Almond oil benefits

Almond oil origins

The almond is thought to have originated in China, although some claim it comes from the Middle East. It’s possible that traders moving along the famous Silk Road brought it to other countries in Europe and Asia. We do know that it was present in the Mediterranean and the Middle East before Christ; almonds were a favourite food of the Egyptian pharaohs. In the folklore of some Asian cultures, almonds are a charm against memory loss if you soak them in water before eating.   

The almond tree flowers at the end of the winter, and its fruit is harvested twice a year. Standing at 20 to 30 feet tall, almond trees are giants, even if the almonds themselves are ‘petite’!

In ancient Rome, almonds were called ‘Greek nuts’ because they came to Rome via that part of the world. Their flavour was so loved that sugared almonds were given to great men on special occasions. Thought to nourish fertility, friends and family would also shower happy new couples with almonds at Roman weddings. In Greece, people savoured them with honey, and the combination of honey and almonds remains a favourite to this day.

Long before Hollywood was born, and before Californian cuisine developed, El Camino Real (The Royal Road) extended north from San Diego to Sonoma by the Pacific Ocean. In the mid-1700s, Spanish priests, the Franciscan Padres, built grand missions along the road. Almond trees were cultivated outside these elegant buildings. These are the ancestors of today’s Californian almond trees, which yield 80% of the world’s almonds.

That love of almonds has continued into the present day. Almond milks, flours, and butters are staples in contemporary refrigerators. Almonds also feature in any number of treats and chocolate bars. We love them for their taste, texture and health benefits.

While we wouldn’t presume to correct an artistic genius, we would advise you to ignore, just this once, the words of the French novelist Colette. “Don’t eat too many almonds,” she advised. “They add weight to the breasts.”

Bitter or sweet?

There are two varieties of almond oil – bitter and sweet – which come from different types of almond trees. Bitter almond oil, an essential oil, is ideal for scent. Meanwhile, sweet almond oil is a fixed oil; coconut oil and olive oil also belong to this group, which many use as carrier or base oils.

Sweet almond oil, or oil from Prunus amygdalus dulcis, is made from pressed almonds. Ayurvedic, Ancient Chinese, and Greco-Persian medicine hailed almond’s health benefits; today, different cultures enjoy it in food or apply directly onto the skin and hair for deep nourishment.

Sweet almond oil also provides unsaturated fatty acids, including olein glyceride and linoleic acid. It also contains vitamin E and vitamin A. Quickly absorbed into the skin, this natural oil doesn’t leave a greasy residue and is present in many cosmetics.

Almond oil benefits

There are many almond oil benefits. Firstly, sweet almond oil can help prevent damage caused by free radicals.

With the increasingly toxic environment of our world, it is ever more important to supply your skin with antioxidants to fight off free radicals. These tiny, unstable molecules contribute to overall ill health as well as weakening of the collagen. This protein acts as a pillow or cushion to plump and smooth the skin.(1)

Research shows that sweet almond oil can also help repair damage to your skin from UV radiation by reducing the harm done to your DNA by the sun.(2) One tablespoon of sweet almond oil a day equals about a quarter of your recommended daily intake of vitamin E.(3)

Working right in tandem with the Vitamin E in this oil are the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which lock in precious moisture and help to keep your skin properly hydrated. MUFAs are also incredibly beneficial for heart health, because they elevate good cholesterol (HDL, high-density lipoproteins) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL, low-density lipoproteins). The fatty acids in sweet almond oil also make it anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting.

Almond oil benefits for the skin

Sweet almond oil is excellent to apply on the skin. Cold-pressed almond oil is a medium-light oil which is non-comedogenic. So, it does not block sensitive pores. Further, the vitamin A in it will help clear your pores of dirt and excess oil, which blackheads, whiteheads, and acne feed on.(4) Sweet almond oil will also help to even out your skin tone and complexion.

Any other benefits of almond oil?

Sweet almond oil can even help with those deep shadows under your eyes and can act as a wonderfully natural makeup remover.

Indulge your lips, nails, cuticle, scalp, and hair with this oil, which heals and strengthens as it rehydrates. Use sweet almond oil as a night oil to heighten the effects of the Vitamin E that it contains.

A study has also shown that sweet almond oil helps reduce stretch marks on the stomach and lessens irritation. It may be able to act in the same way on other discolourations across your body, thanks to its emollient and sclerosant properties.

We know that sweet almond oil can also act as a mild disinfectant on minor wounds, and most definitely that it is lovely massage oil. It also works extremely well as carrier oil for essential oils. If that wasn’t enough, you can use almond oil as a body butter, shaving oil, or in a facial scrub! 

Almond oil has even more potential

For as long as almonds have been around – remember, we’re talking the exoticism of ancient Rome, the Old Testament, and the Silk Road – we have been discovering more about what sweet almond oil can do for us.

Researchers are looking into its possible uses after surgery to help heal scars. The jury is still out on that one, but it’s an exciting likelihood. Another use of sweet almond oil that researchers are currently investigating is its laxative properties.

Is refined almond oil better?

Words can be quite confusing! Refined almond oil may sound purer, but it’s actually produced by machines. It is sometimes made using a process involving chemicals, and usually has less flavour. It is more suitable for use as cooking oil because it can withstand higher temperatures than cold-pressed oils can.

Cold-pressed almond oil – like the one that Erbology makes – is artisan oil that retains all flavour. Because the way that this oil is processed is not as harsh, all the valuable nutritional advantages are left intact.

Erbology also uses only organic almonds, grown without herbicides or pesticides sprayed onto the trees. This means that the almond passes the health benefits directly onto you with much less toxic interference. According to the US Department of Agriculture, non-organic almonds are often sprayed with chemicals including neurotoxins, hormone disruptors, and carcinogens.(6)