Base Oils & Accessories / Base Oils
Wheatgerm oil: Triticum vulgare
All wheatgerm 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. The oil is very high in vitamin E and essential fatty acids and because of its high vitamin E content of which is a natural antioxidant it helps to prevent rancidity therefore is often added to other carrier oils to help lengthen their shelf life. When it is applied topically on to the skin it helps promote the formation of new cells, improve circulation, and beneficial to the repair of sun damage to the skin. It is also used to help relieve the symptoms of dermatitis. Wheatgerm oil for massage may be too heavy on its own, but with its great nourishing qualities, it would make a good choice to add a small percentage of Wheatgerm oil when blending a massage oil or preparing a carrier oil blend.
