Ancient Infusions' Sesame oil, or gingelly oil, is an edible oil that is derived from sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are small, yellowish-brown seeds that are primarily found in Africa, but they also grow in smaller numbers on the Indian subcontinent. Sesame oil has a distinct nutty, flavorful taste and is considered a healthier alternative to other vegetable oils because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The oil has gained quite a bit of popularity in recent years because it is relatively inexpensive to extract (simple hot water flotation or a variety of pressing techniques). However, it is best extracted when the seeds are completely ripe, which means that the outer shells burst. The challenge is the manual processing that sesame seeds require; there will always be more demand than supply.

The impressive amount of vitamins such as vitamin E and vitamin K, as evidenced by the USDA National Nutrient Database, organic compounds, and other beneficial components in sesame oil are a few of the reasons why it is considered so healthy.

How to mix carrier oil with essential oils

Whenever possible, purchase organic, cold-pressed carrier oils from a manufacturer you trust. Although most carrier oils don’t cause an allergic reaction, you should always do a patch test prior to using.

To perform a patch test:

1. Add a small amount of carrier oil to the inside of your wrist or just below your ear.
2. Cover the oil with a bandage.
3. Check back on the area after 24 hours.
4. If irritation occurs, rinse thoroughly, and avoid future use.

If you’re allergic to tree nuts, you shouldn’t use oils derived from tree nuts. This includes sweet almond oil, argan oil, and apricot kernel oil.

When diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, it’s important to follow these dilution guidelines.

For adults:

• 2.5 percent dilution: 15 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
• 3 percent dilution: 20 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
• 5 percent dilution: 30 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
• 10 percent dilution: 60 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil

For children:

• .5 to 1 percent dilution: 3 to 6 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil

Always store carrier oils in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator. You should also keep them in a dark glass bottle.