Although it may not quite be the nectar of the gods, sweet almond oil's versatility and health benefits make it an ideal oil for you to keep in your home. Extracted from the pressed kernels of the sweet almond tree, sweet almond oil possesses a pale yellow appearance and has a multitude of uses that leave many natural health advocates singing its praises. Use it with gusto, but talk to your primary care doctor first if you have a personal or family history of nut allergies.
Massage
Often costing a mere $8 to $10 per 16-ounce bottle, sweet almond oil provides a simple, inexpensive massage oil for both amateur and expert massage therapists alike. Used alone, it possesses a mild, sweet scent and creates a light, oily sensation that allows your hands to glide easily along the skin as you give a massage. According to Shirley Price, a world-renowned aromatherapist and coauthor of the book Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, sweet almond oil also serves as one of the most commonly used carrier oils in aromatherapy. Use sweet almond oil alone or add several drops of your favorite scented essential oil, such as lavender, to a base of 1/2 cup of the oil before a massage.
Skin Rejuvenation
Possessing natural emollients to nourish and soothe your skin, sweet almond oil provides a non-irritating medium for people to rejuvenate and revitalize dry, damaged skin, regardless of skin type. According to Price, sweet almond oil relieves irritable, eczema-ravaged skin, as well as dry or scaly skin arising from conditions, such as dermatitis and psoriasis. Dr. James Balch, coauthor of the book Prescription for Nutritional Healing, recommends sweet almond oil as a preventative for stretch marks, especially those that may occur during pregnancy. Rub it on your skin once daily, preferably after a bath or shower to allow it to soak more thoroughly into your pores.
Hair Conditioner
Often used as an ingredient in hair creams, sweet almond oil moisturizes and conditions your tresses, adding softness and luster to dry, damaged hair follicles. Use it by itself before washing your hair, add it to your conditioner or rub it into your scalp to treat dandruff. For a particularly effective conditioning treatment, Mary Beth Janssen, health and wellness expert and author of the book Naturally Healthy Hair, recommends that you blend 1 tsp. of sweet almond oil with a tbsp. of honey and a single, ripe banana, leaving the mixture in your freshly shampooed hair for up to half an hour before rinsing.
Ear Wax Treatment
In instances when your ear wax builds up and hardens in your ear canal, sweet almond oil provides a natural yet effective way to soften the wax plug. Warm the liquid to body temperature before placing three to four drops in the affected ear, as recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians. You can use the sweet oil as a stand-along treatment or follow it up with a water irrigation to remove the softened wax.
References
- Aromatherapy for Health Professionals; Shirley Price & Len Price; 2007
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Dr. James Balch & Phyllis Balch, CNC; 2006
- Naturally Healthy Hair; Mary Beth Janssen; 1998
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Cerumen Impaction
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