Usage of Herbal Oils | General Guidelines

🍁 What are Herbal Oils?

Herbal oils are created from a potent infusion of herbs into a carrier oil, such as sesame, almond, or olive oil. This infusion extracts the beneficial botanical compounds of the herbs, (fatty acids, vitamins, phytonutrients) to create a nourishing and therapeutic oil that can be applied to the skin. These oils provide a viable alternative to oral herbal supplements because many of the active compounds are absorbed through the skin when applied in a carrier oil.

🍁 How Are Herbal Oils Used?

Herbal oils have a multitude of uses. They are applied directly to the skin just as you would a moisturizer or a massage oil without the need for dilution. They can be dabbed on as a spot treatment for local skin conditions or massaged over a broader area to moisturize and soothe dry skin. They can also be used for more systemic treatments, as the active botanical agents in the oil are absorbed into the body through the skin (transdermally) where they lend their healing support to the various internal organs of the body.

🍁 How Much Herbal Oil Do I Apply, and How Often?

Herbal oils are natural agents, therefore there is really no “dosing” regimen to follow. In general, the amount is only limited by the amount your skin will absorb. Unless otherwise specified, 1/2 – 1 teaspoon is typically enough to treat a knee or shoulder. You can adjust up or down depending on the area you wish to cover, and how heavily.

How often you apply it depends on your purpose. If you are using it for general skin health, once a day after a shower or “as needed” makes sense. However, if you are actively treating something, you may want to apply it 3 or 4 times a day, although this may not always be practical.

🍁 Could I Have an Adverse Reaction to an Herbal Oil?

Although adverse reactions are uncommon, anyone can react to anything – even herbs. It is always wise to start slow. Your first time using an herbal oil, apply a small amount on a small patch of skin and observe for a reaction (redness, itching, rash, etc.). If no reaction is seen after a couple of hours, then proceed with full treatments. If at any time you notice redness, itching, or other signs of irritation, the oil should be discontinued.

🍁 What is the Best Time to Apply Herbal Oils?

Optimal absorption is achieved on clean, warm skin so applying an herbal oil immediately after showering or bathing is perfect for maximizing absorption, especially at bedtime. However, it is sometimes necessary to apply an oil multiple times per day, rather than just at bedtime. You will need to adjust your routine around your lifestyle and decide what works best for you. The best time to apply it might be when you will REMEMBER to do it.

🍁 Which is Best – An Oil or a Salve?

Both are fantastic! Oils have the advantage of easier spreadability, but that does make them a little messier to work with, so they are easiest for home use. Oils can potentially spill in a handbag or suitcase making salves more desirable for transport to work or vacation. In general, I like oils for covering larger areas and salves for smaller zones. Oils and salves each have their own advantages and disadvantages, but there are no hard and fast rules.

🍁 Do Herbal Oils Stain?

The darker oils may stain some fabrics. Whole-herb infused oils can be very strong and contain a substantial amount of herb, as well as pigment. If the oil has a dark color, the color may transfer onto fabrics (clothing, carpet, furniture, bedding) so you may want to wear dark colors while doing oil treatments. Consider wearing lightweight cotton sleepwear at night over oiled areas to protect your bedding. Some people like to oil the bottoms of their feet and then wear socks for sleeping.

🍁 What is the Best Way to Store Herbal Oils?

Many of the herbal oils from Shungite Queen are lightly preserved with natural agents, but their shelf life is shorter than commercial products that contain hefty chemical preservatives. Their quality is best maintained when stored in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration is not required, although it will extend shelf life. Some oils may solidify at cooler temperatures, so if refrigerated, they may need to be brought to room temperature before use. Generally, shelf life will be about 12 months, longer if refrigerated.