Almond
Prunus Dulcis
Almond Oil is a sweet and silky carrier oil which is packed full of fats and nutrients that your skin, hair and nails thrive off. It works well with a number of essential oils on the market to create massage oils, serums and moisturisers.
History of Almond Oil
Almond Oil is a rich and beneficial carrier oil which has been used for thousands of years. The first use of the almond nut was around 4000 B.C. or earlier! The almond nut is native to the Mediterranean towards North Africa, the Middle East and some parts of Europe and towards the mid 1800's it started to be accessible in Western America. It’s not clear exactly where Almond Oil was first used, though. In history, almonds were referred to as the “king of nuts” as the nut as well as the oil was believed to be particularly beneficial for overall brain health due to possessing a number of essential fatty acids.
The almond belongs to the same family as cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums. Traditionally, almonds have been used in savoury cooking in curries and sauces, as well as in sweet treats and as a substitute for flour. In fact, almonds are an excellent substitute for flour which contains gluten. It’s one of the most popularly used nuts within Vegan and Vegetarian cooking. As well as having multiple uses in cooking, it can also be used for cosmetics, skincare and specific beauty remedies. Today, it’s still a very popular and prevalent oil, and is mostly used in the beauty community as well as within aromatherapy.
So, why has Almond Oil survived through the ages?
Along with its vast history and many biblical references, Almond Oil has survived through the ages because it really is an incredibly beneficial carrier oil. It’s packed with crucial fatty acids that our body needs, and has a soothing and healing quality when applied topically. Also, due to its extensive use in cooking, baking and within Vegan dishes specifically, we completely understand why Almond Oil is so popular and why it’s an essential for so many. If you’re someone who’s looking to find a multi-use carrier oil then this one is definitely for you. We’d put it in the same ballpark as Coconut Oil in terms of versatility as well as benefits, although the texture and speed of absorption is quicker for Almond Oil.
Extracting Almond Oil
Like most essential oils, Almond Oil is made using a process called cold pressing. This involves using the nuts and kernels and pressing them to squeeze all of the oil out. Before this can happen, though, the nuts need to go through a drying and hulling process. Once they are dried, the nuts are separated from their shells and skins, which are used in other almond products. The dried nuts are then pressed. This is a common method used for extraction, particularly for nut and seed oils as this method yields the highest percentage of oil without damaging the overall composition of it.
Can I make Almond Oil at home?
Yes, you can! There are two ways of making Almond Oil at home. The first method is using a cold press, which you’d have to obtain either by renting or buying it. You can follow the same process discussed above and yield pure Almond Oil. The second method involves using a carrier oil, such as Olive Oil to make it. You’ll need dry, roasted, unsalted almonds, a blender and some Olive Oil. Put the nuts in a blender with a couple of tablespoons of Olive Oil and blend until creamy. You then leave the mixture to separate over a few hours, and then drain the overall mixture through a cheesecloth. This is a method suitable if you need Almond Oil quickly, however it is already mixed with another oil - so unless you are okay with that, then you may want to either use a cold press or buy it yourself. It’s a commercially available and affordable carrier oil - so don’t worry if making it feels like too much of a task!
What do you think of Almond Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the team loves to hear how you’re getting the most out of your essential oils. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with the team today.
Can I make Almond Oil at home?
Yes, you can! There are two ways of making Almond Oil at home. The first method is using a cold press, which you’d have to obtain either by renting or buying it. You can follow the same process discussed above and yield pure Almond Oil. The second method involves using a carrier oil, such as Olive Oil to make it. You’ll need dry, roasted, unsalted almonds, a blender and some Olive Oil. Put the nuts in a blender with a couple of tablespoons of Olive Oil and blend until creamy. You then leave the mixture to separate over a few hours, and then drain the overall mixture through a cheesecloth. This is a method suitable if you need Almond Oil quickly, however it is already mixed with another oil - so unless you are okay with that, then you may want to either use a cold press or buy it yourself. It’s a commercially available and affordable carrier oil - so don’t worry if making it feels like too much of a task!
What do you think of Almond Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the team loves to hear how you’re getting the most out of your essential oils. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with the team today.
Almond Oil Varieties
Almond Oil Varieties
There are two main types of Almond Oil which are found on the market, and that’s Sweet Almond Oil and Bitter Almond Oil. The sweet variety is - you guessed it - from sweet almonds which we use in cooking and on the body, and the bitter variety is mostly used in aromatherapy and shouldn’t be used topically or in cooking. It has a much stronger aroma which makes it best suited to fragrance rather than using it on the body So, we can assume that in commercial products which have the almond fragrance, that they’re using bitter almond oil! Within these variations there will also be Almond Oil that is safe for consumption, and this will be stated by the distributor.
So, which variety should I use?
It completely depends on what you’re looking to use Almond Oil for. If you’re looking for a carrier oil that will extend the life of your essential oils as well as diluting them, then you’ll need Sweet Almond Oil which is packed full of fatty acids and nourishing for the skin. This variety should also be used to cook with. However, if you’re looking for the scent of almond, then you should try the bitter variety as that would be best suited. Seeing as Almond Oil is easy to access for most people globally, we’d recommend buying both varieties if you intend to use it for multiple things!
What do you think of Almond Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Is there a variety that you like the most and why? Feel free to reach out and share your stories with us today!
So, which variety should I use?
It completely depends on what you’re looking to use Almond Oil for. If you’re looking for a carrier oil that will extend the life of your essential oils as well as diluting them, then you’ll need Sweet Almond Oil which is packed full of fatty acids and nourishing for the skin. This variety should also be used to cook with. However, if you’re looking for the scent of almond, then you should try the bitter variety as that would be best suited. Seeing as Almond Oil is easy to access for most people globally, we’d recommend buying both varieties if you intend to use it for multiple things!
