Unlike the bitter almond, its toxic twin sister, the edible sweet almond produces a mild oil appropriate for use in multiple different facets of daily life. Educate yourself on the important facts about this pale yellow oil and you may just find yourself, like many others before you, succumbing to its many charms.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
According to Jennifer Cartwright, coauthor of "Health and Beauty Therapy," sweet almond oil possesses high vitamin content, including vitamins A and E, as well as several of the B vitamins. Two of these vitamins--A and E--are antioxidants, which serve to protect your body from the harmful activity of free radicals, molecules that could contribute to an increase in your chances of developing serious health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health. Sweet almond oil also has high levels of protein, which makes it a prime ointment for your protein-rich hair.
Emollient
Jennifer Knapp, coauthor of the book "Beauty Magic," notes that almond oil is a lightweight emollient appropriate for use with all skin types. As an emollient, sweet almond oil hydrates the skin, replenishing lost moisture and soothing any mild skin irritation you may have. Shirley Price, coauthor of "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals," states that almond oil also possesses inflammatory properties, which makes it an effective topical ointment for certain skin irritations, such as eczema and bruises, as well as dry skin.
Useful for Aromatherapy
According to Price, sweet almond oil provides a top-notch base or carrier oil for aromatherapy. Applied directly to the skin, potent essential oils may cause skin irritation or rashes; diluting them in an oil base allows you to use the essential oils while reducing your chances of experiencing ill effects. As a general rule of thumb, you should be able to dilute approximately seven to eight drops of essential oil per ounce of sweet almond oil. Used as a base oil in massage, sweet almond oil lubricates and absorbs into the skin easily, carrying with it the soothing benefits of the chosen essential oils. If you'd rather use essential oils in the bath, simply dilute them in sweet almond oil and add approximately 1 tsp. of the oily solution to warm bathwater. Essential oils commonly coupled with sweet almond oil include lavender, chamomile, rose and jasmine.
Possible Allergen
As an oil derived from almonds, sweet almond oil may cause allergic reactions, especially in those with a personal or family history of nut allergies. Consult with a physician before using sweet almond oil if you have a history of allergies. Even if you don't suffer from allergies, Francesca Gould, author of "Aromatherapy for Holistic Therapists," suggests that you conduct an allergy test before using sweet almond oil extensively on your body. Dab several drops of sweet almond oil behind your ear or on your wrist, leaving it alone for approximately 24 hours; avoid using sweet almond oil if you notice any skin reactions, including redness, irritation, itching or inflammation.
References
- "Health and Beauty Therapy"; Jennifer Cartwright & Dawn Mernagh-Ward; 2009
- "Beauty Magic"; Jennifer Knapp & Amy Saidens; 2004
- "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals"; Shirley Price & Len Price; 2007
- "Aromatherapy for Holistic Therapists"; Francesca Gould; 2003
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