, this oil soothes and conditions the skin, aiding in anti-aging by stimulating collagen production. Beneficial for digestive health when consumed, it's an excellent cooking oil with a high smoke point.

4. Wheatgerm (Triticum sativum): Exceptionally rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, supporting the nervous, immune, digestive, and circulatory systems. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-neuralgic properties benefit muscles, joints, and skin conditions.

5. Argan (Argana spinosa): Boasting the highest concentration of vitamins and fatty acids, this relative newcomer to carrier oils offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Linked to cancer prevention, healthy digestion, and therapeutic skin and hair care.

6. Castor (Ricinus communis): Well known for its deeply moisturising properties that leave the skin supple and hydrated, it’s also incredible for improving circulation, lymphatic flow and offering comfort for sore muscles and joint pain.

7. Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis): High in essential fatty acids and soothing for itchy, dry skin conditions, it’s also helpful for balancing hormones and is excellent for menstrual support.

8. Rose Hip Oil (Rosa rubiginosa/mosqueta): Rejuvenating and nourishing, this oil is great for fading acne and surgical scars. Leaves skin soft, supple, and more youthful looking. 

These eight carrier oils showcase the vast spectrum of nutritional seeds and nuts found in nature. Congratulations if you're already incorporating carrier oils into your body care routine! You're at the forefront of a skincare revolution. Embrace the power of pure, natural oils for a healthier, balanced life.