Sesame Seed - Carrier Oil

Sesame Seed - Carrier Oil
Sesamum indicum

Grade - Pharmaceutical
Extraction Method - Cold Pressed

Properties / Uses
- Sesame Oil is suitable for all skin types and especially useful as an ingredient in bodycare and massage based blends. It is a lightweight oil that forms a protective barrier on the skin and aids in locking in moisture without leaving a greasy feeling. This oil also helps with protecting skin cells against damage caused by environmental factors such as UV rays, pollution and toxins. Another added benefit of this oil is that it has a natural SPF of 4.

Quality
Our oils may not be the cheapest on the market but you can be sure that you are paying for high grade oils when purchasing from us. We supply only pure unadulterated oils. They are analysed at our suppliers' own laboratories using a number of techniques including optical rotation, refractive index, specific gravity and gas chromatography to ensure quality and authenticity.

Our 50ml carrier oils are supplied in glass bottles (with pipette tops and tamper evident caps) to prevent sunlight degradation and to avoid the 'bleeding' associated with some plastics. All 100ml carrier bottles are supplied with tamper evident caps only. Pipettes can be purchased separately.

Some of our carrier oils are available in various sizes - these will be shown in the product options above. Please ensure you select the desired size / quantity before adding to your basket.

Price is for one bottle. 

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health.

Aromatherapy is thought of as both an art and a science. Recently, aromatherapy has gained more recognition in the fields of science and medicine.

The Aromatherapy field has now broadened to cover the use of a wide variety of essential oils and absolutes, carrier and vegetable oils and plant hydrosols - also known as distillates.

Humans have used aromatherapy for thousands of years. Ancient cultures in China, India, Egypt, and elsewhere incorporated aromatic plant components in resins, balms, and oils. These natural substances were used for medical and religious purposes. They were known to have both physical and psychological benefits.

Essential oils distillation is attributed to the Persians in the 10th century, though the practice may have been in use for a long time prior to this. Information about essential oil distillation was published in the 16th century in Germany. French physicians in the 19th century recognized the potential of essential oils in treating disease.

Medical doctors became more established in the 19th century and focused on using chemical drugs. However, the French and German doctors still recognized the role of natural botanicals in treating illness.

The term 'aromatherapy' was coined by a French perfumer and chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé in a book he wrote on the topic that was published in 1937. He had previously discovered the healing potential of lavender in treating burns. The book discusses the use of essential oils in treating medical conditions.

Aromatherapy has an array of benefits. It’s said to:
- manage pain
- aid in natural skincare
- improve sleep quality
- reduce stress, agitation, and anxiety
- soothe sore joints
- treat headaches and migraines
- alleviate side effects of chemotherapy
- ease discomforts of labour
- fight bacteria, virus, or fungus
- improve digestion
- improve hospice and palliative care
- boost immunity
- and much more!

For more information on Aromatherapy and for details on our classes, workshops, courses and practitioner training on Aromatherapy, please visit our dedicated training website - the Asgard Academy - www.asgardacademy.co.uk

Carrier Oils, which are also known as base oils or vegetable oils, are used to dilute essential oils and absolutes before they are applied to the skin in massage and aromatherapy.

They are named because they carry the essential oil onto the skin. Diluting essential oils is a critical safety practice when using essential oils and absolutes. Essential oils alone are volatile; they begin to dissipate as soon as they are applied. The rate of dispersion will vary based on how light or heavy the carrier oil is.

Carrier oils do not contain a concentrated aroma, unlike essential oils, though some, such as olive, have a mild distinctive smell. Neither do they evaporate like essential oils, which are more volatile. Carrier oils used should be as natural and unadulterated as possible - all of our carrier oils are 100% pure unless otherwise stated. Cold-pressing and maceration are the two main methods of producing carrier oils.

There is a range of different carrier oils, each with a various therapeutic properties. Choosing an oil will depend on the area being massaged, the presenting conditions and the sensitivity and requirements. For massage, viscosity is a major consideration; for example, grape seed oil is typically very thin, while olive oil is much thicker. Sunflower, sweet almond and grape seed oils have viscosities midway between these extremes. Carrier oils can be easily blended to combine their properties of viscosity, acceptability, lubrication, absorption, aroma and so forth.

Infused oils are a combination of a carrier oil and plant material and they can be either commercially or domestically prepared. A base oil, often sunflower, is placed in an airtight container with the appropriate plant material for a time. Calendula and carrot oils are produced in this way.

High quality oils sold for culinary use are often eminently suitable for massage use, and are economical; those obtained by cold pressing are preferred. All carrier oils should be kept cool, and away from strong light, to slow rancidification. Rancid oils should be avoided. Refrigerating oils helps preserve their freshness but some oils should not be refrigerated (e.g. avocado). Very cold oils may appear cloudy, but regain their clear state on returning to room temperature.

Each carrier oil has its own shelf life - these range from 6 months to 2+ years.

For more information on Carrier Oils, Aromatherapy, Massage and associated training, check out our Asgard Academy website.