Sacred Scents. November Essential Oil of the Month: Idaho Balsam Fir. Kathy Padecky, Aromatherapist, HHP, CBS

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1 Sacred Scents November 2006 Essential Oil of the Month: Idaho Balsam Fir By Kathy Padecky, Aromatherapist, HHP, CBS What are carrier oils? In last month's issue, I talked about essential oils that should be diluted in a carrier oil. My first experience with carrier oils was when I was a baby. My mother rubbed baby oil on my gluteus maximus. This oil is mineral oil. It tends to cool the body and is petroleum based like Vaseline. Some essential oils need to be diluted before applying to the skin to prevent burning or irritating the skin. An essential oil is diluted into another oil to carry it safely. The oil carries the essential oil safely into the skin. The molecules of a carrier oil are generally too large to be absorbed into the skin and only the essential oil is absorbed. A carrier oil can come from a tree like coconut, or a plant like sunflower or from a nut like kukui or a seed like sesame. In ancient times, Egyptians used goose fat as a carrier oil. In aromatherapy, carrier oils, fixed oils, vegetable oils and base oils means the same thing. Essential oils and carrier oils are both fat-soluble. An essential oil is volatile which means it evaporates quickly into the atmosphere. A carrier oil has a larger molecule and leaves an oily residue on the skin. Like motor oils that come in various weight such as 10-30, carrier oils can be either light in texture or lightly astringent or heavier in molecular weight for mature or aged skin. They can benefit the body and nourish the skin. Carrier oils contain EFA (essential fatty acids) that nourish the skin. It is preferred that you buy an organic carrier oil when doing bodywork. Otherwise, carrier oils may contain herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or fertilizers. All are potentially harmful to your body. Expeller pressed carrier oils are cleaned and cooked at 248 degrees Fahrenheit to release the oil. It is a chemical-free mechanical process. The harder the nut or seed, the more pressure is needed to release the oil. A cold pressed oil is processed at a temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Extra virgin is the highest quality olive oil -- characterized by "perfect flavor and odor, a maximum oleic acid of 1% and a maximum peroxide value 10%." Many carrier oils use a hexane-extraction process. Hexane is a solvent derived from petroleum. That is why it is important to use organic carrier oil in your cooking and in your bodywork sessions. I think of carrier 1

2 oils, like essential oils, as liquid energy from the sun that nourish and balance our bodies. Carrier oils other than those listed below should be used with caution. Use the highest quality for the best results. List of carrier oils Sweet almond oil - Prunus anygdalus. It is pale yellow oil obtained from the seed kernel. It has no fragrance and it contains Vitamin E. It is nearest to the oil found naturally in our skin. It is useful for eczema, wrinkles, cradle cap and dry, chapped and irritated skin. In clinical trials using this carrier oil, cholesterol levels dropped an average of 11%. Apricot kernel oil - Prunus armeniaca. It is a moisturizing tonic to the skin particularly for the face, hands and hair. It leaves the skin silky smooth. People with mature, dry, or sensitive skin, benefit from its use. It has a light texture and is absorbed by the skin. It has no fragrance. Avocado oil - Persea americana. Technically avocado is a fruit because it has a stone. The oil is extracted from the pulp, which contains chlorophyll. It is rich, thick, and it contains Vitamin A, D, E, and lecithin. Its color is olive to pale green. If it is pale yellow, it has been refined. If it is clear, it has been bleached. It is excellent for premature aging skin, arthritis, and dry skin. It is also a cell regenerator. It gives a great sunscreen effect and absorbs easily. Borage - Borago officinalis. It is a pale yellow, thin oil rich in EFA and GLA (gamma linolenic acid) and linolenic acid. EFA is not manufactured by our bodies. Linolenic acid converts GLA in our bodies. It purifies and tones tired skin and brightens up gray hair. It is helpful for premenstrual and menopausal difficulties, psoriasis, eczema, premature aged skin, rheumatoid arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. Borage stimulates the adrenal glands and is effective in cardiovascular disorders. It assists in skin elasticity with firming properties. Castor oil - Ricinus communis L. It is a thorny scrub. Its oil is pale yellow and turns rancid quickly. It is an emollient to the skin. It is used in lipsticks and hair products. It assimilates quickly. It is used on age spots, liver spots, leprosy and tumors. I know a massage therapist that uses castor oil in 10% of his carrier oil blend because of its anti tumoral benefits. Coconut oil - Cocos nucifera. It is a thick semi-solid and melts easily at body temperature. It is emollient and nourishing to the skin. It has antifungal, antiviral, anti bacterial properties. It is has a calming affect. It is excellent for dry and damaged hair. It supports thyroid function. This is a beautiful oil to use in bodywork sessions. Evening primrose oil - Oenothera biennis. It is high in linoleic acid and GLA. It is extracted from tiny yellow seeds. It is helpful in blood circulation, dry skin, multiple sclerosis, premature aging, PMS, menopausal symptoms, hyperactivity, and epilepsy. It is an expensive oil and used in small amounts. 2

