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Almond Oil

About Botanical Oils

The use of botanical oils can be traced back thousands of years, with roots in cultures as diverse as the ancient Sumerians, Chinese and Roman Empire.^{^[1]} Botanical oils are prepared from the whole plant, preserving its scent, main active ingredients, and the essence of the plant. Botanical oils made from various plants have been used throughout history to honor gods,^{^[2]} prepare bodies for funerals,^{^[3]} preserve beauty, assist with hygiene and treat a wide variety of medical conditions. Instructions for the preparation and use of plants as medicine is catalogued in the works of Dioscorides, De materia medica^{^[4]}, back in the first century. Modern technology has allowed the active parts of plants to be identified and studied for their role in health and their usefulness against various medical conditions.

The Properties Of Almonds

The ancient almond tree has held an honored position in many cultures. Almond trees have several mentions in the Bible. An early spring bloomer, its Hebrew name means “industrious” or “vigilant” and it was considered a sign of God’s sudden and rapid punishment in ancient Israel. The Chinese view the almond as a symbol of enduring sadness and female beauty^{^[5]}.

Types Of Almonds

The abundant oil of the almond is pleasantly mild in scent, light in color and does not bear a strong taste^{^[6]}. There are two main varieties of almonds, sweet (Prunus dulcis) and bitter (Prunus amara or amygdalus). The sweet almond variety is used more widely because it produces more of the valuable oils that almonds are known for and it bears less risk of toxicity. The bitter almond variety contains amygdalin, as do the seeds of other members of the Prunus family, including cherries, apricots and plums. When amygdalin is digested, the interaction with water and the germs of the gut produces high amounts of prussic acid,^{^[7]} or cyanide. The bitter almond also contains benzaldehyde, its essential oil, which is toxic^{^[8]}. Because these constituents are toxic, or even lethal in very small doses, the bitter almond should not be eaten and is not sold in the United States.

Nutrients

The almond is a nutritional powerhouse. Almonds are made up of approximately 21 percent protein, 50 percent fat, 22 percent carbohydrates, over half of which is fiber, and five percent water, making almond flour a popular choice for diabetics.^{^[9]} The almond’s fatty acids are mainly unsaturated fats, with some saturated fats and no cholesterol. Specifically, almond oil has 4 to 9 percent palmitic acid, 0.9 to 3 percent stearic acid, 50 to 86 percent oleic acid and 20 to 30 percent linoleic^{^[10]}[11] acid.^{^[12]} Of those, palmitic and stearic acid are saturated fatty acids, but compromise roughly less than 12 percent of the total fatty acids. Linoleic acid, abundant in the almond, is an omega-6 fatty acid. While omega-3 fatty acids are better known for their health benefits, the diet and health of skin and hair require a balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. The American diet tends to contain a large amount of omega-6s, which can convert to the inflammatory arachidonic acid, especially when the source of them is meat. Plant sources of omega-6 fatty acids convert to gamma-linoleic acid, which is anti-inflammatory, before becoming arachidonic acid. The Mediterranean diet, which is recognized as an effective means of combating heart disease, is rich in plant sources of omega-6s, including almonds.^{^[13]}

In addition to fatty acids, almonds contain the fat-soluble nutrients vitamin E, mostly as the potent antioxidant alpha-tocopherol, and vitamin A. B vitamins present in almonds include B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 and folate. Almonds are a rich source of potassium. Several other minerals are found in almonds as well, including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and a small amount of sodium.^{^[14]}

The properties of any single plant may differ even from another plant of the same species and genotype,^{^[15]} depending on when the plant is deemed mature,^{^[16]} and variations in growing locations or conditions.^{^[17]}

While all of these nutrients will be present in any almond oil, the amount of each nutrient found in a certain amount of oil may change. Plants adapt to their environment, so a plant grown with more or less sun or rainfall^{^[18]} may adjust to those conditions, producing slightly different nutrient profiles.

Almond Oil Preparation

The almond is not technically a nut or fruit! It is a drupe, which refers to its multiple layers. The outer hull of an almond tree’s fruit is a thick, green coating. Inside the hull is the endocarp, which is hard and woody, similar to the outside of the pit found in its cousin, the peach. Inside the endocarp lies the seed, or almond.^{^[19]} Almond oil is extracted from this ripe seed.

