Let's come to the next part of the explanations about vegetable oils which can be used as a support for essential oils, to be used alone for different types of care (massages, cosmetics) or simply consumed in everyday cooking. Remember that, whatever the type of use, the choice of a quality vegetable oil is based on the following criteria: (Extra) Virgin First Cold Pressed (Fresh) and if possible of organic or artisanal origin.
Rapeseed (brassica napus)
The seeds contained in the fruits of this herbaceous plant are pressed to obtain an oil that is very rich in essential fatty acids (particularly omega 3).
| Composition | 32% polyunsaturated fatty acids, including 11% alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), 21% linoleic acid (omega-6), 61% monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic, gadoleic) and only 7% saturated fatty acids (palmitic, stearic) Its omega-6/omega-3 ratio (1.91) is also very beneficial. |
| Nutrition | It is an important source of vitamin E (antioxidant), its composition in fatty acids allows it to fulfill an energetic and structural role since it participates in the elaboration of cell membranes, certain neurotransmitters and hormones. |
| Cooking recipe with rapeseed oil | The combination of olive oil, rapeseed oil, balsamic vinegar and other aromatic herbs will allow you to concoct a truly "healthy" dressing. |
Wheat germ (triticum vulgare)
Wheat germ oil is extremely sensitive to oxidation. It preserves itself an evil. In order to guarantee its quality, it must be protected from air, light and heat and kept in the refrigerator.
| Cosmetics | It regenerates the skin, making it soft and supple. Applied morning and evening over a long period of time, it helps to reduce stretch marks, which is why it is even useful as a preventive measure during pregnancy. It can be combined with other vegetable oils for cosmetic purposes. |
| Nutrition | It is rich in fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E and K, but it is also very fatty. One tablespoon per day is enough to ensure a good intake of these nutrients. It will advantageously complete the diet of the pregnant and nursing woman. It will also be very useful for the growth of children and the preservation of the nervous and cerebral faculties of the elderly. |
| Wheat germ oil recipe | Moisturizing body lotion: a teaspoon of wheat germ oil can be added to 100 ml of a neutral body lotion to reinforce its moisturizing and softening effect. |
Jojoba (simmondsia chinensis)
L’appellation « jojoba oil The name "jojoba oil" is incorrect, since it is in fact a liquid wax obtained from the seeds of the jojoba shrub native to South America. A bit like quinoa in the food, quinoa that is often believed to be part of the cereals, while it is a seed.
| Cosmetics |
Considered to be moisturizing and revitalizing, it considerably improves the appearance of oily and combination skin. Its composition close to the sebum reinforces the cutaneous hydrolipidic film and regulates its flow as well as the balance of the acidity of the skin. It makes it supple and elastic without greasing it. Jojoba wax is extremely valuable in terms of its effects on the skin: anti-wrinkle, softening, soothing and deeply regenerating. It has a real interest in acne problems. It will also have a regulating effect on the hair whether it is oily or dry. |
| Nutrition | Limited interest. |
| Jojoba oil recipe | Jojoba wax is used to make an anti-acne serum to be applied every day to clean skin: 30 ml of jojoba oil to which 10 drops of lavender EO and 10 drops of niaouli EO are added. |
Macadamia (macadamia integrifolia)
Extraite de la noix de macadamia, cette huile malheureusement coûteuse possède une réelle affinité avec la peau.
| Cosmetics | Its richness in palmitoleic acid protects the lipid components of cell membranes from oxidation. Its anti-aging properties are therefore very interesting. It also contains a large proportion of oleic acid, which restores the hydration of the various layers of the epidermis without leaving a greasy film. |
| Nutrition | It has a very fine taste close to hazelnut, it can thus decorate your dishes or your salads. |
| Macadamia oil recipe | Very appreciated in massage, the mixture : 30 ml of macadamia OV + 10 ml of avocado OV + 20 drops of Italian Helichrysum EO (or Famonty in the essential oils of Madagascar : half price with equivalent properties to Helichrysum) + 20 drops of lemon essence + 20 drops of cypress EO : mixture which allows to attenuate the cellulite thanks to an application morning and evening to the concerned places |
St. John's wort
St. John's wort has almost a thousand names: St. John's wort (because it blooms in June on St. John's Day), St. John's wort with a thousand holes, St. John's wort with a thousand stings, St. John's wort for the Celts or St. John's wort for the English. Its Latin name is Hypericum Perforatum. Its oily macerate can be recognized by its magnificent bright red color. The young flowers of St. John's Wort are soaked in olive oil or another vegetable oil and exposed to light for several weeks and the amazing result is that they turn a brilliant red.
| Health | This macerate with anti-inflammatory and decongestant virtues is useful after a strong exposure to the sun, in case of bad venous return or swollen legs. It decongests and comes to the rescue of fragile skin, allowing good regeneration. This macerate therefore has a place of choice in the natural family pharmacy. |
| Nutrition | Little interest. |
| St. John's wort oil recipe | In case of sunburn, red and irritated skin or burns, you can add chamomile and lavender essential oil to soothe pain and redness. |
Note: St. John's wort oil does not have the disadvantages and contraindications of St. John's wort consumed orally, but it is still photo-sensitizing.
The rest of the article can be read here.