CHEEKY HERBS monthly newsletter from tinderbox MABON - AUTUMN EQUINOX 2015 ISSUE No. 77 Carrier blends transport essential oils into the body PURE ESSENTIAL oils are usually too concentrated to use alone and must be diluted in a base vegetable oil to use on the body. SPECIAL FEATURE: CARRIER OILS Without these fatty, rich and nutritious base (or ‘carrier’) oils, essential oils are likely to irritate skin tissue, causing damage to the surface of the body. Base oils provide the bulk of a blend and bring it all together. They are called carrier oils because they literally carry the essential oils, which are the actives, deeper into the dermis where they might have their healing way with the body. ‘Top Shelf’ oils of choice A good carrier oil blend is highly compatible with human skin and better able to penetrate it; enabling the body to absorb the therapeutic properties of the essential oils. This is especially relevant when using essential oils for massage, bath or topical application. There are many base oils suitable to use as a carrier oil - singularly or in combination. It could be as accessible as a cold-pressed , right up to a ‘top shelf’ organic rosehip oil. It is always wise to avoid mineral oils or refined common cooking oils for a carrier oil, as these dead oils do not • Some of the highest sources of Tinderbox Top Picks market. These properties include the have an affinity with essential plant oils palmitoleic fatty acids, which delay the enhancement of sunscreen efficacy for or human skin. Their low penetration ageing of skin cells. As the skin ages Kendi Oil both skin and hair from UV rays, which impedes their absorption through the these fatty acids are rapidly depleted. Kendi oil is a botanical oil that is means it is able to prevent DNA skin layers and this eventually deposits • Linolenic acid, which is an omega 3 extracted from the Indonesian Aleurites damage. in the tissues as toxins, which deplete fatty acid that helps to improve skin Moluccana tree (sometimes known as the skin of necessary nutrients. conditions by softening and moisturis- the candlenut); a flowering tree in the The right collection of very high ing the skin. It is also important for the spurge family. Jojoba oil was widely used by Native grade base oils can collectively stand structure of cell membranes that help to It has a unique sensory profile and is Americans and is derived from the fruit alone - even without adding essential prevent trans epidermal water loss from extremely rich in omega-3 polyunsatu- or nut of the jojoba plant that grows up oils - for a deluxe, emollient body oil the skin’s delicate tissues, preserving rated fatty acids. to three metres high and is found in the that will do wonders for your skin’s the cell’s natural barrier to the environ- The beauty of kendi is that it's light, deserts of the United States and overall health and appearance, keeping ment. non-greasy, virtually odourless and Mexico. it lubricated, soft and supple. • Oleic acid, an omega 6 fatty acid absorbs quickly to help nourish and It is very medicinal with excellent But a carrier blend’s fundamental use that also promotes skin regeneration soften the skin. anti-inflammatory properties for skin however is to provide an ideal base to and has moisturising properties to The oil itself is particularly high in disorders and an excellent cosmetic oil create your own bespoke massage, bath promote supple and moist skin and rich fatty acids and nutritional compo- that is suitable for body and the face, or body oils at home, by simply adding improve its overall condition. nents with properties that allow for fast effectively nourishing all skin types as the essential oils of your choice for • Vitamin A, also known as topical skin penetration and leaves the skin well as hair treatments. whatever healing application you trans retinoic acid, (sometimes in feeling dry to the touch after applica- While most plants produce oil by require at the time. Beta-carotene) which can also help to tion. combining glycerol with fatty acids, the prevent the signs of ageing. It is helpful Kendi oil’s high levels of powerful jojoba plant produces its oil by combin- So what are the best oils? with skin that is dehydrated from sun antioxidants help to protect against ing alcohol, fat and fatty acid. Botanical, cold-pressed oils are the exposure, fine lines, wrinkles and an harmful free radicals, giving it remark- It is remarkably similar to a oils of choice. These oils contain: uneven skin tone. able anti-ageing properties. substance found in the brain cavity of • A high level of flavonoids, the • Lycopene, an antioxidant that It displays excellent tissue repair the whale, which has historically been natural plant components that offer a protects the skin from free radical properties, lending suppleness and used for its emulsifying properties as a protective benefit and phytosterols, the damage, reducing the risk of premature elasticity to the skin, and it can help popular base for cosmetic creams. building blocks of our cell membrane. ageing. heal wounds and calm itchiness. Jojoba is highly penetrative and These sterols work the same way that • Vitamin C, a key antioxidant that The oil has been shown to have free particularly efficacious when used at cholesterol does in our skin, which is protects against free radical damage radical scavenging properties that approximately 10 per cent of the overall one of the reasons why oil has great and also plays a role in the formation of prevent cell damage; apparently higher blend. skin penetration abilities. collagen. amounts than most seed oils on the It is particularly rich in vitamin E and CHEEKY HERBS MABON - AUTUMN EQUINOX 2015 Page 2/2