Expeller Pressed And Cold Pressed

Expeller pressing refers to the process of slowly breaking down almonds under mechanical pressure, such as two rotating metal plates, to release the fats from the almond.^{^[20]} Cold pressed means that the oil was expeller pressed at a low temperature.^{^[21]} The low temperature prevents the oil from spoiling. Almond oil produced by a cold press process is darker in color than a refined process, but is believed to be higher in the properties that make the original plant valuable, including its monounsaturated fats and antimicrobial activity.^{^[22]} Distillation extraction for the essential oils of sweet almonds is not usually necessary because the oils are so abundant in the seeds. Even a home process is enough to release the oil.^{^[23]}

Distillation Extraction

Distillation extraction means exposing a plant to water or steam to break down the plant material and release the essential oil. The oils are cooled and condensed for collection.^{^[24]} Distillation extraction is used to extract amygdalin from bitter almonds. Amygdalin is not present in the raw oil, so expeller extraction would not work. The amygdalin is made by the action of emulsin, a component of the bitter almond that is activated when water is present. If the temperature is too high when this reaction happens, the emulsin breaks down and the amygdalin can’t be released.

When amygdalin is produced, the bitter almond also releases the essential oil benzaldehyde and a small amount of hydrocyanic acid, also called prussic acid. This prussic acid, or cyanide, is extremely toxic but can be removed with an additional distillation, leaving oil of bitter almond free from prussic acid, also referred to as oil of bitter almond, FFPA. This is the flavoring popular in cooking.

Even when it's cyanide free, the benzaldehyde and amygdalin are toxic as well, so the bitter oil is used in drop doses.^{^[25]}[26] Bitter almond oil extract has a strong almond flavor and is used in cooking. Raw bitter almonds are not sold in the U.S. Commercial sources of almond extract may be made from amygdalin-producing fruit from the same family as the almond, including peaches or apricots. These fruits produce less amygdalin, however, so the flavor is less strong than when the amygdalin is taken from bitter almonds.^{^[27]}

Medicinal Uses For Almond Oil

Uses In Ayurvedic And Chinese Medicine

Almond oil is taken internally and applied topically. In ancientl Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, (the traditional medicine system of India), almond oil is used on dry skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.

The almond in Ayurvedic medicine is considered the best of all nuts; capable of improving the essence of the body that supports intellect, spirituality and reproductive ability. Both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine consider almonds to be effective for clearing conditions of the lungs, such as bronchial congestion. The oil may be taken internally or used in massage to stimulate clearing the lungs.^{^[28]}

Cosmetics

Almond oil is a popular base oil in cosmetic products because of its pleasant, mild properties. It absorbs well into skin and softens it, making it a top choice for soap making, lip balms and bath oils.^{^[29]}

Massage

Almond oil is a carrier oil for medications and used widely as a carrier of other essential oils^{^[30]} because its mild aroma does not overpower other scents. It’s a favorite among massage therapists. Almond oil is slightly oily, helping the massage therapist’s hand glide on the skin, but it does absorb well.^{^[31]} The beneficial fats and nutrients present in almond oil can be absorbed through the skin. Use of almond oil to massage pre-term infants improved their neurological scores and boosted their weight gain^{^[32]} compared to placebo.

Scars And Stretch Marks

Almond oil is well absorbed and rich in fat-soluble vitamins E and A. These nutrients probably contribute to the observed benefit almond oil has for reducing scarring after surgery and smoothing and rejuvenating skin.^{^[33]} There is some evidence for the efficacy of massage with almond oil for reducing stretch marks during pregnancy.^{^[34]}

Cardiovascular Health

Taken internally, almond oil is a rich source of omega-6 fatty acids and several other nutrients. Many studies have been done on the whole almond, finding benefit for cardiovascular disease, including raising HDL,^{^[35]} the “good cholesterol,” reducing belly fat and lowering LDL, the “bad cholesterol,” by replacing high carbohydrate snacks,^{^[36]} lowering glucose levels,^{^[37]} preventing liver damage and improving functioning of the blood vessels.^{^[38]}

