Almond Oil

Almond oil has a wide variety of uses and application in the field of medicine, food as well as cosmetics. Read on to find out more...

From being an imperative ingredient of several interesting recipes to an important constituent of many cosmetics and beauty products, the almond oil has several benefits and uses. Here is some more information about the useful almond oil.

Basics about Almonds

Having originated somewhere in the Levant region, which refers to large region in the Middle East, the almond has become a favorite ingredient of several recipes and put to use in several medicinal and healing procedures across the globe. Almonds are prunes that belong to the Prunoidease subfamily of the Rosacea family and belong to the subgenus Amygdalus. The almonds belong to the genus Prunus and have several species like amyglydus/dulcis or communis.. Two major types of almonds are grown commercially, which can be categorized as sweet almonds Prunus amygdalus dulcis and the bitter almonds Amygdalus communis. The sweet almond plant and the bitter almond producing plant can be differentiated on the basis of the flowers since sweet almond flowers are white in color whereas the bitter almond flowers are pink in color.

Almond Oil

Bitter almond oil is volatile and contains traces of hydrogen cyanide owing to which consumption of bitter almond oil is prohibited. Sweet almond oil on the other hand has several beneficial qualities and hence a wide variety of applications and uses in day-to-day life as well as certain healing therapies. Sweet almond oil is extracted from a combination of sweet as well as a minute quantity of bitter almonds. Sweet almond oil is a fixed oil, which is clear, pale yellow liquid, with a bland and slightly nutty taste. Almond oil chiefly includes olein, small proportion of the glyceride of linolic Acid and other glycerides.

Uses of Almond Oil

There are several uses of almond oil be it in culinary arts, medicine or cosmetics. Here are some of the most popular uses of sweet almond oil:

Cooking: Almond oil is used in several interesting recipes and is a great substitute for olive oil. However, consumption of unprocessed almond oil is not recommended owing to the threat of harmful bacteria and harmful chemical constituents.

Medicinal Uses: Almond oil had laxative properties. Consumption of about two tablespoons of almond oil once a day is very useful for producing soft stool. However the oil should be taken no longer than one week.

Pharmaceutical Uses: Sweet almond oil is used as a carrier for injectable drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. Almond oil is typically used for drugs that deteriorate in water-based carriers.

Effective Moisturizer: Sweet almond oil acts as a great moisturizer for the skin and can be used as and when required. It helps to nourish dull and dry skin and rejuvenate the skin making it healthy and supple.

Cosmetics: Sweet almond oil is used in the cosmetics industry as well. Owing to its moisturizing properties, almond oil is used as a base for several cosmetics and skin care products. It is also used in production of soaps.

Massage Oil: Owing to its healing properties and high nutrient content, sweet almond oil is used as a popular massage oil as well. Almond oil is an excellent massage oil that relieves stress and nourishes the skin.

Aromatherapy: Sweet almond oil is of great importance in the aromatherapy practices and procedures. Almond oil is one of the essential oils in aromatherapy. Almond oil is frequently used as carrier oil for various fragrances in aromatherapy.

Lubricant: Almond oil is used as an effective lubricant. It is used for lubrication while working on repair of watches.