What do you think of Almond Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Is there a variety that you like the most and why? Feel free to reach out and share your stories with us today!
Benefits of Almond Oil
Almond Oil is a nourishing and beneficial carrier oil which has been used for thousands of years. Traditionally, almonds have been used in savoury cooking as well as in sweet dishes and as a substitute for flour. Almonds are an excellent source of healthy fats, and are used extensively in Vegetarian and Vegan cooking because of this! Today, the oil is used across many different products and industries, and is a highly popular oil within the essential oil community. We love Almond Oil!
So, what are the benefits of Almond Oil?
Emollient
The emollient properties of Almond Oil make it perfectly placed when it comes to making skincare and body care products such as lotions, oils, serums, soaps and bath creams etc. It’s incredibly nourishing and can absorb into the skin quickly, leaving it feeling soft, supple and hydrated.
Rich in fatty acids
When ingested or used topically, Almond Oil is packed full of Omega 6 and Omega 9, which are essential fatty acids which are great either for the immune system or for your skin. This is particularly useful if you’re looking to get more healthy fats into your diet or you’re looking to substitute Almond Oil for other oils that you’re currently using in cooking.
Cleansing properties
Similar to a lot of other carrier oils on the market, Almond Oil boasts many cleansing properties which is why it’s a popular carrier oil when used in skincare or massage.
Boosts hair, skin and nail health
As mentioned, the emollient qualities as well as the healthy fats in Almond Oil make it an excellent treatment for your skin, as well as your hair and nails. Whether you’re applying it to your cuticles or making an overnight hair mask, you’ll notice after continued use that Almond Oil can make a considerable difference to the health of your hair, skin and nails.
Please note that the benefits of Almond Oil will vary from person to person, and what may work for you - may not work for someone else. If you’re looking to use Almond Oil as a replacement for prescribed skincare products, then please consult with your dermatologist before making the switch.
Uses of Almond Oil
Almond Oil is a versatile and highly sought after carrier oil, which has a number of beneficial properties as well as feeling gorgeous on the skin. It was first recorded circa 4000 B.C. and has been used throughout history as a medicine, skincare product as well as in cosmetics. Today, it is a commercialised oil which is popular in the essential oils world as well as in many skincare products. It’s an oil which can also be made in the comfort of your own home, and overall is a very accessible and affordable carrier oil! We absolutely love Almond Oil here at Essentially Yours.
So, what can I use Almond Oil for?
Diluting essential oils
Commonly, carrier oils such as Almond Oil are used in the essential oils world to dilute them. This helps to dispel some of the harsh reactions that can occur when the essential oil is used on its own on bare skin. Almond Oil is an excellent oil for diluting as it doesn’t detract from the essential oils’ scent, and can work to create powerful and gorgeous blends!
Massage
Whether on its own or blended with essential oils, Almond Oil works beautifully as a massage oil. It absorbs nicely into the skin and is packed with essential acids and vitamins that helps your skin thrive.
Haircare
You can use Almond Oil as a spray on wet hair before styling, or, as an overnight hair mask if you’re struggling with dry, brittle hair. It can also help with dandruff or an itchy scalp caused by dry skin.
Skincare
Almond Oil is excellent for a number of things, but skincare is definitely at the top of the list. You can use it on its own or blended with other carrier or essential oils to create powerful skincare products. We love using it under the eyes mixed with Vitamin E Oil before bed.
Homemade products
Lotions, oils, serums, soaps, creams and sprays - the possibilities are endless when Almond Oil is involved!
Cooking
If you’ve bought an Almond Oil which is suitable to cook with, then you can use it as a substitute for other oils available. It can be used for both sweet and savoury dishes.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we are completely obsessed with essential and carrier oils! If you’re looking for information on how to get the most out of your collection, you’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s understanding the history behind an oil or figuring out how you can use it - we’ve got you covered. In this blog we’re going to talk about Almond Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Jojoba Oil
This blend is ideal if you struggle with acne-prone or sensitive skin and you want to introduce oils into your routine. Jojoba Oil has a very similar composition to your skin’s natural oils, which means you’ll be less prone to breakouts. You can play around with how much of each oil you have in this blend, but the calming qualities of jojoba coupled up with the richness of almond can be a match made in heaven - you can thank us later.
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Coconut Oil
Rich and creamy, this is a blend which can be used for many things. Firstly, it can be used as a massage oil either on its own or blended with essential oils. Secondly, you can use this blend in the bath if you prefer for your skin to naturally absorb the oils instead. Thirdly, this oil can be great as a hair mask to nourish dry ends or a flaky scalp.
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Castor Oil
This is an incredibly thick oil which can be thinned out with Almond Oil and used for a number of ways. This is an excellent DIY eyelash and eyebrow oil which can help you grow thicker and stronger brows and lashes. It can also be used on very dry patches of skin (not cracked or broken) to inject them with moisture.
Vitamin E Oil
Again, another very thick oil but when mixed with Almond Oil we love this as an under-eye oil before bed, particularly if you’re looking to get rid of fine lines or a dry under eye.
Clary Sage Oil
This is a good blend for pain relief. Simply massage into the area which is causing you discomfort and thank us later.
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Jasmine Oil
Fragrant and fresh, this blend is great if you want a natural perfume or you can put this in an oil burner to scent the room.
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Sweet Orange Oil
Tangy and sweet, this is a gorgeous massage oil, or, you can use this to make homemade soaps and creams.
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Tea Tree Oil
If you’re struggling with a congested respiratory system, rub this blend onto your chest and feet to help you breathe easier. You could also add some spearmint if you like the freshness!
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