GI Health

A growing body of research supports the importance of the gut micro biome for health. One study compared the effect of freshly ground almonds to almonds that had been defatted on the gut germs. The study found that almonds freshly ground with the fats intact supported a better germ profile than the defatted nuts.^{^[39]} Almond oil supports a healthy bowel transit time, making it useful for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Traditional Uses Almond oil is considered beneficial for a wide variety of conditions based on traditional use, although there is not consistent research for or against the efficacy of these uses. Almond oil is considered anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, anti-hepatotoxic and may also reduce the incidence of colon cancer.^{^[40]}

Use Of Bitter Almond Oil The bitter almond oil is toxic to ingest, but historically has been used for managing fevers, possibly because it can kill germs, viruses and fungi. It has been used as a vermifuge to kill worms in the GI tract.^{^[41]} Bitter almond oil induces sweating, and urine output. While there are no studies on humans, the use of bitter almond oil for spasms, pain, cough and itch is recognized.^{^[42]}

Questions About Almond Oil

What should I look for in an almond oil? Unrefined, expeller pressed almond oil will contain the best profile of nutrients and fats. It may be darker in color and stronger in scent than a refined oil, but the overall scent and taste should still be fairly mild.

If I am allergic to almonds, can I use almond oil? If you have a nut allergy, or if you are not sure if you have a nut allergy, almond oil should be avoided, even as a topical agent.

Is it safe to use almond oil on kids? If your child has a nut allergy, or if you are not sure if your child has a nut allergy, almond oil should be avoided, even as a topical agent. There have been cases of kids developing allergies to almonds based on topical exposure only.^{^[43]} Ask a doctor about testing for almond allergies.

Can I cook with almond oil? You could cook with almond oil; the oil - or an almond extract - may be an ingredient in baking recipes. Almond oil is not stable at high temperatures, so it is not the best choice for use with high heat.

How long is the shelf life of almond oil? Kept under proper storage conditions, almond oil shelf life will last about 2 years. The high vitamin E content of almond oil actually works to protect it from the oxidative stress that forms as oil begins to go rancid, extending its shelf life. Almond oil is low in moisture, with only about a 5 percent water content, so as long as humidity is sealed out, it does not break down easily. Almond oil should be kept in cool conditions, as it will break down at higher temperatures.^{^[44]}

Won’t almond oil clog my pores? Almond is a good emollient, which means it is good at breaking down skin and softening it. Even so, the pores of the face can be more sensitive to clogging by thick oils. If you tend to have oily skin, almond oil may be better used on other parts of the body.

Will I gain weight from the calories in almond oil? Most studies show that weight loss is the result of more almonds in the diet. As a nutrient-dense food, it can help you feel full sooner, replacing higher carbohydrate foods that are lower in nutrients overall.

Caution And Considerations Almond oil is made from almonds. Do not use topically or ingest if you have an allergy to almonds or to all tree nuts. Almonds are in a group of foods that can cause an oral allergy syndrome.^{^[45]} The other foods in this group of birch pollen foods are apples, almonds, carrots, celery, cherry, hazelnuts, kiwi, peaches, pears and plums. If you have a reaction to any of these foods, ask your doctor before making almond oil a regular part of your diet or cosmetic regimen.

References:

^{^[1]} http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Botanical_Medicine.aspx

^{^[2]} Bill T. Arnold, H. G. M. Williamson. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books. InterVarsity Press, Sep 26, 2011. P. 33

^{^[3]} http://www.ancient.eu/Egyptian_Burial/

^{^[4]} https://www.wdl.org/en/item/10632/

^{^[5]} http://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/link-suggestion/wpcd_2008-09_augmented/wp/a/Almond.htm

^{^[6]} http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/almon026.html

^{^[7]} http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Almond

^{^[8]} http://www.drugs.com/npp/almond-almond-oil.html

^{^[9]} http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/almon026.html

^{^[10]} http://www.gonative.co.nz/site/gonative/COA%20almond%20oil%20O%20CP%20V.pdf

[11] https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/almond-sweet-oil/profile

^{^[12]} Shi Z1, Chen B, Xu S.[Analysis of physicochemical property and composition of fatty acid of almond oil]. [Article in Chinese]. Se Pu. 1999 Sep;17(5):506-7. PMID: 12552899

^{^[13]} University of Maryland Medical Center. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega6-fatty-acids

^{^[14]} https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3635?manu=&fgcd=

^{^[15]} O. Kodad and R. Socias. “Variability of Oil Content and of Major Fatty Acid Composition in Almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) and Its Relationship with Kernel Quality.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 56 (11)2008: 4096-4101 DOI: 10.1021/jf8001679

