Carrier oil- What are they?
As you know that every active ingredient needs a base to settle it, so each and every essential oil needs a perfect dilution of carrier oil that can bear the hot nature of essential oils before topical application, basically carrier oil are highly nourishing and nutritious oil that plays a crucial role in the dilution of essential oil ultimately carrying all the benefits of essential oils and carrier oils to your skin.
We are going to give you insight on our sweet nutritious and nourishing Almond Oil.
Let’s gets started to take a dip into the most valuable and utilitarian oil.We will navigate through following points in this segment.
What is Almond oil? Physical and Chemical Properties
History of Almond oil? Almond oil Vs Coconut oil.
Origin of Almond oil. Benefits of Almond oil.
Cultivation of Almond oil. Safety and measures.
Are there reasons to use Almond oil even if you consume a fistful of Almonds every day? How Almond oil is derived from this special nut, and why is it so useful for us? In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions in detail.
The Almond Carrier oil
Extracted by cold pressing the finest almond kernels to get soft almond nuts, the sweet almond oil is the most widely used Carrier oil that is suitable on almost all types of skins. It is holistic oil that is a part of many essential oils; from smoothing your skin and nourishing it with Vitamin A. Almond oil can do a lot more than you think.
Almonds are either bitter or sweet, both have their own and different uses.
Bitter almond is basically used for medicinal purposes but can be toxic if not processed carefully. Sweet almond is the popular choice for beauty and health purposes. Apart from its use for cosmetic purposes, sweet almond oil is also used to address other health related ailments such as cardiovascular diseases.
The four most important nutrients found in Sweet Almond oil are Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and zinc. Each nutrient has a specific function.
Interest is developing, we guess? Let’s find out more how Almond oil became inseparable part of our lives.
Almonds oil’s history/ Almonds Spiritual meaning
The name “Almond” is believed to be a grouping of extractions from French word “almande” and the Greek word “amydala.”
According to the history the Almond has always been the ‘king of all nuts’ and so does the oil.
It is believed that the almonds activates or powers the part of the brain that controls the ability to make decisions, develop memories, and process emotions.
Historical sources suggest that domesticated Almonds appeared as early as, or possibly earlier than 4000 B.C.
They are said to have been native to the Middle East, being spread along the Mediterranean shores to North Africa and southern Europe. It also spread to central and southwest Asia as far as the Yamuna River of India as well as to California in the 1840s.
The Almond has an essential part in the history of ancient times.
The Almonds tree Jewish name “Shaqed’ means “wide awake” potentially received this name because of top priority of the flowers, white and very pale flowers sprung from its bare branches in February and sometimes as early as January.
Almonds and almond oil held great monetary value in older times because of its highly enriching qualities.
Origin of Almond oils
The almond is native to Iran and surrounding countries. It was spread by Merchants in ancient times along the parts of the Mediterranean into northern Africa and southern Europe, and more recently transported to other parts of the world including Indian subcontinent.
Do almonds grow in India?
Indian almonds grow throughout the warmer regions of India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. The tree also grows in West Bengal and other warmer regions in the North. Indian almonds bear fruit during the winter months in India.
Extraction procedure of best Quality Almond oil
The method used to extract the oil from almonds is the cold press method as thismethodretains more of the oil’s natural properties such as purity, flavour, fragrance and nutritional value.
In this process firstly the almonds are thoroughly cleaned and freed from their hard shells after wards the almonds are pressed and the oil obtained is left standing for few days and then it is ready to use. This process is mainly followed to obtain the essential Almond oil.
Ideal condition for nurturing Almonds
Almond grows best in Mediterranean climates with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The long and warm growing season favors the fruit ripening. On the other hand, rainfall and humid conditions leads to development of fungal and bacterial diseases and results in reduction in productivity.
Important parameters:
Temperature: The optimal temperature for their growth is between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F) and the tree buds have a chilling requirement of 200 to 700 hours below 7.2 °C (45.0 °F) to break dormancy.
Soil Needed: Almond tree prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Climate: Almond grows best in Mediterranean climates with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Maturity time: 180-240, depending on cultivar
Physical properties of Almond Oil
- Appearance: Pale yellow liquid
- Odour: Sweet Almond Oil is a non-volatile and odourless
- Insoluble in: Water
- Soluble in: Hardly soluble in Alcohol
Chemical composition of Almond Oil
Chemically speaking, sweet almond oil has been described as an unsaturated oil, with oleic acid (O, C18:1) being the main fatty acid (~65%) with β-sitosterol as the most representative sterol and α-tocopherol as the major tocopherol and vitamin E.
