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 the beneficial properties of almond oil for their own purposes. The use of the substance in various fields is still relevant today.
Obtaining oil
Before we talk about the properties of almond oil and its application in different areas, it is worth talking about how it is obtained. Almonds are called nuts. But this is not entirely correct. It is actually the seed or kernel of the almond pit. Compared to other nuts, almonds contain the highest amount of oil. Depending on the location of the crop, variety and other factors in the stone, the level of oil content can vary between 40-60%.
The oily substance is obtained by cold pressing bitter and sweet almonds. Due to its beneficial properties, bitter almond oil is used in cosmetology, for aromatherapy and other purposes. But the concentrate from the sweet variety is used incooking.
Description of culture
Almonds are native to East and Central Asia. Legend has it that the culture got its name in honor of the Phoenician goddess Amygdala. The soft pink tint of her face was like the flowers of an almond tree. 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 Mediterranean coast. The culture gained great popularity in Italy and Egypt. But in Rome, the plant has become a real panacea for all ailments.
Almond is a sprawling tree that reaches a height of ten meters. It blooms with white-pink flowers, from which fruits then appear. Inside them, large seeds ripen. Oils are obtained from them. Currently, more than forty varieties of the crop 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. There is a lot of hydrocyanic acid in the kernels of bitter varieties, which is a poison for the human body. Oil from bitter almonds, whose properties are no less impressive, is used for cosmetic purposes.
Composition
Useful properties of almond oil and its use in various fields due to its rich composition. It contains:
- Vitamins A, PP, E, F and B.
- Amygdalin.
- Magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
- Mineral s alts.
- Iron, zinc and manganese.
- Folic, oleic, nicotinic and linolenic acids.
- Tocosterol.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Phytosterol.
- Essential oils.
- Choline.
In addition, the oil contains other beneficial substances, which, even in small quantities, are very beneficial for skin and hair. Such a rich composition 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 cannot be compared with any synthetic products.
Healing properties of almond oil and its application in practice
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.
The oil produces a pronounced healing effect:
- Reduces stomach acidity, stimulates appetite.
- Increases bile production, accelerates protein anabolism, facilitates the digestion of fatty foods.
- Improves brain function, raises vitality, prevents mental fatigue.
- Speeds up the elimination of excess fluid.
- Increases cholesterol metabolism, stabilizes blood pressure.
- Speeds up skin healing.
- Increases male potency.
- Normalizes the secretion of the sebaceous glands.
- Slows down processesnatural cell aging.
- Neutralizes the negative effect of ultraviolet radiation on the dermis.
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
Useful properties of almond oil allow it to be used for the following problems:
- Atherosclerosis.
- Anemia.
- Cholecystitis.
- Chronic constipation.
- Tracheitis.
- Bronchitis.
- Asthma.
- Inflammation of the lungs.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Neurosis.
- Memory loss.
- Insomnia.
- Low blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Chronic hepatitis.
- Bruises, bedsores, sprains, abrasions, herpes.
- For the treatment of constipation, diaper rash, stomatitis, prickly heat in children.
Use in cosmetology
Bitter almond oil is widely used in cosmetology. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are similar to human skin lipids. Therefore, the oil can be used to care for all types of dermis. Especially relevant are the beneficial properties of almond cosmetic oil for irritated, mature and dry skin.
Regular use of this remedy helps:
- Lighten dark circles under the eyes.
- Increase the tone of the dermis.
- Smooth fine lines.
- Prevent appearanceacne.
- Saturate the 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.
- Speed up tissue regeneration.
- Strengthen eyelashes.
- Improve complexion.
- Prevent hyperpigmentation.
The widespread use of bitter almond oil is not limited to its use 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 turned out to be simply irreplaceable. The substance is saturated with caring and cosmetic products. By the way, you can cook them yourself at home. The oil can be used even in its pure form on some areas of the skin. But don't get too carried away with it. The fact is that there are many acids in the composition of the substance. If you apply the oil on the skin, you will feel a slight cooling effect. You should not be 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 loss of useful qualities. Cosmetologists draw the attention of clients to the fact that the oil has a pronounced moisturizing effect. Therefore, forpreparation of formulations, there is no need to additionally use glycerin.
