07-03-2010, 02:19 PM
Carrier and Essential Oils information and list
February 15 2007 at 4:02 PM Surf (Login Surf.)
SENIOR MEMBER
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What are Carrier Oils?
Adding an essential oil, drop by drop, to carrier oil.
Carrier oils also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. They “carry” the essential oil onto the skin. Different carrier oils offer different properties and the choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought.
Carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant. Unlike essential oils that evaporate and have a concentrated aroma, carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils.
Examples of carrier oils are sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed, avocado, peanut, olive, pecan, macadamia nut, sesame, evening primrose, walnut and wheat germ. Most oils bought in the grocery store are not cold-pressed. Instead, the oils are heated and therefore have less therapeutic benefit. Mineral oil is not used in aromatherapy because mineral oil is not a natural product. It is also said that mineral oil can prevent essential oil absorption into the skin.
Essential oils do not go rancid. Carrier oils, however, can go rancid. Carrier oils that you purchase should be natural and unadulterated. Exceptions include buying carrier oils that have natural vitamin E added. Vitamin E acts as a natural preservative.
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. Please see the What are Carrier Oils? article for more information on what carrier oils are and how they are used. Below is a list of many of the commonly used carrier oils.
Almond, Sweet
Botanical Name: Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus
Aroma: Light, slightly sweet and nutty.
Texture: Slightly oily, leaves a slight oily feeling on the skin. Absorbs semi-quickly.
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: Sweet Almond oil is considered to be a good all-purpose carrier oil to keep on hand and is moderately priced.
Apricot Kernel
Botanical Name: Prunus armeniaca
Aroma: Faint
Texture: Somewhat oily, absorbs semi-quickly.
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: The semi-oily texture makes this oil helpful in massage blends.
Avocado
Botanical Name: Persea americana
Aroma: Medium. Somewhat sweet, fatty and nutty in aroma.
Texture: Thick, leaves a fatty, almost waxy feel to the skin.
Color: Deep olive green.
Notes: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.
Borage
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Aroma: Light and sweet.
Texture: Thin to medium, leaves a somewhat oily feel to the skin.
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: Is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. Borage oil is expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid rather quickly.
Cocoa Butter
Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao
Aroma: Unrefined cocoa butter is rich and very sweet . It has a chocolaty, "cocoa" aroma. The cocoa aroma is less noticeable in refined cocoa butter.
Texture: Solid and hard to work with at room temperate. Breaks into pieces.
Color: Yellowish tan.
Notes: Cocoa butter needs to be blended with other materials/oils to be workable. Suitable for use in lotions and creams.
Evening Primrose
Botanical Name: Oenothera biennis
Aroma: Light and sweet
Texture: Thin, leaves only a trace of oiliness on the skin.
Color: Medium yellow.
Notes: Evening Primrose is also said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid quickly.
Grapeseed
Botanical Name: Vitus vinifera
Aroma: Light, slightly sweet with a hint of a nutty aroma.
Texture: Thin but leaves a glossy film on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear, has an almost unnoticeable tinge of yellow/green.
Notes: Unlike most other carrier oils, grapeseed oil is solvent extracted and may have trace amounts of chemical solvent remaining. I have heard mixed reports on the shelf-life of grapeseed (some have said it goes rancid rather fast). I usually go through a bottle of grapeseed once each six months and have not discovered any problems with rancidity when stored in an amber bottle in a cool dark area.
Hazelnut
Botanical Name: Corylus avellana
Aroma: Light, nutty, somewhat sweet.
Texture: Thin and only leaves a slightly oily film on the skin.
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: It is said to be a good choice for those with oilier skin.
Jojoba
Botanical Name: Simmondsia chinensis
Aroma: Light to medium in aroma, not as sweet as the nut oils. The aroma is distinct but pleasant.
Texture: Light and silky. Absorbs well.
Color: Yellow.
Notes: Jojoba "oil" is actually a wax. It is a somewhat pricier oil and is frequently blended in a small dilution (10%) with other oils. It has a very long shelf-life.
Kukui
Botanical Name: Aleurites moluccana
Aroma: Light, sweet, pleasant, nutty.