Nutritional benefits of Almond Oil
The nutritional breakdown of 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of almond oil:
- Calories: 119
- Total fat: 13.5 grams
- Saturated fat: 1.1 grams
- Monounsaturated fat: 9.4 grams
- Polyunsaturated fat: 2.3 grams
- Vitamin E: 26% of the RDI
- Phytosterols: 35.9 m
Almond Oil Vs Coconut Oil
Both almond and coconut oils the good carrier oils. In skincare almond oil is used to dilute various essential when we apply them to the areas like face. But due to its heavy nutty aroma the almond oil can mask the aroma of essential oils so in such places coconut oil is most preferred.
Almond carrier oil is the top priority in carrier oils for skin usage because it is nourishing oil goes with many oils and also leaves a smooth texture on skin.
Benefits of Almond oil
- Helps even skin tone
Sweet almond oil possesses natural antioxidants which contains vitamin E that helps protect your skin against stress and harmful ultraviolet radiation damage .Also helps in maintaining smooth and blemish free skin.
Tip: Use sweet almond oil regularly to keep your skin soft and smooth, and to see the best results .
- Helps reduce acne
Nobody wants a dull frowned skin full of dirt and dead cells due to everyday exposure to the distinct pollutants various make ups and other sources. By softening and moisturising the skin, sweet almond oil can help clearing the dead cell of your faces, clearing the skin from pollution and dirt leaving a smooth skin
Tip: Try adding sweet almond oil to powdered sugar for a quick homemade scrub – or alternatively, mix a small amount of our Coffee & Coconut Scrub with a few ounces of facial oil for the ultimate scrub for your face.
- Helps slow the signs of ageing
Ageing is a slow gradual and natural process every human had to go through but when you start to see you face dull with fine line that is premature ageing and can be caused by stress, excess sun exposure or lack of care of the skin.
We can’t stop ageing; the vitamin E levels in sweet almond oil can help support the facial layer and slow the signs of ageing. Applying to the skin before exposure to the elements can help reduce loss of moisture.
Tip: If you’re out in the morning for a walk or run, apply some Sweet Almond Oil as a mask to protect your skin from pollution and dirt.
- Hair and scalp treatment
Sweet almond oil is naturally rich in chemicals like magnesium, calcium and zinc, all of which are important for healthy hair. Applying Almond oil in your hair and on your scalp can help improve the condition of your scalp, reducing dryness and flakiness as well and improving the texture of your hair and even the amount of hair you lose.
Tip: Warm a tablespoon of sweet almond oil in your hands and rub into your scalp. Let it rest overnight. Wash out in the morning.
- Helps with muscle aches and pains
Traditionally bitter almond oil has been used to relieve muscle aches and pains. Applying the oil on joints can strengthen them and also relieves aches and pains.
Tip: Massage sweet almond oil into your sore muscles and place a warm towel or hot water bottle over the tender area for 10-20 minutes.
- Lowering skin inflammation
Almond oil is loaded with vitamins-A, E, B &D and it can be used with many carrier oils like Castor oil, jojoba oil, Grape seed oil and can be applied on skin to reduce inflammation.
Tip: Apply the almond oil with right essential oils only especially when applying on skin.
Safety and Measures
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Pregnant women should avoid the use of Almond oil as it is not safe to during breast feeding and pregnancy.
Allergic Reaction
Though it is a very rare side-effect, many people even get an allergic reaction towards almond (as it belongs to the nut family), which may also mean they could be allergic to almond oil. The symptoms of an allergic reaction caused due to almond oil might include conditions like nausea, diarrhea, difficulty to breath, and difficulty in swallowing.
Conclusion
After going through all this matter we are sure that you are eager to get almond oil for you. Now you know that almond is far more than a nut your parents told you to eat to increase your memory. It can strengthen your hair and reduce ageing your skin and can be easily used with other essential oil and can do wonders….So why wait?
Grab almond oil for caring your near and dear ones.
Comment us below about your experiences with Almond Oil. How Almond Oil has benefited you? Share your knowledge and queries associated with this oil. Let’s try to resolve them one by one.