Rich in monounsaturated fat, almonds provide a common, nutritious ingredient in various foods and recipes. Many people don't realize that it also produces an affordably priced ingredient frequently used in aromatherapy. Always talk to your doctor before using almond-based products in aromatherapy if you have a personal or family history of nut allergies.
Almond Basics
Of the two types of almonds, only one of them--the sweet almond--plays a role in aromatherapy. Crushed and pressed, the dried kernel of the sweet almond produces a thin, yellow substance called sweet almond oil. This oil possesses a pale yellow appearance, light texture and gentle, pleasant fragrance. Shirley Price, co-author of "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals," notes that the oil extracted from sweet almonds provides one of the most commonly used base oils in aromatherapy. Look for sweet almond oil in brick-and-mortar and online health food stores. Expect a 4 oz. bottle to cost approximately $3 to $5.
Function
Almond oil's primary function in aromatherapy is to serve as a carrier oil, the base oil used to dilute essential oils before allowing them to touch the skin. Almond oil's thin texture allows it to enter the pores more readily than thicker oils, which allows the thinned essential oils to get absorbed by the body more quickly. Thus, your body promptly receives the therapeutic benefits of the essential oils without experiencing skin irritation or other side effects that commonly occur as a result of direct skin contact with concentrated essential oil drops.
Bath and Massage
Almond oil is commonly used in aromatherapy with bathing and massage. When using almond oil, combine five drops of essential oil per teaspoon of sweet almond oil, as recommended by Valerie Wormwood, author of "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy." Add a single teaspoon of the blend to your warm bath water. Use as much of the oils as required during massage; generally, 4 ounces of the solution provide enough for a single full body massage.
Considerations
Allison England, author of "Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby," recommends almond oil for aromatherapy with children. Stick with mild essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, and use no more than 2 or 3 drops per teaspoon of almond oil to minimize the risk of possible skin irritation. If you opt to use almond oil in the bath, disperse the oil in the warm bath water completely before allowing your child to get into the water. Always check with your child's doctor before using almond oil aromatherapy, especially if your child is below age 5.
Warning
Price acknowledges that almond oil may cause mild skin irritation. Check with your doctor before using almond oil aromatherapy, especially if you have a history of allergies. Once your doctor verifies that you can use almond oil, test it on a small section of your skin before using it in a bath or massage oil. Place two to three drops of the oil directly on your skin, leaving it alone for two to three days. If you notice any signs of skin irritation, do not use the almond oil for aromatherapy.
References
- "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals"; Shirley Price and Len Price; 2007
- "Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby"; Allison England; 2000
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; Valerie Wormwood; 1991
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