There is one little trick to using almond oil. In cosmetology, the property of a substance to moisturize the skin is valued above all else. It is not so easy to fill the depleted dermis with moisture. If we are talking about very dry skin, cosmetologists recommend applying oil to the damp surface of the face and body. This allows you to saturate the dermis much faster. The oily substance is fully disclosed with slight heating. But be careful not to overheat the oil. This can deprive it of useful properties. Almond essential oil has excellent cleansing properties. Therefore, on its basis, you can prepare an excellent tool for make-up remover. Such a wash will easily remove lipstick and mascara from your skin, even when it comes to waterproof cosmetics. Try this homemade make-up remover and you will find that its effect is no worse than that of expensive store-bought washes. The advantage of homemade cosmetics is that it is prepared exclusively from natural substances without the use of all kinds of fragrances and other harmful substances.
Practical application
What is the practical application of the properties of sweet almond oil? We will give only some ways of using the substance. Many women are familiar with the problem of unpleasant odors in intimate areas. Some even have to refresh themselves in the shower several times a day. But this is not always possible if you are at work. In this case, almond oil can come to the rescue. It can be mixed withorange, lavender and other oils and use for douching. Simple hygiene procedures can very easily solve the problem of unpleasant odors. Our ancestors have long used similar procedures. In the people, the aroma from a mixture of lavender and almond oils is called the smell of purity. Regular water procedures using fragrant mixtures give a delicate fragrance to your body. By the way, the smell of oils is similar in effect to aphrodisiacs.
We usually use antiperspirants to combat sweat odor. 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 baking soda and a few drops of almond oil to your skin. By the way, this remedy can be recommended as a preventive measure for people with profuse sweating.
What type of skin can the oil be used on?
Oil can be safely called a universal remedy that is suitable for all skin types. Especially important is the fact that the substance can be used even by people prone to allergies. The oil heals cracks well, helps to 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. Eachof which is produced 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 apply an oily substance to the 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.
Hair use
Because almond oil contains oleic acid, it is very effective in hair care. The substance significantly reduces the flaking of the skin surface, moisturizes the ends of the hair, facilitates combing, adds shine to the hair, and protects from environmental influences.
How can oil be used? If you have dry hair, the concentrate can be rubbed into damp strands after shampooing. 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 add 3 ml of the substance per 100 ml.
If your hair is in good conditionand there are no problems with them, 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 is not looking good and your nail plates are breaking, try rubbing a warm concentrate into your nails and cuticles. The result will pleasantly surprise you.
A large amount of potassium and zinc in its composition allows you 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 toxins. After using it, the skin becomes taut and elastic.
Eyelash Care
Long fluffy eyelashes are the dream of every woman. However, keeping them beautiful with age becomes more and more difficult. The easiest way to have beautiful eyelashes is to properly care for them. To do this, you need to use almond oil regularly. It helps to soften the skin around the eyelids and prevent breakage and loss of eyelashes.
Almond oil improves the condition of the hairs and awakens dormant bulbs. The concentrate improves blood flow and hydrates the skin. Before use, the oil is heated to +38 degrees, after which it is applied toclean eyelashes. For ease of use, you can use a brush from an old carcass, previously washed in water. The composition should be kept on the eyelashes for at least thirty minutes. To remove the oil, it is enough to blot your eyes with napkins. There is no need to completely rinse it off, it will not harm.
Harm or benefit?
We talked a lot about the beneficial properties of the oil and its application. And can it be harmful? Almond oil is recommended even for allergy sufferers. However, an individual reaction can develop with intolerance to the substance. In general, the substance is not toxic, so it rarely causes allergies. It is for this reason that it is used during pregnancy and for skin care of children. So we can safely say that the remedy is harmless.
Instead of afterword
Oil can be used for culinary purposes. To do this, a few drops of it are added to desserts and pastries. Also, the concentrate can be added during the preparation of cold dishes, dressings and sauces. It is used to prepare fish and poultry dishes. The oil loses its flavor at high temperatures. Therefore, it is added to the hot after the completion of the heat treatment in order to preserve all the beneficial properties of the substance. After all, they are of the greatest interest.
