World over people use massage therapy to help promote healthy skin, nourish and strengthen the body, relieve stress, reduce pain, and encourage balance and well being. Massage opens and increases the flow of energy, balancing the entire nervous system and helping to release physical and emotional disharmony. The many benefits of massage are enhanced by the use of high quality massage oil.
Apricot tree is the member of the rose family originating from Central and East Asia. The fruit, rich in vitamins is used to produce the pleasant smelling Apricot Kernel Oil. Apricot Kernel Oil is very mild natural oil, often used in baby products because of its fine gentle nature.
Apricot kernel oil is cold pressed and refined from the dried kernels of the apricot fruit. It is light in colour with pleasant nutty odor and used in manufacturer of creams, balms, lotions and cosmetics.
Sought out for its high vitamin E content and skin softening properties, apricot kernel oil is known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel. Apricot kernel oil is also popular as massage oil and it used as carrier oil when used with essential oils for aromatherapy.
Rich in essential fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid, apricot kernel oil is high in vitamin A. Since it easily penetrates the skin, it is good oil for prematurely aged, dry or irritated skin. The excellent softening and moisturizing properties is great for face, hands and hair. Vitamins A & C are good for mature dry or sensitive skin. The apricot kernel oil helps skin retain elasticity, clarity, and suppleness. Crushed Apricot Kernels are commonly used as a facial mask to soften the skin.
In addition, Apricot Kernel Oil is used as an antitussive, anti-asthmatic and to treat tumors in traditional Chinese medicine. It helps to calm the inflammation / irritation of eczema and dermatitis. When combined with an equal amount of St. John's Wort Oil, it is acts as anti-inflammatory and has a cooling effect.
Due to its moisturizing, nourishing and revitalizing properties, apricot kernel oil is widely used for massage therapy.
Face Mask Formula - A soft paste made of 2 drops each of frankincense, rose and neroli oils, 6 tsp of apricot oil, 1 tsp clear melted honey and finely ground almond makes a good moisturizing face mask.
For nourished, soft and supple skin, rub apricot kernel oil on your body daily.
Acne Fusion - Pour 1 ounce of apricot kernel oil, 12 drops of lavender essential oil, 7 drops of tea tree essential oil and 1 drop of geranium essential oil in amber coloured clean bottle. Close it tightly and roll the bottle to mix the blend. Apply a small amount of this blend to the acne affected area.
Benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil
by Kevin Pederson
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is obtained from the dried kernels of the apricot tree. The oil is obtained by removing the pit from the apricot and cracking the shell of the pit in order to access the kernel covered by the shell. The oil is then pressed from the kernel. It is a very healthy oil because it is high in monounsaturated fat and contains no trans-fatty acids. It can be used for high heat cooking methods, such sautéing and pan-frying, and the mild flavor will not overpower the other ingredients in salad dressings. It is also popular as a body oil and is commonly used for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Apricot kernel oil is most often available in gourmet shops and in food stores.
Apricot kernel oil is particularly helpful for dehydrated, delicate, mature and sensitive skin, and it helps to sooth inflammation. This finely textured oil spreads easily and is particularly rich in both oleic acid and linoleic acid.
A member of the Rosaceae family and a relative of the Almond and Peach, the Apricot tree is native to Spain and cultivated in the Mediterranean and California. It bears soft cream blossoms with pink yellow centres. It is used in soothing emulsions, and massage oils especially those for the face.
If you are looking for a fine textured carrier oil, that is easily absorbed by the skin without leaving it feeling oily and that is high in poly- unsaturated fatty acids, that is specifically beneficial when doing facial massage, then look no further than Apricot Kernel Oil.
Rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B17 and E. An ideal basic carrier oil, nourishing and protecting to the skin. Calms skin irritation. Can be used on its own or with other carrier oils. Good keeping qualities as it contains vitamin E. This is one the most widely used carrier oils.
Latin Name: prunus armeniaca
Natural Touch Aromatherapy sells a light, refined oil, extracted from the seed kernel of the fruit. It is finely textured and contains a small amount of Vitamin E that acts as both a preservative and an anti-oxidant.