3 Grapeseed oil - Vitis vinifera. It is a favorite of many massage therapists. It has an astringent like quality. It is very light, odorless, and colorless. This carrier oil can be processed through a hexane extraction method. As with all oils, I recommend organic. It penetrates the skin easily. It is great for hypertension and it prevents skin aging. It helps with moisture retention in dry skin. Jojoba oil - Jojoba simmondsia chinenis. This is my favorite oil for bodywork. It is an evergreen shrub grown in the Southwest and dry lands of Mexico and in the USA. It is the base for perfumes. It is a polyunsaturated liquid wax. It softens and moisturizes the skin, lubricates the hair without making it greasy. It soothes inflamed and sensitive skin. It is used with mature skin, inflammatory conditions and arthritis. It is similar to sebum, the natural oil by our own skin. This carrier oil does not have to be refrigerated like the other carrier oils. Kukui nut oil - Aleurites moluccana. This is the official state tree of Hawaii. It is a delightful light oil that absorbs easily. It is clear or pale amber colored. It is nourishing for the skin and hair. It is used in the Hawaiian massage, Lomi Lomi. It is great for eczema, dermatitis, mature skin, itching. It is used in cancer care for radiation burns. It contains Vitamin A and C. Olive oil - Oleo europaea. It is thick and sticky with a distinct odor. It softens hard skin. By soaking your nails in olive oil, it will strengthen them. It is useful for muscular pains, inflamed skin, constipation, cardiovascular disorder and rheumatism. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Rosehip seed oil - Rosa rubiginosa. It is also called Rosa mosqueta. It is extracted from a wild rose that comes from the Andes in the southern part of Chile. It is high in EFA. It is similar to borage seed and evening primrose oil. It is useful for regenerating the skin and helps moisturize dry and scaly skin. It is used in tissue regeneration, reduces scaring and skin discoloration. You can use 10% in a blend. It is an expensive oil and goes rancid quickly. Legend tells us that all roses were white until Aphrodite pricked herself while with her lover, Adonis. Her blood stained the roses. Now, a red rose symbolizes the passion of a female while a white rose symbolizes the ecstasy of a man. Safflower oil - Carthamus tinctorius. It is an relatively inexpensive pale yellow oil. It can turn rancid quickly. Its viscosity is similar to sweet almond oil. It is used in topical application on painful, inflamed joints, sprains or strains. Sesame oil - Sesamum indicum. A sesame seed symbolizes immortality and life hence the name to open caves and tombs. There are black and white sesames. The best quality oil comes from the white seeds. Tahini is sesame seed paste. It is an emollient for the skin. It contains Vitamin E. It is useful for dry skin, eczema and psoriasis. It is an excellent carrier oil for a body wrap since it is a free radial scavenger. It is recommended that you do 3