Top Shelf oils for a premium blend unlike other oils rich in this vitamin it doesn’t oxidise help moisturise and condition skin, leaving it soft and fantastic moisturiser, as it will moisturise the dry areas and is thus not prone to rancidity. plump, while helping to reduce the appearance of fine of your skin while not adding too much moisture to It is the perfect vehicle to carry very expensive lines and wrinkles. oilier areas. absolute essential oils such as rose or jasmine and Rosehip oil is a very rich source of essential fatty because it is odourless, it provides an excellent base Oil acids – in fact, it is 80 per cent fatty acids. for fine cream perfumes. Sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernels These are vital for regenerating skin cells and of the almond tree (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus). repairing skin tissue.Rosehip oil has been shown to Oil It is quite stable as an oil and is clear pale yellow improve the following: dry skin, premature ageing, come from the Hazel (Corylus) tree; the with medium viscosity and a faintly sweet and nutty skin elasticity and resilience, scarring in general, tree is native to the Northern Hemisphere. aroma. stretch marks, hyper-pigmentation, dermatitis, fine This nut oil, with its fine texture and slightly nutty It contains lots of vitamins including A, B and E lines and wrinkles, burns, skin damage caused by sun fragrance, is very good to repair dry and damaged skin and is a good lubricant so can help with itching, exposure. as it is rich in essential fatty acids. eczema and inflammation. Alone it can provide Hazelnut is very nutritious and rejuvenating for instant relief from muscle pain. regular skin usage and is one of those natural oils that It is wonderful for all skin types and is particularly Macadamia Oil is lightweight and a very stable oil offers a mild protection from damaging UV rays. good for a facial massage. It is slightly astringent so is suitable for oily skins, Although it is suitable for all skin types, it is with a shelf life of 24 months. helping to calm over-active oil glands, yet it also suits especially good for dry, sensitive skin and helps It has a chemical profile that is very similar to sensitive skin as it is a gentle oil that is unlikely to balance the moisture in facial skin. human sebum, and has a non-greasy feel on the skin, irritate and doesn’t feel greasy. giving it a nice workable film on the skin Hazelnut oil is slow to go rancid because it has a Rosehip Oil Very rich in the best nutrients such as phytosterols, high vitamin E content, providing antioxidant Rosehip oil comes from the ‘hip’ of the rose, (rosa it is the perfect choice for dry skin, helping to retain protection. canina) which is the seedpod or fruit of the dogrose moisture and enhancing tissue repair. Even though the oil helps absorb and balance that occurs after the rose petals fall off. Its protective phytosterols act like cortisone on the sebum (skin oil), it also has a lot of natural fats that This oil is extremely beneficial for the skin and a skin, helping to reduce itchiness and inflammation.

THE PLEASURE OF A GOOD MASSAGE AROMATHERAPY BLISS IN THE BATH One of life’s most pleasurable With aromatherapy, we add to this The comfort and pleasure of the blend to the bath water and agitate experiences would have to be ancient art of touching one of the scented bath provides the perfect to disperse the oil. receiving a good aromatherapy treasures from nature’s pharmacy - setting for healing with essential Essential oils can also be added to massage. essential plant oils, just as the oils. ancients would have done. sea salts and epsom salts for a Like the aromatic bath, massage is The skin absorbs the beautifying detoxifying bath. a truly divine way of getting the The right blend for and softening oils, which eventually essential oils into our body. massage can treat a whole host of For tired, aching feet, a few drops penetrate to deeper parts of the bodily ailments, such as can be added to a foot bath, which The therapeutic properties of the body. rheumatism, arthritis, poor is an excellent precursor to plant oils combine with the power reflexology treatment. of human touch to promote healing circulation, headache, insomnia, Meanwhile the nose inhales the on many different levels for our sciatica, menstrual pain, aching relaxing aroma, compounding the The feet absorb essential oils body, emotionally and physically. muscles; even anxiety and nervous treatment. readily and foot massage affects tension. the entire body. It is an instinctive act for us to Add 5 to 10 drops of an essential touch and rub a painful spot on our Besides these therapeutic values, oil blend to two tablespoons of a Sitz baths may be employed for body, and from this primitive reflex, we must not forget the indisputable scentless carrier oil or full cream gynaecological problems. the concept of massage has cosmetic benefits of massaging the milk.Take care to avoid those oils Dilute 6 to 10 drops of chosen evolved into a sophisticated moisturising and healing oils into which maybe irritating to the skin. essential oils in honey or carrier oil the skin. therapy where the hands are When the bath is ready, add the before adding to the bath water. channels of healing energy. Active medicinal constituents of the Different cultures have developed plant oils are delivered into the their own techniques but they all bloodstream, immediately bringing 37 South Western Highway, Balingup WA 6253 share the same faith in the healing relief to troubled areas. www.cheekyherbs.com • [email protected] powers of human hands on human Quality of the oils is paramount to P 08 9764 1034 • F 08 9764 1560 bodies. achieve positive results. Information in this newsletter is published in good faith and of a general nature only.