Armeniaca vulgaris, Prunus armeniaca
Family: Rosaceae
Part Used: kernels
Base oil: can be used as a base, 100 percent
Apricot is native to Asia. The tree grows to a height of about 35 feet, has white to pink flowers and orange-yellow fruit.
Contains: minerals and vitamins
Practical Uses: all skins, especially prematurely aged, sensitive, inflamed and dry. The carrier/base oil is used to dilute essential oils in aromatherapy for massage oils and other formulations.
Therapeutic Properties: analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitumor, antitussive, aphrodisiac, demulcent, emetic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, nourishing (skin), pectoral, sedative, vulnerary
Caution: The kernels contain cyanide. It is best to use small amounts of the oil at one time.
This carrier comes from the kernels of the apricot fruit. Originally native to Armenia, Apricot Kernel carrier oil is now produced all over the southern Mediterranean, particularly Turkey and Spain. The fruit is a source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, an important immune-booster and skin nourisher. This carrier helps to soothe minor skin irritations or mild eczema.
*Special Tip: if you have dry elbows, take two small bowls and place 20 ml / 4 tsp Apricot Kernel oil in each one, after a bath or shower, when your skin is still moist, place your elbows in the bowls and soak for at least 5 minutes. Pat off any excess oil to reveal soft skin.
Special Blends
Add these essential oils to 20 ml / 4 tsp Apricot Kernel oil:
To moisturize dry skin on the face:
- 4 drops Neroli, 2 drops Frankincense, 4 drops Roman Chamomile
To nourish dry skin in body massage:
- 6 drops Sandalwood, 2 drops Palmarosa, 2 drops Mandarin
*Source: Harding Jennie, The Essential Oils Handbook. Duncan Baird Publishers, 2008
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