The almond tree (Prunus amygdalus) is native to South Asia and the Middle East but now grows in Europe, Africa and the States. The almond nut isn’t actually a nut at all but the seed of a drupe. Wild almonds are bitter and toxic, containing cyanide, but the domesticated variety are edible. Commercially grown almonds are the sweet variety and as they contain 50% more oil than their more bitter relatives, they are the source of Almond Oil. Almond Oil has a similar oleic acid (omega-9, mononusaturated) content to olive oil and is fairly heat resistant and stable.
Almond Oil is roughly 68% oleic acid, 25% linoleic acid, 4% palmitic acid and has a tiny amount of palmitoleic acid, stearic acid and trace amounts of arachidic acid. It is also a rich source of vitamin E and contains beta-sitosterol, the vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, minerals like magnesium and calcium, glucosides and protein. It has a neutral taste, a mild, sweet nutty aroma and a pale yellow colour. It is often used as a carrier oil.
Ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic and Greco-Persian schools of medicine used Almond Oil to treat dry skin and conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It is an emollient so it softens skin and a humectant because it prevents moisture loss. It also reduces scarring when massaged into the affected area. Almond Oil has a fine texture with a natural affinity for all skin types so it is easily absorbed and doesn’t leave the skin feeling clogged or greasy, but it is especially good for dry and irritated skin.
Regular consumption of Almond Oil helps reduce cholesterol, nourishes the brain and nervous system and can also enhances endurance. Apart from being a laxative, it has cardiovascular benefits, elevating good cholesterol levels and can aid digestion. The beta-sitosterol in Almond Oil is a phytosterol which has been shown to boost immunity, good for post-operative patients and the stressed. Beta-sitosterol is also anti-viral, antibacterial and antifungal and can relieve inflammation, heal ulcers and alleviate cramping.
Almond Oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil in cooking, salads, marinades, and sauces. It can also be used in frying and baking recipes due to its relatively high smoke point and fresh, neutral taste. It does not require refrigeration.
Almond Oil is probably one of the most widely used oils for massage. It provides great ‘slip’ and can be enhanced with essential oils. It spreads easily and is safe for babies. Almond oil is often added to creams, moisturisers, lotions, ointments, bath oils, makeup, sun care products, soaps and personal and baby care products. It is just as good used on its own as a moisturiser, cleanser and make up remover. It can even reduce those dark rings under the eyes if you apply it on a bit of cotton wool nightly. Neat Almond Oil is very nourishing for the hair. Massage it into your scalp to feed the skin, smooth the hair cuticles and make your tresses shine.
- 18 grams beeswax
- 65 ml Almond Oil (Sweet)
- 20 ml rosewater
- 2/3 teaspoon soya lecithin (about 3ml)
- 5 drops Rose Oil
Ingredients
|
- Put the first 4 ingredients in a double boiler or a bowl over a pot of water and melt gently on a low heat, stirring with a light touch. Then place the bowl in cold water to activate the cooling cream and continue mixing. Use a whisk or mixer when mixture begins to "take." Replace the water with cold water if it becomes warm. When the cream is ready, add the rose essential oil and mix well.
- Dispense into small, clean glass jars using a sterilised spatula and store in the refrigerator.
Prepare the cream in small quantities because it does not keep well.
You can possibly freeze pots to preserve the mixture for longer.
- Melt the beeswax in the Sweet Almond Oil over a double boiler. Do not use a lid because the condensation inside the mixture will ruin it.
- Stir in the honey and allow the mixture to cool. Dispense into small, clean containers.
- Use as a moisturizer or as a lip gloss over your lipstick.
- 100 grams almonds chopped
- 200 grams wholemeal flour (or gluten free flour)
- 50 grams maple sugar
- 150 grams demerera sugar (light brown cane sugar)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons Almond Oil (Sweet)
- 3 drops orange essential oil or Tangerine essential oil
- 100 grams dried figs chopped
Ingredients
|
- Preheat oven to 180 °C. Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
- In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients together.
- In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs with the Sweet Almond oil and the essential oil.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture and combine to form a sticky, but firm dough. Do not over mix.
- On a floured surface shape the dough into two large logs and place them on the baking tray.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.
- Cool for 5 minutes before cutting the logs diagonally into slices.
- Arrange the slices on the baking sheet and return to oven for 20 minutes.
- Let cool before storing in an airtight container. Makes 24.
Tip: Coat your knife with some Sweet Almond Oil before cutting the figs so they don’t stick.
Sorry, the site administrator has disabled recipe submissions.