Oils

Avocado Oil: Benefits for Skin, Hair and Healthy Cooking IMPORTANT: Avocado oil is generally very well tolerated and considered safe both in food and applied to the skin. However, people with a known allergy to avocado, to latex (there is a latex-fruit cross-reactivity) or to bananas and kiwi should avoid both eating it and applying it externally. Before the first cosmetic use, always do a patch test on a small area of skin (the inner forearm) and wait 24 hours. If you have metabolic conditions, follow a strict weight-loss regimen or have special dietary recommendations, discuss the appropriate amount with your doctor or nutritionist, since avocado oil is very calorie-dense. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a specialist. ...

Rosemary Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses and Step-by-Step Recipes for Hair and Circulation IMPORTANT: Rosemary essential oil is highly concentrated and should never be applied neat (undiluted) to skin or scalp — always dilute it in a carrier oil (coconut, olive, jojoba, sweet almond). It is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in people with epilepsy or a tendency toward seizures, and in those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, since rosemary can stimulate circulation and blood pressure. Do not take it internally without professional guidance, and do not use it on children under 6. Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before first use. If you are on medication or have a chronic condition, consult your doctor before using this oil. ...

Flaxseed Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Use It Properly IMPORTANT: Flaxseed oil is a valuable food, but it is not suitable for everyone and it cannot be used in just any way. It must never be fried or cooked at high temperatures, because it oxidizes and becomes harmful. People taking anticoagulants (such as acenocoumarol or warfarin) or any blood-thinning medication should talk to their doctor first, since omega-3 can affect blood clotting. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as people with hormone-sensitive conditions (breast cancer, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, endometriosis), should seek medical advice because of the phytoestrogenic lignans. Those with clotting disorders, anyone scheduled for surgery, or people with bowel problems (obstruction, acute diverticulitis) should be cautious. Flaxseed oil is not a substitute for medical treatment and it is not a cure-all — it is a support within a balanced diet. ...

Arnica Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Apply It Correctly IMPORTANT: Arnica oil is for EXTERNAL use only, on intact skin. Do NOT apply it to open wounds, cuts, scrapes or mucous membranes, and NEVER swallow it — arnica taken internally is toxic and can cause serious heart-rhythm disturbances, digestive irritation and other dangerous effects. Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in small children, and in people allergic to plants of the Asteraceae family (daisies, calendula, chamomile, wormwood). If redness, itching or a rash appears, stop using it immediately. For fractures, severe sprains, pain that won’t ease, or bruises that appear for no reason, see a doctor. This article is for information only and does not replace medical advice. ...

Hemp Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Use It Correctly IMPORTANT: Culinary hemp oil, made from hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa, industrial varieties), contains no psychoactive THC and produces none of the effects associated with the drug — it is simply a nutritious vegetable oil. That said, if you take blood-thinning medication, have a clotting disorder, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition, talk to your doctor before consuming it in large amounts. Hemp oil must never be used for frying or high-heat cooking, because its delicate fatty acids degrade. People with seed allergies should test it cautiously. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. ...

Clove Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Use It IMPORTANT: Clove essential oil is one of the most concentrated and most powerful essential oils there is. It must NEVER be applied undiluted to the skin or to mucous membranes, as it can cause burns, irritation and sensitisation. Do not swallow pure essential oil, and do not give it to small children. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it. People taking blood thinners (such as warfarin or aspirin) should be cautious, because eugenol can affect blood clotting. For any persistent toothache, abscess or infection, see your dentist — clove oil soothes pain temporarily, but it does not cure a cavity or an infection. ...

Oregano Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Use It Correctly IMPORTANT: Oregano oil is extremely concentrated and potent. It must NEVER be applied undiluted to the skin or mucous membranes, and pure essential oil should NEVER be swallowed neat, as it can cause burns, severe irritation and digestive distress. It is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women, young children, people allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family (basil, mint, sage, thyme) and those taking blood-thinning or diabetes medication, as it may amplify their effects. If you are on any medication, have a chronic condition or are planning surgery, talk to your doctor before using it. Oregano oil is a supportive supplement, not a replacement for medical treatment of serious infections. ...

Coconut Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Apply It for Skin, Hair and Cooking IMPORTANT: Coconut oil is generally safe for external use (skin and hair), but for internal consumption it should be used in moderation, as it is very high in saturated fats. People with high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, or those on restricted diets should talk to their doctor before including it daily in their meals. When applying it to the skin, always do a patch test on a small area (the inside of the forearm) 24 hours beforehand, especially if your skin is acne-prone, because coconut oil is comedogenic and can clog pores in some people. Do not use coconut oil as a lubricant with latex condoms, as it can degrade them. This article is informational and does not replace the advice of a doctor, dermatologist, or nutritionist. ...

Jojoba Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Apply It for Skin and Hair IMPORTANT: Jojoba oil is generally very well tolerated and considered one of the safest oils for cosmetic use, even for sensitive skin. Nevertheless, before using it for the first time on a large skin area, always do a patch test (apply a drop to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours). Jojoba oil is intended mainly for external use; do not apply it to open wounds, severe burns or skin infections without medical advice. People with known allergies to plants in the Simmondsiaceae family should be cautious. Although some food products contain it in small amounts, jojoba is not recommended for internal consumption in large quantities, as it contains eicosenoic acid, which is hard to digest. For serious dermatological conditions (severe eczema, psoriasis, cystic acne), consult a dermatologist — jojoba oil can be a supportive aid, but it does not replace medical treatment. ...

Tea Tree Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Apply It Correctly IMPORTANT: Tea tree oil is for EXTERNAL USE ONLY. It must never be swallowed — ingestion can cause confusion, loss of coordination and serious toxic effects, especially in children. Always apply it diluted in a carrier oil; used neat, it can irritate or burn sensitive skin. Keep the bottle away from children and pets (it is toxic to dogs and cats). Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before first use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with atopic skin, severe eczema or known allergies to plants in the myrtle family should consult a doctor before using it. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. ...