Texture: Thin. Absorbs well, leaving only a trace oily feeling on the skin.
Color: Clear with a hint of yellow.
Notes: It is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is a somewhat more pricier oil. It goes rancid rather quickly.
Macadamia Nut
Botanical Name: Macadamia integrifolia
Aroma: More fragrant than sweet almond and some of the other nut oils, it is very sweet, fatty and nutty in aroma.
Texture: Thick and leaves an oily film on the skin.
Color: Clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.
Olive
Botanical Name: Olea europaea
Aroma: Typical aroma of olive oil used in cooking (smells somewhat like olives).
Texture: Heavy and rather oily.
Color: Light to medium green.
Notes: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.
Peanut
Botanical Name: Arachis hypogeae
Aroma: Like Pecan, it is extremely light in aroma with a slight fatty, nutty quality.
Texture: Thick and leaves a very oily film on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: Peanut oil should not be used by anyone that has an allergy to peanuts. Because of it's oiliness, it is said to be a good choice for inclusion in massage blends. It has been said that it is a good oil to use for those with arthritis.
Pecan
Botanical Name: Carya pecan
Aroma: Extremely light with a hint of a fatty, nutty aroma.
Texture: Medium thickness, leaves a slight oily film on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: It is said that it goes rancid somewhat quickly. I have used only one bottle of Pecan oil and did not discover any problems with rancidity when stored in an amber bottle in a cool dark area during my use of the oil over about 4-6 months.
Rose Hip
Botanical Name: Rosa mosqueta
Aroma: Mild and perhaps earthy aroma.
Texture: Light and leaves only a hint of oil on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: It is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid rather quickly.
Sesame
Botanical Name: Sesamum indicum
Aroma: Medium with a distinctive sweet, nutty sesame scent. May overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier oil.
Texture: Mildly thick, leaves an oily film on the skin.
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: Sesame oil may overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier oil.
Shea Butter
Botanical Name: Butyrospermun parkii
Aroma: Nutty, fatty.
Texture: Solid but permeable at room temperature. Leaves an oily/waxy feeling on the skin.
Color: Off-white/cream.
Notes: Suitable for use in lotions and creams.
Sunflower
Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
Aroma: Faint and sweet.
Texture: Thin and does not leave an oily residue.
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: When choosing sunflower oil, strive to get unrefined oil.
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HAZARDOUS Essential Oils: The list shown below contains essential oils that should not be used in aromatherapy without the express administration by a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Many should not even be used by a qualified practitioner. Do not assume that an oil is safe to use if it is not on this list.
Ajowan
Trachyspermum copticum
Almond, Bitter
Prunus dulcis var. amara
Arnica
Arnica Montana
Birch, Sweet
Betula lenta
Boldo Leaf
Peumus boldus
Broom, Spanish
Spartium junceum
Calamus
Acorus calamus var. angustatus
Camphor
Cinnamomum camphora
Deertongue
Carphephorus odoratissimus
Garlic
Allium sativum
Horseradish
Armoracia rusticana
Jaborandi
Pilocarpus jaborandi
Melilotus
Melilotus officinalis
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
Mustard
Brassica nigra
Onion
Allium cepa
Pennyroyal
Mentha pulegium
Rue
Ruta graveolens
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Thuja
Thuja occidentalis
Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens
Wormseed
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. anthelminticum
Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
Important Note: The information provided in the Oil Profiles area is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
************************************************
Essential Oil Safety Information
Diluting a very small quantity of essential oil in carrier oil.
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully. Implementing aromatherapy into your lifestyle shouldn't cause paranoia or undue worry. By treating essential oils as medicines and following the steps outlined below, you will be well on your way to safely enjoying the many benefits that aromatherapy can offer.
These safety guidelines are not a complete safety reference for the proper use of essential oils. When in doubt, consult your physician and/or a qualified and trained aromatherapy practitioner.
Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. There are instances when experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners make exceptions to this precaution, but only once significant essential oil knowledge is gained should you ever attempt to apply an undiluted oil on the skin. Lavender and tea tree are listed by a large number of aromatherapy sources as being oils that can be used undiluted. Undiluted use of lavender and tea tree, however, should only be done on rare occurances as severe sensitivity still could occur in some individuals. Again, the safest rule of thumb is to never use any essential oil undiluted.
