I generally choose to use oily macerates rather than essential oils (EO) diluted in vegetable oil (VO), and I'll tell you why!
Let's start with a few definitions:
An essential oil is an aromatic, volatile compound extracted from plants. Essential oils, or essences, are non-greasy liquids, soluble in alcohol, wax and oil but insoluble in water.
An oily macerate is an oil in which plants have been soaked for a long time. This process allows certain plant molecules to be transferred to the oily substance.
I personally use organic vegetable oils as the oily substance, and plants either from my garden or bought in a herbalist's shop. This way, I can use oils that contain some of the properties of macerated plants, without any health hazard!
Essential oils are highly concentrated and, without any specific training in aromatherapy, I prefer to use them sparingly. I like to use them for my own personal use, or as an aerial mist in the massage room.
What's more, it makes a nice decoration and my chemist's temper is satisfied!
Depending on the plants and VO used, I have macerates with anti-oxidant, analgesic, diuretic, firming, vaso-constrictive properties, etc... There's something for everyone!
See you soon for a massage,
Take care,
Amélie
https://www.larousse.fr/encyclopedie/divers/huile_essentielle/185587
18-08-2021