Carrier Oils Library

Carrier oils or base oils that are sometime called, are used to infuse herbs in, added to herbal products such as lotions and soaps, or used all on their own. These vegetable oils are excellent for skin and hair. But some are made from nuts and should be avoided if you are allergic.

Here are some of the more common carrier oils we use in body products we use:

Sweet Almond Oil

This oil is expressed from the seed of the sweet almond rather than the bitter almond. It has a faint aroma and is very close to the natural oils found in the skin. Use for chapped, irritated skin, eczema, cradle cap, and to soften wrinkles.

Apricot Kernel Oil

This oil is expressed from the seed of the apricot. It is a heavy oil but easily absorbed into the skin, therefore an excellent moisturizing oil for face, hands, and hair. It’s high in Vitamins A and C. Great for mature, dry, and sensitive skin.

Avocado Oil

This is one of the most penetrating oils. It is pressed out of the dehydrated thinly sliced fruit. The oil is pale yellow with a green aroma and is rich in Vitamin A and D as well and lecithin, potassium, and chlorophyll. Very moisturizing oil for rash, eczema, mature skin, parched skin, and aging skin.

Coconut Oil

This oil is semi-solid but melts easily when put on skin. It is prepared from the endosperm of the coconut fruit. It forms a barrier against infections, softens, moisturizes skin, and prevents wrinkling, sagging, and protects skin from damaging UV rays. Use on aging skin, and skin that needs protection.

Evening Primrose Oil

An expensive oil to produce, but is used for dandruff, sun-damaged skin, eczema, problem skin such as acne, aging skin, inflamed skin. It is an excellent oil for rheumatoid arthritis as a rub and for wounds. It is used in my breast salve to reduce cysts and pain.

Grapeseed Oil

This oil is mildly astringent and especially suited for acne or oily skin. Because it is primarily polyunsaturated, it is best refrigerated if it is to be kept for any length of time. It is a great oil to use if you don’t want your skin to feel oiler that it already is.

Jojoba

It is really a liquid wax that contains all the natural forms of antioxidants. It is extracted from an edible seed, not a nut that can be used on most sensitive skin, including baby skin. It does not clog pores and does not stain. Use for facial massage, hair/scalp conditioning, cuticles, psoriasis, revitalizing, and soothing after sun exposure.

Macadamia Nut Oil

This oil is expressed from the rich macadamia nut, has a medicinal aroma, and is oily on the skin. It softens dry mature skin. Use in shampoos, conditioners, creams, and massage oils.

Olive Oil

Fully ripe olives are crushed, not the seed, to make this rich oil. It is heavy and used in cosmetics and soaps. It is filled with skin nutrients such as Vitamin E that softens dry skin. The aroma is somewhat strong. Using essential oils can cover the smell if you don’t like it.

Safflower Oil

This oil is produced from the seeds of the safflower plant. Apply to bruises, sprains, and painful arthritis joints. It can be used in salves and rubs to be used to relieve pain such as knees, shoulder, and back.

Sesame Seed Oil

It is an extraction from raw seeds. It is a light color and is a natural skin moisturizer, a good source of vegetable protein, rich in lecithin, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Use for rheumatic conditions, eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin.

Sunflower Oil

This light oil is high in linoleic acid, Vitamins A, B complex, D, and E, as well as calcium, zinc, potassium, iron, and phosphorus. Use for bruises, dermatitis, and ulcers. I use this deep absorbing oil in my breast salve to reduce cysts and pain.

Herbal Hair Highlights

Herbal teas won’t dye your hair permanently like commercial dyes do, but over time, with regular use, your hair will have tinted highlights.  Herbal teas are safe to use, and there’s no harmful chemicals.

As an added bonus, herbal tea will get your hair in great condition.  See our post on Hair Treatment Herbs.

Please be aware that some people may be allergic to certain plant families, so a spot test is wise before using.

Use these herbs to highlight your color of hair.

