Carrier Oils...Diluting Essential Oils...What The What?!

Carrier Oils, that term is going to come up over and over again in the world of Essential Oils.  You may know exactly what they are, may think you know, or admit that you have no idea whatsoever.  That's why this post is here. 

Here's the low-down on Carrier Oils:

What is a Carrier Oil?

A Carrier Oil is simply an oil that "carries" another oil.  We use Carrier Oils to dilute Essential Oils before applying them to the skin.  "Hot" oils like Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove and Oregano need to be diluted with a Carrier Oil before applying them.  Most Essential Oils are still just as powerful when diluted up to 5%.

When would I use a Carrier Oil?

Carrier Oils can be used for several reasons.  First, they are used as a safety precaution. This helps to insure that sensitive skin is not irritated by the Essential Oils.  Essential Oils are a powerful thing. As mentioned above, always us a Carrier Oil when applying Essential Oils to infants, children, the elderly or someone with sensitive skin.

Second, they can be used to help apply Essential Oils to a large area (like the back or chest).  This is especially useful for massages using the Essential Oils.

Third, they help the Essential Oils absorb into the skin rapidly.

What oils qualify as Carrier Oils?

Any vegetable based oil can be used as a Carrier Oil.  That being said, there are a few that are more desirable than others. 

• Fractionated Coconut Oil is a wonderful Carrier Oil.  The difference between Fractionated Coconut Oil and coconut oil you may find at the grocery store (even if it is raw coconut oil) is that the Fractionated Coconut  has some of the fatty acids removed.  This is why it remains liquid unlike cold-pressed, raw coconut oil. 

• Olive Oil, unscented body lotion and the like.  These can also be used as Carrier Oils.  Olive Oil is a heavy oil and great for moisture. I have used it when just needing to grab something to get an oil on whoever needed it right away.  Unscented body lotion can also be used.  

• Sweet Almond Oil is very light and has a nice fragrance.  It is also commonly used by massage therapists.

How much Carrier Oil do I need to use to dilute my Essential Oil?

This all depends on how you are using your oils.  Here is a chart from the Modern Essentials guide on how to dilute Essential Oils with Carrier Oils.  It never hurts to dilute an Essential Oil, in fact it is safer and could even be more effective. Infants are not listed on this chart, so it is suggested that 1 drop of Essential Oil be diluted into 1 Tablespoon of Carrier Oil. Overall, when in question, DILUTE!  Remember that Essential Oils can maintain their therapeutic benefits even when diluted down to 10% or 5%.

What do I do if I get an Essential Oil in my eye?

Essential Oils should not be used in the eyes or inside the ear canal.  In the event of accidental contact with the eye, dilute with a Carrier Oil NOT water.

OR rinse with MILK! It may sound strange, but the fat and cream in milk are a safe means of diluting and rinsing Essential Oils from eyes and the cold cool milk brings quick, safe, effective relief from burning. Tilt head back and dump small lid or capful of milk directly into eye, then tilt head forward to drain, and wipe clean with dry towel. Repeat once or twice more as needed.

For more information on using Essential Oils safely, click HERE.

To purchase fractionated coconut oil and essential oils from my Retail Shop click HERE.

Cold & Flu Season, Are You Ready?

Every year parents across the country brace for it, dreading the impact it may have on their loved ones.  Flu Season, it seems is growing to be one that lasts from late Fall to late Spring these days. 

Well, the first cases of the 2014 flu season have already been confirmed and reported by Oklahoma City's FOX25 News been reported as of October 23rd.  This year I feel much more empowered to battle what lies in wait.  This year there are new elements at my disposal to help prevent and take down the runny noses, sore throats, fevers, and upset stomachs that may try to ruin the days and nights of my children.  This year I have a knowledge of how to use essential oils to build our immune systems and halt what may try to take us down.

This is the time of year that anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers are everywhere...especially in (my children's) classrooms.  What I did not know is that many contain a dangerous chemical called "triclosan"?  (which is also found in some toothpastes)  It is what has caused some states to start banning those products. You can read more about it in this article from CNN.

In 2013, ABCnews.com reported the following:

"'The virus is likely to spread across the country,' ABC News' Dr. Richard Besser said Sunday morning. 'I expect that it's going to hit the whole country.' Enterovirus D68 comes from a family of enteroviruses that can cause cold-like symptoms,typically during the month of September. Besser warned parents to watch out for symptoms of coughs and wheezing among their children, especially if their children are asthmatic."

"Children who contract enterovirus D68 first suffer from what appears to be a common cold, with symptoms including a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing, according to Besser. The symptoms then escalate to difficulty breathing. Besser said parents should look out for their children exhibiting signs of wheezing, difficulty eating or speaking, and blueness around the lips." - Taken from ABCnews.com Click HERE for Full Story

 

Here are the TOP FIVE oils that I recommend you have in your arsenal to deal with the oncoming Cold, Flu, and Enterovirus Season:

Respiratory Oil Blend - When inhaled from bottle, or hands, helps to open up airways. Apply thin coat of Fractionated Coconut Oil to protect skin on chest and throat, then apply Breathe blend to chest and throat to open up airways and make breathing easier. On very small children and babies, apply oil blend to bottoms of feet and cover with socks. This also will help to keep airways open and make for more restful sleep when sick.

Lavender - Coat skin beside nostrils with a small dab of Fractionated Coconut Oil, then apply one drop of Lavender to stop a runny nose dead in it's tracks. On very small children and babies place the dab of coconut oil and Lavender behind child's ears to avoid them rubbing it into eyes. Also applying lavender oil to the bottoms of feet will help with more restful sleep. (Lavender oil is also always great to have on hand for burns, bites, cuts, scrapes, stings, bites, and itches.)

Peppermint - Apply coat of Fractionated Coconut Oil to forehead, temples, and back of neck, then apply 1 - 2 drops Peppermint Oil to relieve headaches. Peppermint oil aromatically inhaled can also relieve nausea and help open airways. 

Digestive Oil Blend - put 1 - 2 drops in 4 oz of juice for a child, or 3 - 4 drops in a 4oz glass of water for adult (do not use a plastic cup for this as the oils will eat away the plastic - use glass) mix well and drink. Also apply topically to areas of discomfort on stomach to relieve gas, bloating, upset, and other symptoms of stomach flu or food poisoning. On very small children and babies apply this essential oil blend with fractionated coconut oil to stomach and bottoms of feet.

Protective Oil Blend - Apply this antibacterial and antiviral blend to bottoms of feet twice daily to build immunity and protect against bacterial infections and viruses. Also make into a spray for hands, doorknobs, countertops, and other places viruses and bacteria can spread.

Contact me for information to get your hands on these amazing oils.

Ask me how you can register as a Preferred Member (One time fee of $25 for Lifetime Membership) and receive a 20% discount on purchases!

OR register as a Wellness Advocate (1 year membership),  and receive WHOLESALE PRICING, monthly promotional deals, and points back towards products!!

Using Essential Oils Safely

A few things to keep in mind when using Essential Oils. Essential oils can be used safely by your family for a variety of wellness applications. However, there are several safety guidelines that you should follow when using essential oils and essential oil products.

1. Use only 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil products.

2. Essential Oils can be used Aromatically, Topically, and Internally, HOWEVER not all can be used in each of these ways. Be sure to read and follow all label warnings and instructions prior to use. (bottle labels, packaging labels, product catalogs or online information should be considered)