Apricot Oil

What Is Apricot Kernel Oil?

Apricot kernel oil has been mentioned in TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine) where it is used for treating tumors and ulcers. This use of apricot kernel spread far and wide with time and was used for this purpose in Europe. Apricot kernel oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins A, C, E and B17.

PROPERTIES: Apricot kernel oil possesses many therapeutic properties which make it suitable for its various uses.

• Emollient: Apricot seed oil is a brilliant emollient (moisturizer).
• Anti –Inflammatory: It reduces inflammation when applied topically or when ingested.
• Anti-Aging: It provides nutrition and support to the skin so that aging is reduced.
• Antioxidant: Prevents the skin from damage by free radicals.

Health Benefits: According to Margaret Wittenberg, author of “New Good Food,” apricot kernel oil provides an all-purpose oil appropriate for all types of cooking. Rich in monounsaturated fat, food-grade apricot oil may help lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol and promote cardiovascular health, especially when used in recipes in place of shortening, butter and other sources of saturated fat.

• Heart Health: Monounsaturated and absence of saturated fats in Apricot Kernel Oil make it an ideal oil for healthy heart care and cardiovascular system.
• Anti-Cancer: The modern medical research shows that one of the main reason of cancer is the lack of vitamin B17 in our body. Dr. Ernest T. Krebs a persistent American biochemist as part of his research, had discovered that the Hunza people (who live in the Himalayan mountains of northern Pakistan), had levels of cancer so extraordinarily low that they were considered to be virtually cancer-free. He discovered that the reason is Hunza People consume large quantities of apricots (including the seeds), which gave them a dietary intake of vitamin B17 greater than 100 times more than the average American.

COSMETIC OIL:

1) Apricot kernel oil for Skin: Apricot kernel oil is one of the best carrier oils for massage. It penetrates nicely into the skin and also improves the delivery of essential oils and other herbal agents.

Apricot kernel oil is good for people with sensitive skin. It is non-irritant and soothing for irritated skin. It is light and quickly makes the skin soft and smooth. A massage with apricot kernel oil is good for dry and parched skin. One can use it after a shower to seal the moisture into the skin. Since it is light, it does not feel too oily. Once it is absorbed into skin, it provides moisturization for a long time.

2) Apricot kernel oil for Hair: Apricot oil is loved by many people around the world for their hair care. When applied to the hair shafts, it helps to detangle hair. These are the health benefits that organic apricot oil provides to hair.

• It promotes hair growth because of the nutrients in it, especially Vitamin E.
• It reduces dry scalp problems.
• It helps to achieve gorgeous shiny hair without any greasiness.
• When used as a hot oil treatment, it conditions the hair and provides them nutrition.
• It softens the hair, so that they are more manageable and easily combed.

3) As an Under Eye Cream: Apricot oil can be applied for healing under eye skin. It aids in reducing dark circles, puffiness and helps to strengthen the skin around this region. With regular application of apricot kernel oil, one can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.

4) Face Oil: Apricot kernel oil is a nice face oil, especially when compared to other heavier oils. It helps to improve skin tone, nourish the skin and lower the appearance of aging signs, like wrinkles, lines and blemishes.