Some oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals. When using a new oil for the first time, do a skin patch on a small area of skin. Place a small amount of the diluted essential oil (never use essential oils undiluted on the skin) on the inside of your elbow and apply a bandage. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any form of reaction. Even if a particular essential oil is not known to cause irritation, this step should not be ignored. Even if an oil does not irritate you, it still can irritate someone else. It is important that you always keep that in mind.
Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or with other health conditions.
Less IS More. When using essential oils, use the smallest amount of essential oils that will get the job done. If one drop will get the job done, for example, don't use two drops.
Not all essential oils are suitable for use in aromatherapy. Wormood, pennyroyal, onion, camphor, horseradish, wintergreen, rue, bitter almond and sassafras are some of the essential oils that should only be used by qualified aromatherapy practitioners, if ever at all.
Never let children use essential oils without the presence of an adult knowledgeable about their use. Most essential oils smell wonderful and many essential oils such as citrus oils can smell like they are safe to drink. Keep your essential oils away from children. Treat the oils like medicines that are poison in unknowing hands.
Essential oils should not be taken internally. Essential oils should only be taken internally after receiving a detailed consultation and prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner.
Essential oils are flammable. Please keep them out of the way of fire hazards.
http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils/default.asp
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gingerD
(Login gingerD)
SENIOR MEMBER A- Z essential oils February 20 2007, 11:32 AM
Excellent info Surf, here is a alphabetical list of essential oils:
* Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis). Highly prized for its fragrance.
* Ajwain oil, distilled from the leaves of Bishop’s weed (Carum Copticum).
Oil contains 35-60% thymol.
* Angelica root oil, distilled from the Angelica archangelica.
* Anise oil, from the Pimpinella anisum, rich odor of licorice, used medicinally.
* Balsam oil, from the Myroxylon pereirae.
* Basil oil is used in making perfumes, as well as in aromatherapy
* Bergamot oil, used in aromatherapy and in perfumes.
* Black Pepper
* Buchu oil, made from the buchu shrub. Considered toxic and no longer widely used. Formally used medicinally.
* Cannabis flower essential oil, used as a flavoring in foods, primarily candy
and beverages. Also used as a scent in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and candles.
* Caraway oil, used a flavoring in foods. Also used in mouthwashes, toothpastes,
as a flavoring agent.
* Cardamom seed oil, used in aromatherapy and other medicinal applications. Extracted from seeds of subspecies of Zingiberaceae (ginger). Also used as a fragrance in soaps, perfumes, etc.
* Carrot seed oil (essential oil), used in aromatherapy.
* Cedarwood oil, primarily used in perfumes and fragrances.
* Chamomile oil, used medicinally and in aromatherapy.
* Cinnamon oil, used for flavoring.
* Cistus
* Citronella oil, from a plant related to lemon grass is used as an insect repellent, as well as medicinally.
* Clary Sage
* Clove leaf oil, used as a topical anesthetic to relieve dental pain.
* Coriander
* Costmary oil (bible leaf oil), from the Tanacetum balsamita
* Cranberry seed oil, equally high in omega-3 omega-6 fatty acids, primarily used in the cosmetic industry.
* Cumin oil/Black seed oil, used as a flavor, particularly in meat products. Also used in veterinary medicine.
* Cypress
* Davana oil, from the Artemisia pallens, used as a perfume ingredient and as a germicide.
* Dill oil, chemically almost identical to caraway seed oil. High carvone content.
* Eucalyptus oil, historically used as a germicide. Commonly used in cough medicine, among other medicinal uses.
* Fennel seed oil, used medicinally, particularly for treating colic in infants.
* Fenugreek oil, used medicinally and for cosmetics from ancient times.
* Fir
* Frankincense oil, used for aromatherapy and in perfumes.
* Galbanum
* Geranium oil, used medicinally, particularly in aromatherapy.
* Ginger oil, used medicinally in many cultures.
* Goldenrod
* Grapefruit oil, extracted from the peel of the fruit. Used in aromatherapy. Contains 90% limonene.