^{^[16]} Lourdes Soler, Jaime Canellas, and Fulgencio Saura-Calixto. “Oil content and fatty acid composition of developing almond seeds.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 36 (4)1988: 695-697 DOI: 10.1021/jf00082a007

^{^[17]} Ossama Kodad, Gloria Estopañán, Teresa Juan, Ali Mamouni, and Rafel Socias. “Tocopherol Concentration in Almond Oil: Genetic Variation and Environmental Effects under Warm Conditions.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 59(11).2011: 6137-6141. DOI: 10.1021/jf200323c

^{^[18]} Zhu Y, Taylor C, Sommer K, Wilkinson K, Wirthensohn M. “Influence of deficit irrigation strategies on fatty acid and tocopherol concentration of almond (Prunus dulcis).” Food Chem. 2015 Apr 15;173:821-6. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.10.108. Epub 2014 Oct 29. PMID: 25466095 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

^{^[19]} https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almond

^{^[20]} http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-expeller-pressed-oil.htm

^{^[21]} https://www.cbi.eu/sites/default/files/study/product-factsheet-almond-oil-germany-vegetable-oils-oilseeds-2014.pdf

^{^[22]} Karaman S, Karasu S, Tornuk F, Toker OS, Geçgel Ü, Sagdic O, Ozcan N, Gül O. “Recovery potential of cold press byproducts obtained from the edible oil industry: physicochemical, bioactive, and antimicrobial properties.” J Agric Food Chem. 2015 Mar 4;63(8):2305-13. doi: 10.1021/jf504390t. Epub 2015 Feb 19. PMID: 25647068 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

^{^[23]} http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Almond-Oil

^{^[24]} https://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/how-are-essential-oils-extracted/

^{^[25]} Perrier, Jonathan. The Elements of Materia Medica: Vegetable and animal material media. Longman, Orme, Brown, Green and Longmans. London. 1840. PP 1104-1108.

[26] http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/prunus-dulc_oleu.html

^{^[27]} http://articles.latimes.com/2002/feb/20/food/fo-almondside20

^{^[28]} Pitchfork, Paul. Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books. Berkeley, CA. 1993, p 532.

^{^[29]} http://www.soaperschoice.com/soapoils/almondoil.html

^{^[30]} Sadeghi Aval Shahr H1, Saadat M, Kheirkhah M, Saadat E. “The effect of self-aromatherapy massage of the abdomen on the primary dysmenorrhoea.” J Obstet Gynaecol. 2015 May;35(4):382-5. doi: 10.3109/01443615.2014.958449. Epub 2014 Sep 25. PMID: 25254570 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25254570

^{^[31]} http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/massage_oil.htm

^{^[32]} Vaivre-Douret L1, Oriot D, Blossier P, Py A, Kasolter-Péré M, Zwang J.0. “The effect of multimodal stimulation and cutaneous application of vegetable oils on neonatal development in preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial.”Child Care Health Dev. 2009 Jan;35(1):96-105. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2008.00895.x. Epub 2008 Oct 3. PMID: 18991972 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18991972

^{^[33]} Ahmad Z. “The uses and properties of almond oil.”Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2010 Feb;16(1):10-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.015. Epub 2009 Jul 15. PMID: 20129403 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20129403

^{^[34]} Korgavkar K, Wang F. Stretch marks during pregnancy: a review of topical prevention. Br J Dermatol. 2015 Mar;172(3):606-15. doi: 10.1111/bjd.13426. Epub 2015 Feb 8. PMID: 25255817 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25255817

^{^[35]} Jamshed H, Sultan FA, Iqbal R, Gilani AH.”Dietary Almonds Increase Serum HDL Cholesterol in Coronary Artery Disease Patients in a Randomized Controlled Trial.” J Nutr. 2015 Oct;145(10):2287-92. doi: 10.3945/jn.114.207944. Epub 2015 Aug 12. PMID: 26269239 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25254570

^{^[36]} Berryman CE, West SG, Fleming JA, Bordi PL, Kris-Etherton PM. “Effects of daily almond consumption on cardiometabolic risk and abdominal adiposity in healthy adults with elevated LDL-cholesterol: a randomized controlled trial.” J Am Heart Assoc. 2015 Jan 5;4(1):e000993. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.114.000993. PMID: 25559009 [PubMed - in process] PMCID: PMC4330049 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25559009