4 not use "roasted sesame" oil on your clients. Otherwise, you may not see them again. Shea butter - Butyrospermum parkii. The tree comes from Africa. It is used mainly in creams with skin softening properties. In Mali, people use it to treat sprains, and muscular pains. It can be applied as a cell regenerator for cracks, fissures, skin ulcers and it prevents stretch marks. It has no oily residue. Its color ranges from greenish yellow to a pale cream. It is a delightful oil for massage. Sunflower oil - Helianthus anuus. It is a sacred plant for the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. Van Gogh painted this beautiful flower. It brings joy and happiness to people who see it. The flowers of the plant turn their "heads" in the direction of the sun. It is a clear, light pale yellow oil. It leaves the skin silky smooth and non-greasy. It contains Vitamin A, E and D. It is effective in ulcers, bruises, dermatitis, and circulatory problems. Tamanu oil - Calophyllum inophyllum. The plant is from Asia. The oil comes from the seed, a pale yellow kernel. The greenish resin from the bark known as calaba balm to stop bleeding and has antiseptic qualities. It is anti-inflammatory. It is great for spot topical application. It is useful in chapped skin, minor sting bites, sciatica, rheumatism, and beneficial in shingles. You can blend 10% of Tamanu in your carrier oil blend. Wheat germ oil - Triticum aestivum. It is a thick, oil with Vitamin E content. Wheat germ helps stabilize other vegetable oils in a blend. It is useful for dry or mature skin or possible for prevention of eczema. It provides antioxidant qualities when added to a carrier oil blend. Its color is orange to yellow with a nutty odor. Note, avoid using if your client is allergic to wheat. Essential Oil of the Month - Idaho balsam fir, Abies balsamea. With Christmas approaching, this is a beautiful essential oil to apply neat on your body or diffuse in your home. The odor is piney and sharp. The essential oil is extracted from the pine needles. Idaho balsam fir is safe for children. Its medicinal qualities include respiratory issues, muscular and rheumatic pain. This oil is an anti-depressant. It may help to enhance the human growth hormone. It has been known to reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. It is very effective for overworked, tired ligaments, tendons, and joints. It is a stress reducer to the sympathetic nervous system. In studies, Idaho balsam fir assisted people in getting off Prozac. It heals burns as quickly as lavender. It is a powerful pain reliever. Idaho balsam fir - Abies balsamea recipe Calming and achy muscles massage formula 1 oz. carrier oil (i.e. almond oil or jojoba or sesame oil) 5 drops of lavender 4

5 5 drops of Idaho balsam fir Idaho balsam fir blends with the following essential oils: cedarwood, cypress, German chamomile, frankincense, geranium, juniper, lavender, lemon, myrtle, pine, sandalwood and rosewood. Aromatherapy glossary Anti-inflammatory: It counteracts inflammation and swelling, i.e. Idaho balsam fir, helichyrsum, pine Anti-depressant: It relieves depression, i.e. bergamot, Idaho balsam fir, geranium, lavender, ylang ylang Febrifuge: It reduces fever, i.e. basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint Helpful Hint: Fizzy bath bombs This is a great gift for this holiday season. You can include Idaho balsam fir in this recipe. It is a wonderful gift for that special person. 3 cups baking soda 1 3/4 cups cornstarch 1 1/2 cups citric acid (in the vitamin section of your health food store) 1/2 cup water 1 T. of carrier oil 2 tsp. essential oil Into a bowl, sift dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together oil and water to break the oil into tiny droplets. Slowly add liquid to the dry ingredients, stirring constantly. Some fizzing will occur. If too dry, add more water, a teaspoon at a time. After the fizzing ceases, place the mixture into a container with a good seal. You might add a bow to the lid of the container. About 4 oz. of the bath bomb is ideal for the bath. It will soothe your body, mind and spirit. The Quote of the month: If I had a flower for every time you made me smile, I would be walking in an endless garden. Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and/or techniques mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment, or prescription for any disease. The decision to use, or not use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. 5