* Henna oil, used medicinally.
* Helichrysum
* Hyssop
* Idaho Tansy
* Jasmine oil, used for its flowery fragrance.
* Juniper berry oil, used as a flavor. Also used medicinally, including traditional medicine.
Lavender oil is distilled from the lavender flower
Lavender oil is distilled from the lavender flower
* Laurus nobilis
* Lavender oil, used primarily as a fragrance. Also used medicinally.
* Ledum
* Lemon oil, similar in fragrance to the fruit. Unlike other essential oils, lemon oil is usually cold pressed. Used medicinally, as an antiseptic, and in cosmetics.
* Lemongrass
* Litsea cubeba oil, lemon-like scent, often used in perfumes and aromatherapy.
* Marjoram
* Malaleuca
* Melissa oil (lemon balm oil), sweet smelling oil used primarily medicinally, particularly in aromatherapy.
* Mentha arvensis oil/Mint oil, used in flavoring toothpastes, mouthwashes and pharmaceuticals, as well as in aromatherapy and other medicinal applications.
* Mountain Savor
* Mugwort oil, used in ancient times for medicinal and magical purposes. Currently considered to be a neurotoxin.
* Mustard oil (essential oil), containing a high percentage of allyl isothiocyanate or other isothiocyanates, depending on the species of mustard
* Myrrh oil, warm, slightly musty smell. Used medicinally.
* Myrtle
* Orange oil, like lemon oil, cold pressed rather than distilled. Consists of 90% d-Limonene. Used as a fragrance, in cleaning products and in flavoring foods.
* Oregano oil, contains thymol and carvacrol, making it a useful fungicide. Also used to treat digestive problems.
* Orris oil is extracted from the roots of the Florentine iris (Iris florentina) and used as a flavouring agent, in perfume, and medicinally.
* Palo Santo
* Parsley oil, used in soaps, detergents, colognes, cosmetics and perfumes, especially men’s fragrances.
* Patchouli oil, very common ingredient in perfumes.
* Perilla essential oil, extracted from the leaves of the perilla plant. Contains about 50-60% perillaldehyde.
* Pennyroyal oil, highly toxic. An abortifacient and can even in small quantities cause acute liver and lung damage. [25]
* Peppermint oil, used in a wide variety of medicinal applications.
* Petitgrain
* Pine oil, used as a disinfectant, and in aromatherapy.
* Ravensara
* Red Cedar
* Roman Chamomile
* Rose oil, distilled from rose petals, Used primarily as a fragrance.
* Rosehip oil, distilled from the seeds of the Rosa rubiginosa or Rosa Mosqueta. Used
medicinally.
* Rosemary oil, distilled from the flowers of Rosmarinus officinalis. Used in aromatherapy, topically to sooth muscles, and medicinal for its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
* Rosewood oil, used primarily for skin care applications. Also used medicinally.
* Sage oil, used medicinally.
The spice star anise is distilled to make star anise oil
The spice star anise is distilled to make star anise oil
* Sandalwood oil, used primarily as a fragrance, for its pleasant, woody fragrance.
* Savory oil, from Satureja species. Used in aromatherapy, cosmetic and soap-making applications.
* Schisandra oil, from the Schisandra chinensis, used medicinally.
* Spearmint oil, often used in flavoring mouthwash and chewing gum, among other applications.
* Spikenard
* spruce
* Star anise oil, highly fragrant oil using in cooking. Also used in perfumery and soaps, has been used in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and skin creams.[30] 90% of the world's star anise crop is used in the manufacture of Tamiflu, a drug used to treat avian flu
* Tangerine
* Tarragon oil, distilled from Atremisia dracunculus, used medicinally.
* Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil), used medicinally.
* Thyme oil, used medicinally.
* Tsuga
* Valerian
* Vetiver oil (khus oil) a thick, amber oil, primarily from India. Used as a fixative in perfumery, and in aromatherapy.
* Western Red cedar
* Wintergreen
* Yarrow oil is used medicinally, to relieve joint pain
* Ylang Ylang
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gingerD
(Login gingerD)
SENIOR MEMBER MORE OILS February 20 2007, 12:21 PM
List of more oils:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_vegetable_oils
February 15 2007 at 4:02 PM Surf (Login Surf.)