^{^[37]} Tan SY, Mattes RD. “Appetitive, dietary and health effects of almonds consumed with meals or as snacks: a randomized, controlled trial.” Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013 Nov;67(11):1205-14. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2013.184. Epub 2013 Oct 2. PMID: 24084509 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] PMCID: PMC3898316 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24084509

^{^[38]} Jamshed H, Gilani AH. ”Almonds inhibit dyslipidemia and vascular dysfunction in rats through multiple pathways.” J Nutr. 2014 Nov;144(11):1768-74. doi: 10.3945/jn.114.198721. Epub 2014 Sep 24. PMID: 25332475 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25332475

^{^[39]} Mandalari G1, Nueno-Palop C, Bisignano G, Wickham MS, Narbad A. “Potential prebiotic properties of almond (Amygdalus communis L.) seeds.” Appl Environ Microbiol. 2008 Jul;74(14):4264-70. doi: 10.1128/AEM.00739-08. Epub 2008 May 23. PMID: 18502914 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] PMCID: PMC2493170. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18502914

^{^[40]} Ahmad Z. “The uses and properties of almond oil.”Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2010 Feb;16(1):10-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.015. Epub 2009 Jul 15. PMID: 20129403 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20129403

^{^[41]} https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/almon026.html

^{^[42]} http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-314-bitter%20almond.aspx?activeingredientid=314&activeingredientname=bitter%20almond

^{^[43]} Guillet G, Guillet MH. [Percutaneous sensitization to almond oil in infancy and study of ointments in 27 children with food allergy]. [Article in French] Allerg Immunol (Paris). 2000 Oct;32(8):309-11. PMID: 11244925 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11244925

^{^[44]} http://www.almonds.com/sites/default/files/content/attachments/2014aq0007_shelf_life_factors.pdf

^{^[45]} http://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/oral-allergy-syndrome

Written By Dr. Keri Layton, Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Layton was born and raised in Rhode Island. She received an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Behavior from Mount Holyoke College in 1999. After college, she worked in Boston as a research assistant on the Human Genome Project, then as a high school biology teacher. Many of the kids she worked with were struggling with learning disabilities and ADHD. It was this experience that solidified her desire to become a Naturopathic Doctor. Dr. Layton’s passion is to see Naturopathic Doctors fully integrated into the health care system. She is committed to seeing Naturopathic Doctors gain the right to practice the full scope of their training in all states. She has served on the House of Delegates of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She served on the Board of the RIANP as Secretary and President through 2014, bringing Rhode Island closer to licensing NDs than it had ever been before. Now living in Massachusetts, Dr. Layton is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Naturopathic Doctors. Dr. Layton now lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two children, partnering with members of her New England community to improve their health and wellness. https://kerilayton.com/

Reviewed By Sarah Ingram, NAHA Certified Aromatherapist

Sarah Ingram is a NAHA Certified Aromatherapist and Certified Natural Health Consultant with many years of experience in the aromatherapy and natural health industry. She is also an organic farmer and successfully runs her own business - eSCENTials Aroma in Woodstock, Ill. - where she creates, formulates, designs, makes, markets and sells expertly-crafted, all-natural aromatherapy products. Contact her at 847-975-2030 or email: sarbhr2@hotmail.com. Etsy shop link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/eSCENTialsAroma. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ingram-96195a66

Frequently asked questions

What are the key nutritional benefits of almond oil for skin and hair?

Almond oil benefits include omega fatty acids (mostly unsaturated fats), vitamin E, and magnesium, turning it into a powerhouse for skin nourishment, hydration, and hair strength.

How does almond oil for dry skin restore moisture effectively?

Almond oil for dry skin deeply penetrates the barrier, restores hydration, reduces flakiness, and smooths texture without greasiness.

Can you use almond oil for hair care, and what's the best method?

Yes, use almond oil for hair care as a pre-shampoo mask to condition strands, boost shine, and prevent breakage from dryness.

What allergy precautions should you take with almond oil?

Avoid almond oil if allergic to tree nuts; do a 24-hour patch test on your inner arm, especially for sensitive skin.

How to store almond oil for maximum shelf life?

Store almond oil in a cool, dark place—protected from heat and light—to achieve up to 2 years of shelf life.

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