The Health Wonders of Base Oils...Inside & Out

Who would have thought that oils can be used for more than just cooking? And there are so many types! Typically, you would cook with olive or vegetable oil. Coconut oil is on the rise of popularity with its health benefits of taking internally. But let’s take a look at the wide array of oils and what they can do for our bodies when applied topically.

Base oils are considered oils that can be added to something or add something to them. Base oils are typically extracted from fruits, vegetables and nuts. This alone tells us that there are health benefits linked to these oils. Each fruit, vegetable and nut has its own health properties, containing important vitamins and minerals which can better your health and well-being. It is best to take in nutrients from your diet, but what you put on your skin can

make subtle or drastic differences externally as well as how it can affect you internally.

I use certain base oils in Ayurvedic Massage depending on what is called the client’s Dosha imbalance or ‘Pakriti’. I also take into consideration their particular skin type as well as any conditions or concerns they may have with their health. I am not comfortable using the same oil for everyone because for one person it may be just what they need and for another it could negatively alter their skin and any other physical conditions or issues.

Here is the breakdown of base oils to demonstrate their potential uses as well as how to use them properly. Also keep in mind that all oils are fats- too much can be harmful to your health, even if it has nutrients and contains less fat.

Coconut Oil

This is probably the most talked about oil currently. It is a great healthy alternative to butter when cooking and the term ‘oil pulling’ is gaining attention by its tendency to pull out toxins from the mouth and gums, whiten teeth, among many other potential results. Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel of the coconut. It is found in many hair and skin products as it is known for its moisturizing and damage-protecting qualities. In that sense, it also acts as a mild (20% or so) sunscreen. It can also aid in fighting infections (topically and internally) as it contains 50% Lauric Acid which kills bacteria. If you are trying to lose or manage your weight, this is a great substitute for other oils and fats when cooking and eating. It increases energy expenditure and burns more fat. It is a great source of what are known as medium-chain fatty acids. Using it to cook/bake or to make a salad dressing are ways to utilize it in your diet. It is recommend to consume 1 oz. of coconut oil today which can lead to losing 1.1 inches in just 4 weeks. It has also been shown to be good for the heart. On top of that, 2 common conditions it has been said to alleviate are Epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. This is a good overall detoxifying and moisturizing oil.

Grapeseed Oil

Hence the name, the oil is extracted from the seeds of grapes. It is an unsaturated fat which is healthier than saturated fats, but it is still not the healthiest to consume because after industrial extraction there is not much left except for Vitamin E. This is more of a topical-use oil. This oil is most commonly used in massage. Not only is it very moisturizing due to having a substantial amount of Vitamin E, it can help fight acne and other skin conditions, tighten, tone and regenerate, great for scar tissue and stretch marks,  is great to combat oily skin and is non-greasy.

Olive Oil

This Mediterranean fruit offspring is very common in the cooking arena. It does have a rather potent aroma but it is a healthier consumable choice than vegetable oil due to containing fatty acids including Alpha Linolenic Acid, an antioxidant which is also found in nuts and seeds. It is known to help and prevent heart disease, Diabetes, and Arthritis. It has an anti-inflammatory property and can also soothe sore muscles and replenish dry skin.

Sesame Oil

Very popular in the Asian cuisine, this oil extracted from sesame seeds is super healthy. It may be labeled a vegetable oil, but its high amounts of Vitamin E and B Complex, not to mention Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus is bound to give beneficial results internally and topically. For the skin it penetrates well to moisturize and soothe rough, dry skin and conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis. It also does have some sunscreen properties as Coconut oil. Calcium will supply good support for the bones, Magnesium is great for the tissues and muscles, and Phosphorus is helpful in healthy function of muscles, nerves, heart and kidney. Sesame oil is also a great source of protein and contains Lecithin which is great for the memory, as well as dilluting anxiety and depression.