SENIOR MEMBER
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What are Carrier Oils?
Adding an essential oil, drop by drop, to carrier oil.
Carrier oils also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. They “carry” the essential oil onto the skin. Different carrier oils offer different properties and the choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought.
Carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant. Unlike essential oils that evaporate and have a concentrated aroma, carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils.
Examples of carrier oils are sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed, avocado, peanut, olive, pecan, macadamia nut, sesame, evening primrose, walnut and wheat germ. Most oils bought in the grocery store are not cold-pressed. Instead, the oils are heated and therefore have less therapeutic benefit. Mineral oil is not used in aromatherapy because mineral oil is not a natural product. It is also said that mineral oil can prevent essential oil absorption into the skin.
Essential oils do not go rancid. Carrier oils, however, can go rancid. Carrier oils that you purchase should be natural and unadulterated. Exceptions include buying carrier oils that have natural vitamin E added. Vitamin E acts as a natural preservative.
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. Please see the What are Carrier Oils? article for more information on what carrier oils are and how they are used. Below is a list of many of the commonly used carrier oils.
Almond, Sweet
Botanical Name: Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus
Aroma: Light, slightly sweet and nutty.
Texture: Slightly oily, leaves a slight oily feeling on the skin. Absorbs semi-quickly.
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: Sweet Almond oil is considered to be a good all-purpose carrier oil to keep on hand and is moderately priced.
Apricot Kernel
Botanical Name: Prunus armeniaca
Aroma: Faint
Texture: Somewhat oily, absorbs semi-quickly.
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: The semi-oily texture makes this oil helpful in massage blends.
Avocado
Botanical Name: Persea americana
Aroma: Medium. Somewhat sweet, fatty and nutty in aroma.
Texture: Thick, leaves a fatty, almost waxy feel to the skin.
Color: Deep olive green.
Notes: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.
Borage
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Aroma: Light and sweet.
Texture: Thin to medium, leaves a somewhat oily feel to the skin.
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: Is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. Borage oil is expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid rather quickly.
Cocoa Butter
Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao
Aroma: Unrefined cocoa butter is rich and very sweet . It has a chocolaty, "cocoa" aroma. The cocoa aroma is less noticeable in refined cocoa butter.
Texture: Solid and hard to work with at room temperate. Breaks into pieces.
Color: Yellowish tan.
Notes: Cocoa butter needs to be blended with other materials/oils to be workable. Suitable for use in lotions and creams.
Evening Primrose
Botanical Name: Oenothera biennis
Aroma: Light and sweet
Texture: Thin, leaves only a trace of oiliness on the skin.
Color: Medium yellow.
Notes: Evening Primrose is also said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid quickly.
Grapeseed
Botanical Name: Vitus vinifera
Aroma: Light, slightly sweet with a hint of a nutty aroma.
Texture: Thin but leaves a glossy film on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear, has an almost unnoticeable tinge of yellow/green.
Notes: Unlike most other carrier oils, grapeseed oil is solvent extracted and may have trace amounts of chemical solvent remaining. I have heard mixed reports on the shelf-life of grapeseed (some have said it goes rancid rather fast). I usually go through a bottle of grapeseed once each six months and have not discovered any problems with rancidity when stored in an amber bottle in a cool dark area.
Hazelnut
Botanical Name: Corylus avellana
Aroma: Light, nutty, somewhat sweet.
Texture: Thin and only leaves a slightly oily film on the skin.
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: It is said to be a good choice for those with oilier skin.
Jojoba
Botanical Name: Simmondsia chinensis
Aroma: Light to medium in aroma, not as sweet as the nut oils. The aroma is distinct but pleasant.
Texture: Light and silky. Absorbs well.
Color: Yellow.
Notes: Jojoba "oil" is actually a wax. It is a somewhat pricier oil and is frequently blended in a small dilution (10%) with other oils. It has a very long shelf-life.
Kukui
Botanical Name: Aleurites moluccana
Aroma: Light, sweet, pleasant, nutty.
Texture: Thin. Absorbs well, leaving only a trace oily feeling on the skin.
