Almonds are a real storehouse of vitamins that can be incredibly beneficial for our body. It is for this reason that people have long used for their purposes the beneficial properties of almond oil. The use of the substance in various fields is relevant to this day.
Getting oil
Before moving on to talking about the properties of almond oil and its application in various fields, it is worth talking about how it is obtained. Almonds are usually called nuts. But this is not entirely correct. In fact, it is the seed or core of the almond bone. If you compare almonds with other nuts, then it contains the largest amount of oil. Depending on the place of growth of the crop, variety and other factors in the bone, the oil content may vary between 40-60%.
An oily substance is obtained by cold pressing of bitter and sweet almonds. Due to its beneficial properties, bitter almond oil is used in cosmetology, for aromatherapy and other purposes. But the sweet variety concentrate is used in cooking.
Culture Description
The homeland of almonds are the countries of East and Central Asia. Legend has it that culture took its name in honor of the Phoenician goddess Amygdala. The pale pink shade of her face resembled almond tree flowers. It is for this reason that it received such a name. Culture was brought to Greece from Asian countries. After the trees spread throughout the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The culture gained great popularity in Italy and Egypt. But in Rome, the plant became a real panacea for all ailments.
Almonds are a sprawling tree that reaches a height of ten meters. It blooms with white-pink flowers, from which later fruits appear. Large seeds ripen inside them. From them they get oils. Currently, more than forty cultivars are grown. All of them are conditionally divided into sweet and bitter. In appearance, the plants are difficult to distinguish. But for the production of vegetable oil, sweet almonds are most often used. In the kernels of bitter varieties there is a lot of hydrocyanic acid, which is a poison for the human body. Bitter almond oil, whose properties are no less impressive, is used for cosmetic purposes.
Structure
The beneficial properties of almond oil and its use in various fields are due to its rich composition. It contains:
- Vitamins A, PP, E, F and B.
- Amygdalin.
- Magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
- Mineral salts.
- Iron, zinc and manganese.
- Folic, oleic, nicotinic and linolenic acids.
- Tocosterol.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Phytosterol.
- Essential oils.
- Choline.
In addition, other beneficial substances are present in the oil, which even in small quantities are very beneficial for the skin and hair. Such a rich composition and led to the widespread use of almond oil. Its properties are so good that for many centuries it has been actively used, despite the appearance of modern cosmetics. After all, a natural product can not be compared with any synthetic means.
The healing properties of almond oil and its practical application
The whole value of almond oil lies in its unique composition. A high concentration of active substances has an amazing effect on the human body. The anti-inflammatory, enveloping, wound healing properties of almond oil have long been appreciated by people. In addition, the substance has an anticonvulsant and laxative effect.
Oil produces a pronounced therapeutic effect:
- Lowers the acidity of the stomach, stimulates appetite.
- It enhances the production of bile, accelerates protein anabolism, and facilitates the digestion of fatty foods.
- Improves brain function, raises vitality, prevents mental fatigue.
- Accelerates the removal of excess fluid.
- Increases cholesterol metabolism, stabilizes blood pressure.
- Accelerates skin healing.
- Increases male potency.
- Normalizes the secretion of the sebaceous glands.
- It slows down the processes of natural aging of cells.
- It neutralizes the negative effect on the dermis of ultraviolet radiation.
For pharmacological purposes, it is possible to use almond oil both internally and externally. Emulsions, ointments and other substances are made on its basis.
Indication for use
The beneficial properties of almond oil allow it to be used for the following problems:
- Atherosclerosis.
- Anemia
- Cholecystitis.
- Chronic constipation.
- Tracheitis.
- Bronchitis.
- Asthma.
- Pneumonia.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Neurosis.
- Memory loss.
- Insomnia.
- Low blood pressure.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Chronic hepatitis.
- Bruises, pressure sores, sprains, abrasions, herpes.
- For the treatment of constipation, diaper rash, stomatitis, prickly heat in children.
Application in cosmetology
Bitter almond oil is widely used in cosmetology. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are similar to human skin lipids. Therefore, oil can be used to care for all types of dermis. Especially relevant are the beneficial properties of cosmetic almond oil for irritated, mature and dry skin.
The regular use of such a tool helps:
- Lighten dark circles under the eyes.
- Increase the tone of the dermis.
- Smooth fine wrinkles.
- Prevent acne.
- Saturate dehydrated dermis.
- Eliminate peeling and dryness.
- Clear pores.
- Lighten redness.
- Normalize the secretion of the sebaceous glands.
- Reduce the intensity of acne.
- Protect hair from environmental influences.
- Stimulate the growth of curls.
- Accelerate tissue regeneration.
- Strengthen eyelashes.
- Improve complexion.
- Prevent the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
The widespread use of bitter almond oil is not limited to just using it for facial skin. The substance is the basis of masks for skin care of the whole body. Very often, oil is used to accelerate the growth of curls.
In cosmetology, the properties of almond oil were simply irreplaceable. The substance is saturated with caring and cosmetics. By the way, they can be cooked independently at home. The oil can be used even in its pure form in some areas of the skin. But don't get too carried away with it. The fact is that in the composition of the substance there are many acids. If you apply oil to the skin, you will feel a slight refrigerating effect. They are not afraid of this, there will be no burns on the dermis.
Due to the properties of almond essential oil, its use is possible not only in its pure form, but also in combination with other substances. Connection with other cosmetics does not lead to a loss of beneficial qualities. Beauticians draw the attention of clients to the fact that the oil has a pronounced moisturizing effect. Therefore, for the preparation of compositions there is no need to additionally use glycerin.
