Essential oils can be taken via different routes: respiratory, cutaneous, or dispersion into the air. The preferred administration route will depend on the problem to be addressed, the essential oil’s properties, precautionary measures for use, the user’s age, etc.

While some essential oils can be used in pure form (primarily on the skin, very locally, or by diffusion), they often need to be administered in combination with a crucial supplement: plant oil (the cutaneous path), a neutral tablet or neutral base (for bath or shower). Below is a brief synopsis of the key points to keep in mind when using plant oils.

Plant oils

Plant oils are vital supplements to essential oils. They help to optimise and heighten their action and benefits. Extracted from fruit seeds or kernels, or from plants, plant oils are used for diluting essential oils before they are massaged into or applied to the skin: this is an important benefit, as some essential oils can be irritants if used in pure form. Plant oils also aid the absorption of essential oils into the epidermis, meaning they are effective vectors. Furthermore, they have genuine properties unique to them, and can for instance, be used to care for, beautify or protect the skin, or also stimulate vein circulation or help wounds heal. Ideally, plant oils should be chosen and combined with care (blend of plant oils with or without essential oils), to address very specific needs and work in synergy. A true guarantee of efficacy!

How to select plant oils?

First of all, only ever use organic plant oils, which are solely extracted from organically-farmed seeds, fruits or plants, and free of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and harmful insecticides. It is advised that you choose oils extracted by cold-pressing seeds or kernels (sweet almond, apricot, rose hip) or macerating plants (St John’s Wort), as both of these processes preserve the plant’s active ingredients. It goes without saying that they should never contain added scents, colourings or preservatives!

Organic Sweet Almond Plant Oil

Its properties

Softening, soothing, calming, emollient, repairing, fortifying, sweet almond plant oil moisturises and nourishes dry skin, or damaged, irritated, fragile or sensitive skin, and is the perfect solution to irritation, dry patches, chapping, cracking, eczema and stretch marks.

Precautions for use

Sweet almond plant oil can be allergenic for people with nut allergies.

Everyday recipes

• Chapping, dry patches: Blend 20 drops of Asian rosewood essential oil into a 30 ml bottle of sweet almond plant oil. Apply a few drops to the affected areas (except around the eyes) until they have completely healed.
• Calming anti-stress massage: Blend 45 drops of true lavender essential oil into a 30 ml bottle of sweet almond plant oil. Apply as a daily relaxation massage for 1 to 2 weeks.