Color: Clear with a hint of yellow.
Notes: It is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is a somewhat more pricier oil. It goes rancid rather quickly.
Macadamia Nut
Botanical Name: Macadamia integrifolia
Aroma: More fragrant than sweet almond and some of the other nut oils, it is very sweet, fatty and nutty in aroma.
Texture: Thick and leaves an oily film on the skin.
Color: Clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.
Olive
Botanical Name: Olea europaea
Aroma: Typical aroma of olive oil used in cooking (smells somewhat like olives).
Texture: Heavy and rather oily.
Color: Light to medium green.
Notes: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.
Peanut
Botanical Name: Arachis hypogeae
Aroma: Like Pecan, it is extremely light in aroma with a slight fatty, nutty quality.
Texture: Thick and leaves a very oily film on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: Peanut oil should not be used by anyone that has an allergy to peanuts. Because of it's oiliness, it is said to be a good choice for inclusion in massage blends. It has been said that it is a good oil to use for those with arthritis.
Pecan
Botanical Name: Carya pecan
Aroma: Extremely light with a hint of a fatty, nutty aroma.
Texture: Medium thickness, leaves a slight oily film on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: It is said that it goes rancid somewhat quickly. I have used only one bottle of Pecan oil and did not discover any problems with rancidity when stored in an amber bottle in a cool dark area during my use of the oil over about 4-6 months.
Rose Hip
Botanical Name: Rosa mosqueta
Aroma: Mild and perhaps earthy aroma.
Texture: Light and leaves only a hint of oil on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: It is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid rather quickly.
Sesame
Botanical Name: Sesamum indicum
Aroma: Medium with a distinctive sweet, nutty sesame scent. May overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier oil.
Texture: Mildly thick, leaves an oily film on the skin.
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: Sesame oil may overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier oil.
Shea Butter
Botanical Name: Butyrospermun parkii
Aroma: Nutty, fatty.
Texture: Solid but permeable at room temperature. Leaves an oily/waxy feeling on the skin.
Color: Off-white/cream.
Notes: Suitable for use in lotions and creams.
Sunflower
Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
Aroma: Faint and sweet.
Texture: Thin and does not leave an oily residue.
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: When choosing sunflower oil, strive to get unrefined oil.
********************************************************
HAZARDOUS Essential Oils: The list shown below contains essential oils that should not be used in aromatherapy without the express administration by a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Many should not even be used by a qualified practitioner. Do not assume that an oil is safe to use if it is not on this list.
Ajowan
Trachyspermum copticum
Almond, Bitter
Prunus dulcis var. amara
Arnica
Arnica Montana
Birch, Sweet
Betula lenta
Boldo Leaf
Peumus boldus
Broom, Spanish
Spartium junceum
Calamus
Acorus calamus var. angustatus
Camphor
Cinnamomum camphora
Deertongue
Carphephorus odoratissimus
Garlic
Allium sativum
Horseradish
Armoracia rusticana
Jaborandi
Pilocarpus jaborandi
Melilotus
Melilotus officinalis
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
Mustard
Brassica nigra
Onion
Allium cepa
Pennyroyal
Mentha pulegium
Rue
Ruta graveolens
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Thuja
Thuja occidentalis
Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens
Wormseed
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. anthelminticum
Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
Important Note: The information provided in the Oil Profiles area is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
************************************************
Essential Oil Safety Information
Diluting a very small quantity of essential oil in carrier oil.
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully. Implementing aromatherapy into your lifestyle shouldn't cause paranoia or undue worry. By treating essential oils as medicines and following the steps outlined below, you will be well on your way to safely enjoying the many benefits that aromatherapy can offer.
These safety guidelines are not a complete safety reference for the proper use of essential oils. When in doubt, consult your physician and/or a qualified and trained aromatherapy practitioner.
Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. There are instances when experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners make exceptions to this precaution, but only once significant essential oil knowledge is gained should you ever attempt to apply an undiluted oil on the skin. Lavender and tea tree are listed by a large number of aromatherapy sources as being oils that can be used undiluted. Undiluted use of lavender and tea tree, however, should only be done on rare occurances as severe sensitivity still could occur in some individuals. Again, the safest rule of thumb is to never use any essential oil undiluted.