There is one little trick to using almond oil. In cosmetology, the ability of a substance to moisturize the skin is valued above all. It is not so easy to fill depleted dermis with moisture. When it comes to very dry skin, cosmetologists recommend applying oil to the moist surface of the face and body. This allows you to saturate the dermis much faster. Fully oily substance reveals when lightly heated. But be careful not to overheat the oil. This may deprive it of useful properties. Almond essential oil has excellent cleansing properties. Therefore, on its basis, you can prepare an excellent tool for makeup remover. Such a wash will easily remove lipstick and mascara from your skin, even if we are talking about waterproof cosmetics. Try this make-up remover of your own preparation, and you will find that its effect is not worse than that of expensive store washes. The advantage of home cosmetics is that it is prepared exclusively from natural substances without the use of all kinds of perfumes and other harmful substances.
Practical use
What is the practical application of the properties of sweet almond oil? We give only some ways to use the substance. Many women are familiar with the problem of the appearance of an unpleasant odor in intimate areas. Some are even forced to refresh themselves several times a day. But this is not always possible if you are at work. In this case, almond oil may come to the rescue. It can be mixed with orange, lavender and other oils and used for douching. Simple hygiene procedures can very easily solve the problem of bad smell. Our ancestors have long used similar procedures. Folk aroma from a mixture of lavender and almond oils is called the smell of purity. Regular water treatments using aromatic mixtures add a delicate aroma to your body. By the way, the smell of oils is similar in effect to aphrodisiacs.
Usually we use antiperspirants to combat the smell of sweat. But sometimes unforeseen situations happen. For example, in the morning before going to work, you find that the deodorant is over. What to do in this case? You can apply a mixture of soda and a few drops of almond oil to your skin. By the way, this tool can be recommended as a prophylaxis for people with excessive sweating.
What skin type can I use oil for?
Oil can be safely called a universal tool that is suitable for all skin types. Especially important is the fact that the substance can be used even for people prone to allergies. Oil heals cracks well, helps get rid of stretch marks during pregnancy. It can be used for eczema and psoriasis. Therefore, it can be used even when there are wounds on the body.
Almond oil is even recommended for baby skin care. Sometimes babies are allergic to almonds, so you should consult your pediatrician before using it.
Which oil to choose?
The industry produces two types of oil. Each of them is made from different plants. Sweet almonds, as we have already mentioned, are used in cooking for making cakes and desserts. Bitter almond oil is in demand in cosmetology. If you intend to use an oily substance for skin or hair, then there is no difference between these types. The action and properties of the oils are absolutely identical. It is very important to find a good quality product.
Use for hair
Since almond oil contains oleic acid, it is very effective in hair care. The substance significantly reduces peeling of the skin surface, moisturizes the ends of the hair, facilitates the process of combing, gives the hair shine, protects against environmental influences.
How can I use oil? If you are the owner of dry hair, the concentrate can be rubbed into wet strands after using shampoo. In this case, the oil can be combined with other beneficial substances. Very often, the concentrate can be used to add to balms and conditioners.
Almond oil can be recommended to owners of oily hair. With excessive work of the sebaceous glands, the concentrate must be rubbed into the scalp. After an hour, the hair is thoroughly washed with shampoo. In addition, oil can be added to the product for washing and caring for hair. It also helps to cope with excessive oily hair. If you want to add oil to the shampoo, then you should add 3 ml of the substance per 100 ml.
If your hair is in good condition and there is no problem with it, it is enough to use the concentrate once a month for preventive purposes.
Nail oil
Almond oil has a beneficial effect on the condition of nails. If you notice that your manicure does not look good, and the nail plates break, try rubbing the warm concentrate into your nails and cuticles. The result will pleasantly surprise you.
A large amount of potassium and zinc in its composition helps to improve the situation. If you mix citrus oil with almonds, the effect will be even more pronounced.
For body
Almond oil can be used for massage. It is especially effective in the anti-cellulite program. The concentrate penetrates very deeply into the skin and activates blood circulation. Oil helps to remove excess fluid and waste. After its use, the skin becomes taut and elastic.
Eyelash care
Long fluffy eyelashes are the dream of every woman. However, keeping them beautiful with age is becoming increasingly difficult. The easiest way to have beautiful eyelashes is to take good care of them. To do this, regularly use almond oil. It helps soften the skin in the eyelids and prevent brittleness and loss of eyelashes.
Almond oil improves hair condition and awakens dormant bulbs. The concentrate helps improve blood flow and moisturize the skin. The oil is heated to +38 degrees before use, and then applied to clean cilia. For ease of use, you can use a brush from an old carcass, previously washed in water. The composition should be kept on eyelashes for at least thirty minutes. To remove oil, it is enough to get your eyes wet with napkins. There is no need to completely wash it off, it will not cause harm.
Harm or benefit?
We talked a lot about the beneficial properties of the oil and its application. And can it do harm? Almond oil is recommended even for allergy sufferers. However, an individual reaction may develop with intolerance to the substance. In general, the substance is not toxic, so it rarely causes allergies. For this reason, it is used during pregnancy and for skin care of children. So we can safely say that the tool is harmless.
Instead of an afterword
Oil can be used for culinary purposes. To do this, a few drops are added to desserts and pastries. Also, the concentrate can be added during the preparation of cold dishes, dressings and sauces. It is used for cooking fish dishes and poultry dishes. Oil loses its aroma at high temperatures. Therefore, it is added to the hot after the heat treatment is completed in order to preserve all the useful properties of the substance. After all, they are of most interest.