Forms of use

Carrier Oil

Oils pressed from seeds or fruit, used in skin care or cooking.

5 herbs · 3 with clinical evidence (A/B) · 2 not marked avoid in pregnancy

5 herbs found

⚠ Avoid in pregnancy

B Limited clinical evidence

Nigella sativa

Oil pressed from black seed. Small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar and cholesterol and limited benefit in asthma.

⚠ External use only

T Traditional use

Hypericum perforatum

St John's wort oil (an oil macerate) is applied to the skin for minor inflammation such as sunburn and to help heal small wounds.

⚠ Avoid in pregnancy

A Strong clinical evidence

Ricinus communis

A strong, fast-acting laxative with well-known efficacy for short-term constipation. Do not use it on your own to start labour.

B Limited clinical evidence

Prunus dulcis

Cold-pressed oil from sweet almonds. An effective emollient for dry, itchy skin; its effect on preventing stretch marks is inconsistent.

C Laboratory / animal evidence

Argania spinosa

An oil from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree, rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids. Used to moisturise skin and hair.