Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almonds (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis) originally came from North Africa and Western Asia. Nowadays California is the biggest International supplier. They belong to the same group of plants as plums, apricots and peaches which are drupes, fruit in which seeds (stones) are surrounded by a fleshy part. Almonds are therefore seeds not nuts.

The oil is pressed from dry sweet almond seeds, the premium oil being organic, unrefined, and cold-pressed. It is almost odorless, has a bland nutty taste, is a clear and yellow tinged liquid and does not evaporate. Sweet almond oil is an excellent source of Vitamin A and omega_3.

It is popular with aromatherapists and masseurs as a carrier oil due to it being slightly oily, allowing hands to glide easily over skin, plus the fact it is reasonably priced.

Sweet almond oil is often used in the making of soaps, creams and moisturizers, both commercially and home made. It is suitable for all skin types including baby, mature, problem and sensitive skins. The oil makes the skin softer, smoother, with a natural glow. In the home it is useful for relief of itching and inflammed skin, easing muscular aches and pains, lubricating cracked hands and feet, soothing chapped lips and strengthening nails.

Note: Care should be taken by those allergic to nuts. Pregnant and breast feeding women should avoid taking it internally.

Store in a cool dark place or refrigerate. Sweet almond oil has a shelf life of 4 to 6 months. Adding 10% wheat germ oil will extend it's shelf life. Pick up a bottle today.

***********

Almond Facial Milk
From Spa Index

1/2 cup rose, lavender, or distilled water
1 tsp pure vegetable glycerin
1/4 to 1 tsp cold pressed organic almond oil
12 drops grapefruit seed extract

Make the rose or lavender water by placing a small handful of dried organic rose petals or lavender in a pint mason jar and adding boiling water to cover. Let steep overnight, then thoroughly strain. Combine the remaining ingredients in a glass jar and shake to blend. Dab some on your fingers or a cotton ball and massage into your skin. Rinse with warm water. Keep stored in the refrigerator for no more than a month or so. Discard at the first sign of mold.


Bath Bombs
From GreenSense

1/4 cup baking soda
2 tbsp. citric acid or absorbic acid
1 tbsp borax powder (for softening)
2 tbsp powdered sugar(for binding)
2 tbsp sweet almond oil
1 tsp Vitamin E oil(preservative)
1/4 tsp fragrance or essential oil (your favorite perfume)

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and stir until well blended. Drizzle in almond oil and stir until mixture is moistened. Add Vitamin E oil and fragrance and stir until well mixed. Take teaspoon size globs of mixture and form into ball shapes with fingers. The mixture will be VERY crumbly and fragile, so do the best you can. Place the balls on a sheet of wax paper and leave alone for 2-3 hours. Reshape balls. Let the balls air dry and harden for 10 days. Store balls in a closed container to protect from moisture. To use, plop a ball into your bathtub in warm water.


Avocado Eye Cream

5 drops almond oil
2 ripe avocado slices

Blend almond oil and avo. Dab around eyes and leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse.


Java Cellulite Body Scrub
From MakeYourOwnCosmetics
Submitted by Patty

This is a yummy caffiene fix for the body. The coffee is great for aiding the breakdown of cellulite. 1 Application.

1/4 cup fresh coffee grounds
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup sweet almond oil
2 drops vanilla extract
2 drops vanilla absolute (optional)

Place the coffee and brown sugar in bowl. Add the sweet almond oil and mix. Once you have mixed to a good consistancy (a sort of loose paste), add the vanilla extract and absolute. Mix some more to distribute scent. (If the mixture does not stick loosely together, add a bit more almond oil until that occurs.) Use in the shower to scrub rough areas and smooth the surface skin. Do not use on tender, broken or sensitive skin or on your face. Rinse thoroughly. Follow with moisturizer.


Detox Bath

2 handfuls Epsom salts 2 handfuls
1 handful organic sea saltl
2 tsps sweet almond oil
4 drops rosemary essential oil
4 drops violet leaf essential oil

Mix and place in warm tub of water, lie back and relax.


Technorati tags: sweet+almond+oil carrier+oils homemade beauty+recipes