What Are Essential Oils And Vegetable Oils (Carrier Oils)?
Essential oils and vegetable oilsare two fundamental ingredients used in aromatherapy, a natural and holistic care system with a tradition of over 6000 years. These oils are obtained from different parts of plants – bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, stems or roots – and contribute to maintaining balance between body, mind and spirit.
We believe thatessential oils represent the essence and spirit of plantsThey are highly concentrated aromatic extracts produced by plants to protect themselves and survive in nature. That is why the English term "essential oil" is often translated asessential oilThrough their scent, these oils stimulate our nervous system and can reach the subconscious level, contributing to a general state of balance and well-being.
Vegetable oils, also known ascarrier or base oils, are suitable for direct application to the skin. They can be used individually or mixed with essential oils, helping to transport beneficial molecules into the deeper layers of the skin.
What is the difference between essential oils and vegetable oils?
Essential and vegetable oils are differentiated by their extraction methods and the parts of the plants from which they are extracted.
Essential oilsare usually obtained throughsteam distillationThere are exceptions, however, such as essential oils from citrus fruits – for exampleorange essential oilorbergamot essential oil– which are extracted by pressing the fruit peel.
Vegetable oils, instead, are obtained through methods such ascold pressingormaceration. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they are not recommended for direct application to the skin without dilution. Vegetable oils can be used directly on the skin and, in many cases, can also be used in food.
For your aromatherapy rituals you can also discoverscented sticks, incense, or aromatherapy diffusers, which perfectly complements the relaxation experience.
The benefits of vegetable oils
Vegetable oilsare frequently used for skin and hair care. They help balance sebum levels, increase skin elasticity, and support natural regeneration processes.
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin deeply
- Helps maintain skin elasticity
- Contributes to skin regeneration and healing
- Protects the skin against external factors such as cold or sun
- They are ideal as a base for massage oils
Certain vegetable oils, such assesame oilorcoconut oil, can contribute to the partial filtering of UVA rays and can be used in the preparation of natural oils for sunscreen.
Argan oilis known for its benefits in hair care, whilejojoba oilhelps balance even very oily skin.Rosehip oilrestores skin brightness and can help reduce blemishes.
The benefits of essential oils
Essential oilsThey are not only used for their pleasant fragrance. They offer numerous benefits for the balance of body, mind and emotions.
Each plant has a specific energetic frequency and properties, and the aromas of essential oils can influence our physical and emotional state. They can support relaxation, mental clarity, and inner balance.
- Promotes relaxation and reduces stress
- Contributes to emotional and mental balance
- Purifies the space and creates a harmonious atmosphere
- May have antiseptic and antibacterial properties
Lavender essential oilIt is recognized for its calming effect and ability to prepare the body for restful sleep.Ylang-ylang essential oilis associated with feminine energy, whilepatchouli essential oilhelps balance feminine and masculine energies.
Lemon essential oilIt has an energizing effect and is appreciated for its antibacterial properties, often being used in natural home cleaning.