Some oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals. When using a new oil for the first time, do a skin patch on a small area of skin. Place a small amount of the diluted essential oil (never use essential oils undiluted on the skin) on the inside of your elbow and apply a bandage. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any form of reaction. Even if a particular essential oil is not known to cause irritation, this step should not be ignored. Even if an oil does not irritate you, it still can irritate someone else. It is important that you always keep that in mind.
Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or with other health conditions.
Less IS More. When using essential oils, use the smallest amount of essential oils that will get the job done. If one drop will get the job done, for example, don't use two drops.
Not all essential oils are suitable for use in aromatherapy. Wormood, pennyroyal, onion, camphor, horseradish, wintergreen, rue, bitter almond and sassafras are some of the essential oils that should only be used by qualified aromatherapy practitioners, if ever at all.
Never let children use essential oils without the presence of an adult knowledgeable about their use. Most essential oils smell wonderful and many essential oils such as citrus oils can smell like they are safe to drink. Keep your essential oils away from children. Treat the oils like medicines that are poison in unknowing hands.
Essential oils should not be taken internally. Essential oils should only be taken internally after receiving a detailed consultation and prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner.
Essential oils are flammable. Please keep them out of the way of fire hazards.
http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils/default.asp
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gingerD
(Login gingerD)
SENIOR MEMBER A- Z essential oils February 20 2007, 11:32 AM
Excellent info Surf, here is a alphabetical list of essential oils:
* Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis). Highly prized for its fragrance.
* Ajwain oil, distilled from the leaves of Bishop’s weed (Carum Copticum).
Oil contains 35-60% thymol.
* Angelica root oil, distilled from the Angelica archangelica.
* Anise oil, from the Pimpinella anisum, rich odor of licorice, used medicinally.
* Balsam oil, from the Myroxylon pereirae.
* Basil oil is used in making perfumes, as well as in aromatherapy
* Bergamot oil, used in aromatherapy and in perfumes.
* Black Pepper
* Buchu oil, made from the buchu shrub. Considered toxic and no longer widely used. Formally used medicinally.
* Cannabis flower essential oil, used as a flavoring in foods, primarily candy
and beverages. Also used as a scent in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and candles.
* Caraway oil, used a flavoring in foods. Also used in mouthwashes, toothpastes,
as a flavoring agent.
* Cardamom seed oil, used in aromatherapy and other medicinal applications. Extracted from seeds of subspecies of Zingiberaceae (ginger). Also used as a fragrance in soaps, perfumes, etc.
* Carrot seed oil (essential oil), used in aromatherapy.
* Cedarwood oil, primarily used in perfumes and fragrances.
* Chamomile oil, used medicinally and in aromatherapy.
* Cinnamon oil, used for flavoring.
* Cistus
* Citronella oil, from a plant related to lemon grass is used as an insect repellent, as well as medicinally.
* Clary Sage
* Clove leaf oil, used as a topical anesthetic to relieve dental pain.
* Coriander
* Costmary oil (bible leaf oil), from the Tanacetum balsamita
* Cranberry seed oil, equally high in omega-3 omega-6 fatty acids, primarily used in the cosmetic industry.
* Cumin oil/Black seed oil, used as a flavor, particularly in meat products. Also used in veterinary medicine.
* Cypress
* Davana oil, from the Artemisia pallens, used as a perfume ingredient and as a germicide.
* Dill oil, chemically almost identical to caraway seed oil. High carvone content.
* Eucalyptus oil, historically used as a germicide. Commonly used in cough medicine, among other medicinal uses.
* Fennel seed oil, used medicinally, particularly for treating colic in infants.
* Fenugreek oil, used medicinally and for cosmetics from ancient times.
* Fir
* Frankincense oil, used for aromatherapy and in perfumes.
* Galbanum
* Geranium oil, used medicinally, particularly in aromatherapy.
* Ginger oil, used medicinally in many cultures.
* Goldenrod
* Grapefruit oil, extracted from the peel of the fruit. Used in aromatherapy. Contains 90% limonene.
* Henna oil, used medicinally.
