![]() ![]() ![]() However, try to keep your dog from licking salves and oils off as soon as they are applied. All of the basic oils listed here are safe for a dog to lick, especially if from organic sources. Occasionally, carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils that are taken orally. Any essential oil can be added to infused carrier oils for therapeutic purposes, usually at the rate of three to five drops essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil, or 10 to 15 drops per tablespoon. However you create them, infused oils can be applied to a dog’s cuts, wounds, burns, or abrasions, or to dry, cracked skin on the nose or paw pads. These herb-infused oils are often combined with calendula oil for use as a stand-alone oil, as a carrier for essential oils, or as a salve. John’s wort blossoms ( Hypericum perforatum), which produce a deep red macerated oil, and comfrey leaves ( Symphytum officinale), which produce a green oil, are prized for their ability to stimulate rapid wound healing, speed recovery from burns, reduce inflammation, repair nerve tissue damage, and heal the skin. The retail price of four fluid ounces of organic calendula carrier oil ranges from $9 to $20, but you can make your own at a fraction of that cost. ![]() Calendula is famous for its treatment of broken veins, varicose veins, bruises, burns, inflammation, skin lesions, and other skin problems. The plant’s oil-soluble compounds are transferred to the carrier oil, increasing its therapeutic qualities.Ī favorite infused oil is calendula, made with fresh or dried blossoms of the European marigold, Calendula officinalis. Infused or macerated carrier oils result when plant material is added to a basic oil (usually olive or sunflower) and gently heated, then strained. Most are diluted with basic oils for topical application or used full-strength on small areas. They tend to be pale or colorless, light rather than thick, and usually have little, if any, odor.Īdditive carrier oils are heavier, more expensive, thicker, and often have a pronounced odor. The three types of carrier oils are basic, additive, and infused or macerated.īasic carrier oils can be used by themselves or with essential oils for body massage and to moisturize and protect the skin. Check for rancidity don’t use any vegetable oil that smells “off” or spoiled. For best results, shop local health food stores or online sources for organic oils. In addition, because unsaturated fats deteriorate rapidly, supermarket cooking oils are highly refined to retard spoilage, which changes their chemical composition and removes nutrients. Those oils, usually corn or soy, will dilute essential oils, moisturize, soften the skin, and provide a layer of protection, but they are avoided by most holistic practitioners because they contain solvent and pesticide residues. The carrier oils recommended here are appropriate for use on dogs of all ages (and on humans, from infants to elders).Īny vegetable oil will work as a carrier oil, including the cheapest cooking oils in your supermarket. Fill a variety of glass jars to make wonderful, inexpensive presents for all your dog-owning friends. Even a small batch of homemade salve will go a long way. Most are vegetable oils pressed from fruits, seeds, or nuts, and they contain important healing properties of their own. ![]() Whenever you’re blending a massage oil for your dog, diluting an essential oil, making a salve, or simply looking for ways to speed the healing of wounds or abrasions, reach for the right carrier oil.Īlso called fixed oils or base oils, carrier oils literally carry or deliver essential oils or herbal ingredients where needed. Combine carrier oils with essential oils to provide your dog with aromatherapy. ![]()
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