Vitis vinifera

Family: Vitaceae

Part Used: seed

Base oil: can be used 100 percent

The grape is a climbing vine native to Asia. The vine grows to about 30 feet and has green flowers that develop into sweet green or purple-red fruits. Grapeseed oil is produced from the residue of grapes that were pressed for wine. The oil is widely used in creams, massage oils, and on people who are allergic to other oils.

Contains: vitamins, minerals, proteins

Practical uses: general skin care. The carrier/base oil is used to dilute essential oils in aromatherapy for massage oils and other formulations. Grapeseed is a light oil and has a smooth texture.

Therapeutic Properties: anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antioxidant, cardiotonic

The oil is pale green and extremely high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, making it light-textured and easy for the skin to absorb. This oil is especially useful for complexions that are well-lubricated, such as olive or darker skins, which have higher levels of their own natural oils. These skin-types tend not to absorb richer carriers, resulting in very slippery skin. Massaging with a light carrier such as grapeseed leaves no residue and created a smooth, soft finish.

*Special Tip: to smooth away hard skin on your feet, use a Grapeseed and sea-salt foot scrub. Place 90ml / 3 fl oz grapeseed oil in a small bowl and add 25g / 1 tablespoon course sea salt. After a bath or shower, rub the foot scrub all over both feet, then wipe away any excess.

Special Blends

Add these essential oils to 20 ml / 4 tsp Grapeseed oil:

To tone normal and oily skins:

• 2 drops Cypress, 6 drops Grapefruit, 2 drops Fennel

To smooth normal skin:

• 4 drops lavender, 4 drops lemon, 2 drops vetiver

*Source: Harding Jennie, The Essential Oils Handbook. Duncan Baird Publishers, 2008

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