Sweet Almond is the main oil used in massage. Versatile, moisturising and replenishing
The Origins Of Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond oil is obtained from pressing the seeds of the almond tree (almond nuts). They are mainly harvested in Mediterranean areas and the US.
Extraction
Expeller Pressed from Mediterranean Almond Kernels
INCI
Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet Almond) oil
Aromatherapy Uses
Sweet Almond is lubricating, but not penetrating, which makes it an excellent massage oil, and protectant. Sweet Almond Oil is the therapists main stay and is widely used in cosmetics, massage and body products for its rich properties.
Skin Uses
Sweet Almond Oil contains Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Omega 3 fatty acids and Zinc.
These ingredients are required to stimulate new skin cell production, provide antioxidant and free radical damage, help prevent premature ageing and calm damaged skin.
Sweet Almond contains some anti-inflammatory components which can be useful when treating puffiness of the face, or the under eye areas of skin.
The emollient properties can help promote skin tone as well as treat dry skin areas.
Sweet Almond (along with Rosehip) is commonly used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Hair Uses
Sweet Almond is useful for promoting healthy hair growth, being rich in two essential hair components, Vitamins B1 and B6. The Oil can help condition the scalp and is commonly found in products for seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis.
The emollient properties of Sweet Almond Oil, make it useful as a hair softener, and works especially well when combined in Shampoos and Conditioners.
Precautions
None recorded and as with all carrier oils (except St Johns Wort), safe to use during pregnancy. As with all nut based carrier oils, always use with caution on people with nut allergies.
Understanding Oil Extraction Methods
What is Steam Distillation?
Steam Distillation is the most popular method of distillation of Essential oil. High pressure hot steam is passed through the plant material. The volatile compounds of the plant material are transferred to the steam and pass through a coil where they are cooled.
On cooling, the oil being lighter than water will separate from the water where it is possible to syphon off.
The remaining water becomes the floral water / hydrolat of the plant material.
What is Expression?
This is just like the process of peeling a citrus fruit. Effectively it is the cold processing of the fruit to extract the essential oil.
Primarily this technique is used on Citrus Essential Oils where the heat of steam would destroy the scent and properties.
Mechanical pressure is applied to the fruit and the resulting oil is the essential oi.
What is an Absolute?
Absolutes require solvent extraction in order to extract them.
Some plants are very difficult to extract the essential oil, either to produce a quality product or to obtain a yield which is economical. Examples of oils which are normally obtained by Solvent extraction are Vanilla, Jasmine and Rose.
Normally Organic ethanol is used to steep the flowers and then evaporated to leave just the concentrated absolute of the plant.
Important Information
Naturallythinking Essential oils are for external use only. We do not sell aromatherapy oils / products for internal use. The information contained on these pages is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Aromatherapy should not be used by those who are pregnant or under the supervision of a medical practitioner / doctor without consultation with the medical practitioner / doctor. If you have a medical condition or any worries, always consult with a doctor / medical practitioner first.