When I first started dabbling into medicinal aromatherapy with Wisdom of the Earth, I was not really that interested in seed oils. They didn’t have much of an aroma. Their scent was pleasant, but subtle. At the time, I wanted something that hit you in your face with a strong scent – like a eucalyptus or Palo Santo. However, over the years, I have come to absolutely love and respect seed oils for a number of reasons.
1. Incredibly nourishing – seed oils are packed with nutrients and vitamins that your body absorbs for not only skin health, but also your immune system, nervous system, and supports the health of vital organs.
2. Seed energy – When working with seed oils, I am reminded of the Ace cards in tarot – new beginnings, new growth, new phases of life. Seeds are creation energy. They also help us get to the core issues and causes of dis-ease, rather than just dealing with the symptoms. But they bring these core issues to the surface gently and with love, giving us the safe space we need to slow down, and address the aspects of our lives that are hard to digest.
3. Some can be used for all ages – A common question I get from people is, ‘Can I apply essential oils on my baby or kids?’. And generally, for most oils from Wisdom of the Earth, the answer is: For children over 12, use 3–4 drops. For between 5 and 12, 1-2 drops, mostly on the bottom of their feet. For babies and toddlers, I usually recommend hydrolats or some of the seed oils like (as I explore below): Foraha Tamanu, Grapeseed Oil, Hazelnut, Red Raspberry Seed, and Cumin (Black).
*As always, do a test patch on the bottom of your baby’s feet, especially if nut and seed allergies run in your family.
Let’s dive in to my six faves!
The queen of digestive health! With potent carminative qualities, it quickly eases heartburn, relieves gas, and combats nausea and vomiting. It also addresses intestinal parasites. As a heart tonic, it invigorates circulation, restores physical strength, and powerfully moves and warms chi.
My testimony: This was my go-to during pregnancy to help with nausea, acid, and fatigue.
Application: Adults – apply 5-10 drops on your stomach and heart. Children 5-12, apply 1-2 drops on the bottom of your feet. Not suitable for babies.
A skincare routine essential! Rich in vitamins A and C, Cucumber Seed Oil delivers powerful antioxidants that actively defend your skin against environmental stressors and premature aging. It works especially well for under-eye puffiness and darkness. And it doesn’t leave a greasy or heavy residue. It’s also great in the summer for cooling your hot skin down.
My testimony: I apply it daily all over my face and neck to reduce wrinkles, even tone, and heal blemishes.
Application: Adults – apply 10 drops on your face, or skin areas of concern. Children 5-12, apply 3-5 drops on skin areas of concern. Babies, apply 1-3 dops on skin areas of concern.
Cumin (Black) - Nigella sativa
A true powerhouse! Black Cumin offers robust immune support and anti-viral properties. It assists in managing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, combating candida, supporting digestive health, and balancing blood pressure. It also supports healthy hair and stimulate hair growth. It is rich in essential fatty acids, including myristic, palmitic, stearic, palmitoleic, oleic, linoleic, and arachidonic acids. It has a high protein content (approximately 20%) and packed with vital nutrients such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, calcium, folate, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorus.
My testimony: I put a few drops on my stomach and throat as soon as I feel a cold coming on, and it typically keeps the cold away! I also apply it to my eczema and if my scalp itches.
Application: Adults – apply 10 drops on your face, or skin areas of concern. Children 5-12, apply 3-5 drops on skin areas of concern or bottom of feet. Babies, apply 1-3 dops on skin areas of concern or bottom of feet.
Photo by Ronnachai Kumsiri on Dreamstime.com
Foraha (Tamanu) Nut Oil (Organic) - Calophyllum inophyllum
Powerhouse for skin health! Rich in unique fatty acids and bioactive compounds, it accelerates new cell growth, helping to visibly diminish scars and soothe inflamed or damaged skin, making it great for combatting eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, stubborn wounds, hair loss, and itchy scalps. Its anti-inflammatory properties support blood circulation, addressing varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and cellulite. It also comforts nerve inflammation, neuralgia, shingles, and sciatica.
My testimony: This has been amazing in helping to heal my eczema and c-section wound. Incredibly nourishing and stays on your skin for a good few hours. It’s also great for baby’s skin rashes (my daughter will sometimes get a heat rash on the back of her neck, or a nappy/diaper rash).
Application: Adults – apply 10 drops on skin areas of concern. Children 5-12, apply 3-5 drops on skin areas of concern. Babies, apply 1-3 dops on skin areas of concern.
*Note: If stored in a cooler or cold room, the oil may solidify. If this happens, warm the bottle in your hands, or put the bottle in a cup of warm water, before applying. Alternatively, use a chopstick to scoop solidified oil out, and rub in your hands to soften before application.
Grapeseed Oil - Vitis Vinifera
Great for massage and body skin health! This oil is packed with a rich concentration of antioxidants, especially bioflavonoids, which combat free radicals at a rate of 20 to 50 times greater than that of Beta-Carotene or Vitamins C and E. With Anti-Inflammatory, Anticarcinogenic, Antiviral, And Antibacterial Properties, it is one of the most potent natural protectors against premature aging, chronic diseases, eczema and psoriasis, and high blood pressure. It’s also a natural sunscreen.
My testimony: I use grapeseed oil on my (now 3-month-old) daughter for her nightly baby massage and after her (chlorine pool) swim lessons. It’s incredibly soothing and soaks into the skin beautifully without being heavy. It’s also my go-to for applying to my clean-shaven legs.
Application: All ages – apply as needed to skin areas of concern.
Hazelnut Oil (Organic) - Corylus avellana
Great for bones and skin health! It moisturizes and protects all skin types. Rich in protein, dietary fiber, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E, oleic acid, phosphorus and magnesium, and antioxidants - supporting bone growth and skin regeneration, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, protecting against harmful UV rays. The nutty aroma inspires creativity and wisdom.
My testimony: I used Hazelnut Oil on my baby bump to keep stretch marks from forming, and also to support the growth of my baby in the womb. I also apply it to my face if I’m spending time in the sun or out in harsh winter gales. I’ve also anointed her on my heart to help me receive creative wisdom when writing my doctoral thesis.
Application: All ages – apply as needed to skin areas of concern.