Information on Wheat Germ carrier or fatty oil
All wheat germ oil is made from the “germ” of the wheat – the heart of it. The grain consists of three parts – the husk, the germ and the endosperm – and it is the germ that is used in the manufacture of the oil.
Although the germ only constitutes 3% of the weight of a wheat grain, it contains nearly 25% of the protein, vitamins and minerals.
Wheat Germ oil is very high in vitamin E and essential fatty acids and because of its high vitamin E content, which is a natural antioxidant which helps to prevent rancidity, it is often added to other carrier oils to help lengthen their shelf life and to prevent them going off.
When it is applied topically on to the skin it helps promote the formation of new cells, improve circulation, and to help repair sun damage to the skin. It is also used to help relieve the symptoms of dermatitis.
Because the consistency is far too sticky and heavy to use on its own, it is suggested to mix it with another carrier oil.
Using Wheat Germ for massage may be too heavy on its own, but with its great nourishing qualities, it is a good choice to include a small percentage when mixing a massage oil or preparing a carrier oil blend.
This oil blends well with other carrier oils:
Grapeseed Oil
- has a fine texture and is almost odorless, light in texture and is easily absorbed by the skin.
Jojoba (Golden) Oil
- In reality jojoba oil is not an oil but a liquid wax, and is pronounced “ho-ho-ba” and became important in the 1970s when whaling was banned, since it has almost the same properties as the oil obtained from the sperm whale.
Apricot Kernel Oil
- is a fine textured carrier oil, easily absorbed by the skin without leaving it feeling oily and is high in poly-unsaturated fatty acids, that is specifically beneficial when doing facial massage.
For information on various massages and tips on massage techniques, please click here.