* Helichrysum
* Hyssop
* Idaho Tansy
* Jasmine oil, used for its flowery fragrance.
* Juniper berry oil, used as a flavor. Also used medicinally, including traditional medicine.
Lavender oil is distilled from the lavender flower
Lavender oil is distilled from the lavender flower
* Laurus nobilis
* Lavender oil, used primarily as a fragrance. Also used medicinally.
* Ledum
* Lemon oil, similar in fragrance to the fruit. Unlike other essential oils, lemon oil is usually cold pressed. Used medicinally, as an antiseptic, and in cosmetics.
* Lemongrass
* Litsea cubeba oil, lemon-like scent, often used in perfumes and aromatherapy.
* Marjoram
* Malaleuca
* Melissa oil (lemon balm oil), sweet smelling oil used primarily medicinally, particularly in aromatherapy.
* Mentha arvensis oil/Mint oil, used in flavoring toothpastes, mouthwashes and pharmaceuticals, as well as in aromatherapy and other medicinal applications.
* Mountain Savor
* Mugwort oil, used in ancient times for medicinal and magical purposes. Currently considered to be a neurotoxin.
* Mustard oil (essential oil), containing a high percentage of allyl isothiocyanate or other isothiocyanates, depending on the species of mustard
* Myrrh oil, warm, slightly musty smell. Used medicinally.
* Myrtle
* Orange oil, like lemon oil, cold pressed rather than distilled. Consists of 90% d-Limonene. Used as a fragrance, in cleaning products and in flavoring foods.
* Oregano oil, contains thymol and carvacrol, making it a useful fungicide. Also used to treat digestive problems.
* Orris oil is extracted from the roots of the Florentine iris (Iris florentina) and used as a flavouring agent, in perfume, and medicinally.
* Palo Santo
* Parsley oil, used in soaps, detergents, colognes, cosmetics and perfumes, especially men’s fragrances.
* Patchouli oil, very common ingredient in perfumes.
* Perilla essential oil, extracted from the leaves of the perilla plant. Contains about 50-60% perillaldehyde.
* Pennyroyal oil, highly toxic. An abortifacient and can even in small quantities cause acute liver and lung damage. [25]
* Peppermint oil, used in a wide variety of medicinal applications.
* Petitgrain
* Pine oil, used as a disinfectant, and in aromatherapy.
* Ravensara
* Red Cedar
* Roman Chamomile
* Rose oil, distilled from rose petals, Used primarily as a fragrance.
* Rosehip oil, distilled from the seeds of the Rosa rubiginosa or Rosa Mosqueta. Used
medicinally.
* Rosemary oil, distilled from the flowers of Rosmarinus officinalis. Used in aromatherapy, topically to sooth muscles, and medicinal for its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
* Rosewood oil, used primarily for skin care applications. Also used medicinally.
* Sage oil, used medicinally.
The spice star anise is distilled to make star anise oil
The spice star anise is distilled to make star anise oil
* Sandalwood oil, used primarily as a fragrance, for its pleasant, woody fragrance.
* Savory oil, from Satureja species. Used in aromatherapy, cosmetic and soap-making applications.
* Schisandra oil, from the Schisandra chinensis, used medicinally.
* Spearmint oil, often used in flavoring mouthwash and chewing gum, among other applications.
* Spikenard
* spruce
* Star anise oil, highly fragrant oil using in cooking. Also used in perfumery and soaps, has been used in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and skin creams.[30] 90% of the world's star anise crop is used in the manufacture of Tamiflu, a drug used to treat avian flu
* Tangerine
* Tarragon oil, distilled from Atremisia dracunculus, used medicinally.
* Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil), used medicinally.
* Thyme oil, used medicinally.
* Tsuga
* Valerian
* Vetiver oil (khus oil) a thick, amber oil, primarily from India. Used as a fixative in perfumery, and in aromatherapy.
* Western Red cedar
* Wintergreen
* Yarrow oil is used medicinally, to relieve joint pain
* Ylang Ylang
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gingerD
(Login gingerD)
SENIOR MEMBER MORE OILS February 20 2007, 12:21 PM
List of more oils:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_vegetable_oils