Sunflower Oil

Pressed from the seeds of sunflowers, the silky oil contains good fatty acids and Vitamin E, but it’s not the best for absorption. When taken internally, it can give you a boost of energy, help your heart, lower cholesterol, support the immune system, and even ward off cancer. It’s also known to decrease inflammation and symptoms of asthma. This oil is high in Omega-6 fatty acids which are good, but need to be counterbalanced with plenty of Omega 3′s.

Jojoba Oil

While this is strictly a topically-applied oil, the benefits that can result from skin penetration are immense. I have to include this one because of how effective it is on the skin and hair. You will find this oil in many products, and there is sufficient reason for that. It is extremely nourishing and moisturizing for dry, cracked skin, sunburns and even gives improvement to conditions such as Acne and Psoriasis. It also can be clarifying for the hair, unclogging the follicles. It could be possible that it can help with baldness. Research has shown improvement with memory and mental function such as those with Alzheimer’s. Combined with Coconut oil and Vitamin E, it can act as a mosquito repellent as well.


Avocado Oil

This oil, when used topically, is amazing for inflammation, Arthritis, and Psoriasis. Believe it or not, those with Cancer, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, and Periodontal Disease would benefit from Avocado oil in the diet since it contains Vitamins A/D/E/B12, EFA’s and Antioxidants.

There are also several other carrier oils that have health benefits:

Evening Primrose- can help with inflammation and digestion as well as help various skin conditions

Borage- Aids in reducing pain and inflammation, itchy/dry skin conditions, MS, female fertility and health

Calendula- Acts as anti-inflammatory and is extremely moisturizing

Hazelnut- great for enhancing circulation, penetrates well with Vitamin E and unsaturated (good) fats and acts as an astringent

Hempseed- Very therapeutic and relieves pain and inflammation

There are even more oils out there. I encourage you to do your research and find an oil or two that might benefit you. Always be cautious of any sensitivities or interactions, but most are very safe.

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What Is Your Sanctuary?

What heals you? Ask yourself this and be sure to apply it in your life when you know you need it. Some examples of a healing escape may be nature, hiking, fishing, music, exercise, meditation, watching your favorite movie or show, being with friends or family, drinking a warm cup of tea and reading, writing, art, working on projects, cleaning…

It is important to reach for healthy outlets and caution yourself when it comes to things like drinking. Many like to reach for a drink when they are stressed, had a long day, had a bad day, etc. to calm them down when it only masks the issue like a bandaid. The issue can actually become enhanced when intoxicated making you feel even worse, which in turn will want you to keep drinking.

The great thing about nature being a healing tool is that it is…well, natural. It provides no bad side effects, it only speaks calmly to us, it always supports us and is there for us, and it does not judge. Not only that, it is the best demonstration of how things go on despite turbulence. Plants keep growing, birds keep chirping, the oceans keep rolling, the sun keeps shining, the earth keeps moving and shifting, the world keeps spinning. In reality we have to keep in mind that we are a small spec in the grand scheme of life. Being in nature will remind us this. We are a part of it all. Each and every person, animal, plant, rock, and molecule is interrelated and feed off of each other. 

Life is one big chemical reaction, so to speak. YOU help the cataclysmic event that is life. What you put into it is what will be received and reciprocated everywhere else. Pay attention to how one’s energy can affect another’s energy. It is extremely powerful and can easily be underestimated.

It may be hard at first to quiet the mind and just listen to nature’s voice and message, but you will eventually realize that it is on your side and only good will come out of just letting go and giving in to nature. Soon your thoughts will dissipate and waves of bliss will wash over you. It’s as if the universe just removed your worries for you.

Do what you need to do to take care of yourself in a healthy manner. Don’t just shrug things off or let it build up. Find a source of healing that will be your go-to when you need a pick-me-up. Have a couple of plans to allow yourself to escape and always let loved ones know you need a little bit of time for yourself to regenerate. They will understand.

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