Apricot Kernel Oil

  • Kingdom
    Plantae
  • Scientific Name
    Prunus Armeniaca

History

  • The apricot is indigenous to Armenia, the Himalayas, China and few other parts of Asia. It is believed to have first been cultivated before 3000 BC in India.
  • Used in Ayurveda due to its enormous therapeutic benefits for dry skin, hair loss, blemishes, symptoms of skin aging, and several internal health conditions.
  • The Chinese dictionary defines the word Apricot as “education circle.”
  • Apricot Kernel Oil was used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat swelling, ulcers, asthma tumors, and other malignant growths, an ancient application that circulated around the world and continued to be used for the same purpose in 17th century England.

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Uses

  • Medicine
  • Cosmetic

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Benefits

  • Moisturizes the Skin
  • Improves hair health
  • Improves respiratory health
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Prevents cancer
  • Treats acne

OMEGA 9:

  • maintain the softness, suppleness, and radiance of skin and hair
  • Stimulate the growth of thicker, longer, and stronger hair
  • Reduces inflammation and arthritis, preventing joint inflammation, stiffness and pain
  • Reduce the appearance of aging, such as premature wrinkles and fine lines
  • Eliminate dandruff and thus support hair growth
  • Has antioxidant properties

INOLEIC ACIDS (OMEGA 6)

  • Moisturize and promote hair growth
  • Facilitate wound healing
  • Be an effective emulsifier in the formulation of soaps and quick-drying oils
  • Exhibit anti-inflammatory properties
  • Promote moisture retention in skin and hair
  • Make oils feel thinner in consistency when used in an oil blend, thus being beneficial for use on acne-prone skin

ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID (OMEGA-3) is known to:

  • Lessen inflammation
  • Control blood clotting on the skin
  • Soothe joint pain and ease stiffness to improve flexibility

PALMITIC ACID is known to:

  • Have emollient properties
  • Soften hair without leaving a greasy or sticky residue
  • Be the most common saturated fatty acid

STEARIC ACID is known to:

  • Have cleansing properties that purge dirt, sweat, and excess sebum from hair and skin
  • Be an ideal emulsifying agent that binds water and oil
  • Help products remain potent when stored for long periods of time
  • Condition and protect hair from damage without diminishing luster or making it feel heavy
  • Have exceptional cleansing properties
  • Soften skin

VITAMIN A is known to:

  • Protect skin against damage caused by UV radiation
  • Slow the appearance of aging by smoothing wrinkles and fine lines
  • Stimulate production of collage Stimulate cells regeneration to keep skin healthy, strong, and firm
  • Facilitate faster healing of wounds
  • Protect skin against toxins and bacteria and promotes cell production, thus boosting immunity
  • Lighten unwanted blemishes and dark spots, thus balancing skin tone to create an even glow
  • Slow the production of oil in the skin and clears pores, thereby preventing acne breakouts

VITAMIN E is known to:

  • Have antioxidant properties that slow the look of aging and boost circulation
  • Repair scarred and blemished skin
  • Prevent moisture loss from skin and hair
  • Offer soothing relief to skin that has been burned
  • Deeply cleanse pores and balance oil production

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Interesting Facts

  • The full fruit bearing potential of Apricot trees begins 2 to 6 years after planting, if they are grown in usual conditions with appropriate maintenance.
  • Being well suited to skin care products due to its mildness and fast rate of absorption
  • Those with nut allergies who want to experience the healthful properties of oils such as Sweet Almond Carrier Oil, can benefit from substituting it with Apricot Kernel Oil.
  • Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil closely resembles the natural sebum produced in human skin.

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Additional Tips

  • Stiff and aching joints: Used medicinally, Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil works to soothe problems related to stiff and aching joints as well as symptoms of cold, cough, and constipation
  • Healthy Looking Hair: Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil can detangle and nourish the strands, thereby promoting hair growth. To create a hair mask that not only reduces scalp problems related to dryness, but also results in shiny, oil-free hair, blend 6-8 drops of Apricot Kernel Oil with Almond Carrier Oil and Coconut Carrier Oil. Apply this blend to the hair and scalp by massaging it in a gentle, circular motion. Allow the oil to sit in the hair for 20 minutes before rinsing it out with a mild shampoo and conditioner as usual. Hair will be left feeling soft, silky, and more manageable, especially if this blend is applied 3-4 times a week.
  • Make-up remover: To remove makeup without scrubbing the skin with harsh cleansers, Apricot Kernel Oil can be applied to easily dissolve and remove oil on the skin as well as residue from oil-based makeup.
  • Aromatherapy Oil Blend for Massage: For an aromatherapy oil blend massage use Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil with a few drops of Calm Balm lotion (since it’s an amazing essential oil blend) and massage the blend onto the back, temples, and throat.
  • Added info: It’s great for dry, sensitive, and irritated skin (especially for people with eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea); and because of its lubricating properties, it is ideal for massage oils and lip balms.
  • Note: Apricot oil is a fairly shelf stable oil, due to its antioxidant content, but like most oils, it will last the longest if stored in the refrigerator.

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Caution

For topical use, apricot kernel oil is known to be beneficial, but when consumed internally, the amygdalin will be converted into cyanide in the body, which can have toxic, and even fatal consequences. When apricot kernel oil is used in culinary applications, it is at a much smaller concentration that makes it safe to consume. Excessive consumption (oral) of apricot kernel oil, and thus amygdalin, can lead to respiratory failure.

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Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is for informational purposes only. Those with a medical condition or concern are strongly encouraged to seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner. Consult with your doctor before taking nutritional supplements if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any health conditions.