Both almond oil and avocado oil are used as carrier oils in the practice of aromatherapy. Almond oil and avocado oil have several therapeutic properties. The use of almond oil is more popular. Combine either almond oil or avocado oil with essential oils in aromatherapy for a more effective treatment. Consult a qualified health professional before using either almond oil or avocado oil in therapeutic aromatherapy practice.
About Almond Oil
Almond oil, Prunis dulcis, is obtained from the kernels of the almond tree. According to Len Price, in "Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy and Massage," the best quality almond oil is extracted from the cold pressing of the almond kernels. Almond oil is used therapeutically through both internal and external use. However, it is used externally as an oil in aromatherapy practice. Andrea Peirce, in "Practical Guide to Natural Medicines," writes that almond oil is often used as a massage oil, lubricant and cosmetic emulsifier.
About Avocado Oil
Avocado oil, Persea americana, is obtained from the dried avocado pears of avocado tree. Price writes that avocado oil is extracted by expression. The best avocado oil for use in aromatherapy practice is unrefined, cold pressed oil that is green in color. Avocado oil has a number of beneficial properties for the skin and hair.
Uses
Use almond oil as a dry skin emollient, to sooth inflamed skin, to soothe sun burn and to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. Use avocado oil as a skin emollient, as a massage oil, to moisturize the skin, to treat wrinkles, to soothe skin inflammation, to ease the pain of sore muscles and to treat psoriasis and eczema. In addition, massage avocado oil on the scalp to promote hair growth; however, scientific research is not conclusive on the effective treatment of the stimulation of hair growth with avocado oil.
Application
Combine either almond oil or avocado oil with complimentary essential oils for aromatherapy use. Massage almond oil or avocado oil into the skin. Apply as necessary. In addition, both almond oil and avocado oil can be combined with other carrier oils for aromatherapy use. Consult a qualified health care professional before using almond oil and avocado oil for the treatment of specific health conditions.
Cautions
Both almond oil and avocado oil, in general, are non-sensitizing and non-irritating. However, Price writes that certain individuals may have an allergic reaction to almond oil. Almond oil may turn rancid more quickly than other carrier oils. Avocado oil keeps for long periods of time. Price advises against refrigerating avocado oil as it may lose some of its therapeutic properties. Always consult a qualified professional before using carrier oils in aromatherapy practice.
References
- "Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage"; Len Price; 1999
- "Practical Guide to Natural Medicines"; Andrea Peirce; 1999
- Natural Home Remedies: Avocado Oil for Beauty Treatment
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