Description

Carrier oil, also known as base oil or vegetable oil, is used to dilute essential oils and absolutes before they are applied to the skin. They are so named because they carry the essential oil onto the skin. Carrier oils do not contain a concentrated aroma, unlike essential oils, nor do they evaporate like them. Put a few drops of the essential oil/oils into the carrier oil and mix well.

There is a range of carrier oils each with its own individual properties and suitability for different treatments in aromatherapy. Infused oils are a combination of carrier oil and various herbs. True carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils.

There are two forms of the almond plant, one producing sweet almond (usually with white flowers), and the other producing bitter almond (usually with pink flowers). The kernel of the former contains a fixed oil and emulsion. As late as the early 20th century sweet almond oil was used internally in medicine, with the stipulation that sweet almond must not be adulterated with that of the bitter almond; and therefore sweet almond remains fairly popular in alternative medicine, particularly as a carrier oil in aromatherapy, but has fallen out of prescription amongst doctors.

In Ayurveda, the Indian System of Medicine, sweet almond is considered a nutritive for the brain and nervous system. Sweet Almond is said to induce a high intellectual level and longevity. Almond oil is called Roghan Badam in both Ayurveda and Unani Tibb (the Greco-Persian System of Medicine). Sweet Almond oil is extracted by cold process and is considered a nutritive aphrodisiac both for massage and internal consumption. Recent studies have shown that the constituents of sweet almond have anti-inflammatory, immunity boosting and anti-hepatotoxicity effects.