Apricot oil is a thin (also called apricot kernel oil), odorless oil pressed from the seed or kernel of the apricot—Prunus armeniaca. The most common uses for apricot oil include hair care, skin care, natural face treatments and cooking.
According to Margaret Wittenberg, author of “New Good Food,” apricot oil provides an all-purpose oil appropriate for all types of cooking.
- Rich in monounsaturated fat
- May help lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol
- Promote cardiovascular health, especially when used in recipes in place of shortening, butter, and other sources of saturated fat
Paula Begoun, author of “The Complete Beauty Bible,” notes that apricot oil is one of the oils that has a lipid content similar to that of your skin. When the skin’s lipid content becomes too low, dry and irritated skin results.
- Topical application of apricot oil helps soothe and heal this rough, damaged skin.
- The oil’s fine texture allows more rapid skin penetration, which promotes more prompt healing and nourishment of sore or chapped skin without residue
- If applied on your face before moisturizing, you will notice how it soaks up fast and leaves your skin feeling tight and dry
Apricot oil is also beneficial in relieving the itch and irritation of eczema, according to Shirley Price, coauthor of “Aromatherapy for Health Professionals. As an added benefit, Price points out that apricot oil helps prevent and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. According to this publication from the University of Maryland Medical Center, apricot oil contains a significant amount of omega 6 fatty acids that stimulate hair growth.
According to Phyllis Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of the book “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” apricot oil provides a good option for use as a carrier oil in aromatherapy.
- When using apricot oil topically, you can blend it with multiple different essential oils, including lavender, chamomile, rose, and jasmine to create a mild massage oil
- Balch recommends 25 drops of essential oil per 2 oz. of apricot oil for use in massages for adults
Where to buy apricot oil
Always look for 100% pure quality apricot oil without additives. Avoid synthetic apricot oil, which is extracted with chemical solvents and processed to remove its natural color and aroma. Maple Holistics offers a Pure Apricot Oil that is the perfect way to moisturize your skin. Filled with antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids and vitamins A,B,C, and E, their apricot oil also contains zero additives—cold-press extraction allows for more vitamins and minerals to remain in the oil which then enriches your skin and leaves it softer and healthier
If you would like to try Maple Holistics at no cost, all while learning about an all-natural, cruelty-free company based in the United States, please fill out the form on their website here.
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