Golden Highlights

  • Calendula
  • Chamomile
  • Lemon
  • Sunflower petals

Dark Highlights

  • Black Tea
  • Black Walnut hulls (crushed or chopped)
  • Comfrey root
  • Nettle
  • Rosemary
  • Sage

Red Highlights

  • Calendula
  • Henna
  • Hibiscus flowers
  • Red Clover flowers
  • Rose hips
  • Red Rose petals

Directions

Add 3 or more tablespoons to a glass jar, pour 2 cups boiling water over the herbs. Let sit overnight so the color will be at its brightest. Remove herbs, and it’s ready to use.

Wash hair, pour herbal tint over hair and message in well. If possible, leave on hair for an hour before rinsing out. You can also, place the tint in a spray bottle.

For best results, use once a week. Your hair may not show a difference the first time, but over time, the tint will built and you will see the highlights coming out.

Dry as usual.

Hair Treatment Herbs

One of the easiest ways to get beautiful healthy hair, is to use herbal teas in your hair.

Herbal tea doesn’t only increase hair growth. It makes the hair stronger because of the rich vitamins and minerals. Herbal Tea Rinses will reduce breakage and shedding by strengthening your hair from the root.

They cleanse and condition the scalp. Keeping the scalp detoxed is the first step to healthy hair.

Choose one of the following methods:

Herbal Tea Hair Rinse

To create an herbal hair rinse, simply pour 2 cups of boiling water over 3 or more tablespoons of dried quality or organic herbs (see list below) and allow to infuse for 8 hours or overnight. Strain herbs from the liquid, you can gently warm the liquid if you’d like.

You can use dried or fresh herbs. I always use dried because that’s what I have on hand.

To use, slowly pour the rinse over your head, making sure to massage the infusion into your hair and scalp.

You can do this in the shower or keep a large bowl under your head to catch the liquid and reapply. Repeat several times, and either rinse out or allow to dry.

Herbal Vinegar Hair Rinse

Vinegar rinses have the same advantages as water-based hair rinses, and they also help restore hair’s pH balance. Vinegar is beneficial for oily hair, itchy scalp, dandruff, dull hair, and other scalp conditions.

To make, place 1/2 cup dried quality or organic herbs (see list below) and 8 oz organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with mother) in a glass jar, cap tightly, and infuse for 3-6 weeks. Shake the jar daily. Once infused, strain the herbs out. 

You can use dried or fresh herbs. I always use dried because that’s what I have on hand.

To use, combine 1 tablespoon herbal vinegar with 1 cup water, apply to hair, followed by a thorough rinse with plain water.

The infused vinegar will keep for at least a year if stored properly in a cool and dry area.

Below, you’ll find a list of common hair issues and the herbs to treat them .

Dry Hair and Scalp

  • Burdock root
  • Calendula
  • Chamomile
  • Comfrey leaf
  • Elder flowers
  • Horsetail (shavegrass)
  • Lavender
  • Marshmallow root or leaf
  • Nettle
  • Parsley leaf
  • Sage

Oily Hair and Scalp

  • Bay leaf
  • Burdock root
  • Calendula
  • Chamomile
  • Horsetail (shavegrass)
  • Lemon Balm
  • Lavender
  • Lemon peel
  • Lemongrass
  • Nettle
  • Peppermint
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Witch Hazel bark
  • Yarrow leaf and flower

Scalp Conditions 

(dandruff, sensitive skin, inflammation, itchiness, dermatitis)

  • Burdock root
  • Calendula
  • Chamomile
  • Comfrey leaf
  • Eucalyptus
  • Horsetail (shavegrass)
  • Lavender
  • Marshmallow root
  • Nettle
  • Oregano
  • Peppermint
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Thyme

Hair Loss and Thinning

  • Basil
  • Nettle
  • Rosemary
  • Sage

Normal

  • Basil
  • Calendula
  • Chamomile
  • Horsetail (shavegrass)
  • Lavender
  • Linden flowers
  • Nettle
  • Parsley leaf
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Watercress

See our post on Herbal Hair Highlights