Although formerly supposed to come from Armenia, where it was long
cultivated, hence the name Armeniaca, there is now little doubt that its
original habitat is northern China, the Himalaya region and other parts of
temperate Asia. It is cultivated generally throughout temperate regions. The
apricot tree originally from Asia and now is grown in certain regions of
Europe, where it is widely cultivated for its delicious, juicy fruit, the
apricot. The seed is pressed to extract an oil.
Description of Apricot essential
oil:
A medium sized deciduous tree. The leaves are broad and roundish with
pointed apex, smooth, margin, finely serrated, petiole ½ inch to an
inch long, generally tinged with red. The flowers are sessile, white, tinged
with the same dusky red that appears on the petiole with five regular sepals
and petals and many stamens. The seed are used as drug which is 1-1.19 cm
long by 0.8-1.5 cm and 0.5-0.8 thick and is flatenned-cordate in shape. Oil
nourishes the skin, softening lines and bringing a healthy glow and is a
wonderful massage oil. In addition it is rich in essential fatty acids,
making it ideal as a treatment for soft, radiant hair. It is high in
Vitamins A and C and especially good for mature, dry, or sensitive skin.
Appearance : Viscous Liquid
Aroma : Mild nutty
Color : Golden
Chemical constituents: Apricot oil has various chemical
compounds that include arginine, histidine, lysine, phenylalanine, valine,
leucine, crystine and tryptophanmethionine.
Extraction: It is extracted by the cold pressing of the
seed and also by solvent extraction.
Aromatherapy uses:
It is used in massage therapy to help promote healthy skin, nourish and
strengthen the body, relieve stress, reduce pain and encourage balance and
well being. Massage opens and increases the flow of energy, balancing the
entire nervous system and helps to release physical and emotional
disharmony. The many benefits of massage are enhanced by the use of high
quality massage oil. Apricot kernel oil is known for its ability to
penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel. Apricot kernel oil is also
popular as massage oil and it used as carrier oil when used with essential
oils for aromatherapy.
Pharmaceutical uses:
Apricot Kernel Oil is used as an antitussive, anti-asthmatic and to treat
tumors in traditional Chinese medicine. It helps to calm the inflammation /
irritation of eczema and dermatitis. When combined with an equal amount of
St. John's Wort Oil, it is acts as anti-inflammatory and has a cooling
effect. Apricot Kernel Oil is commonly used to relieve itching, dryness and
inflammation of the skin and is for all skin types. Apricot kernel oil is
obtained from the dried kernels of the apricot tree. Apricot kernel oil is
rich in vitamins E & A to rejuvenate and invigorate the skin, helping it
to retain. Rich in E.F.A. (essential fatty acids like oleic acid and
linoleic acid), apricot kernel oil is high in Vitamin A. It spreads easily
on the skin and provides useful elements to its health. It is smooth and
lightweight. This excellent texture is great for prematurely aged skin and
skin that is dry and irritated.
Flavorings
It is high in monounsaturated fat and contains no trans-fatty acids, so it
is a very healthy oil. It is suitable for high heat cooking methods, such as
sautéing and pan-frying and the mild flavor makes it a good choice
for salad dressings. It is also popular as a body oil. Apricot kernel oil is
most often available in gourmet shops and in some food stores. Apricot
flavour is water soluble extract of apricot fruit processed under controlled
conditions.
Apricot flavour uses for natural taste and flavour in food, sauce,
bakery and confectionery applications and also as flavour ingredient in
tobacco industry.
In South Africa, an unusual preserve called meebos is made from ripe, but
firm, apricots which are brined, stoned, pressed flat, salted and dried in
the sun for several days before consumption. In the Middle East apricots are
used in sweetmeats or stoned and stuffed with almonds or almond paste.
Because the almond and the apricot are related, the flavour of the two
compliments each other. It is also used in such savoury dishes as pilafs of
the Middle East, apricots add a special sweetness. The Italian "amaretti
di Saronno" is a cross between a biscuit and a macaroon and owes its
flavour and texture to apricot kernels.
Cosmetics and Toiletries:
Apricots are used extensively in cosmetic industry. They are rich in
essential fatty acids (oleic acid and linoleic acid) and spreads easily on
the skin and provides useful elements to the health. Some essential fatty
acids are kinds of counter-types for skin lipids given the fact they are
likely to incorporate themselves in the intracellular cement. It also help
to regulate moisturization and restructure the skin. Apricot kernel oil has
moisturizing, nourishing and revitalizing properties.
It is used in preparing body and hand products (body and bath oils),
products for baby skin, dry and mature skin. Apricot kernel oil can be used
in any cosmetic product as an active principle or as a carrier in the oily
phase, without any proportion limit. Apricot oil soothes and softens the
skin.It is rich in vitamins A, D and E. This oil is very soothing for the
skin in general but particularly good for mature and dry skin. It heals
scaly skin and scalp. The oil is used as a massage oil, in creams, lotions
and hair products.
Industrial uses:
Apricot oil is used in making many industrial products like adhesives,
cosmetics, hair oils, food containers, fuel additives, varnishes, plastics
and fibers. It has a wide range of industrial applications.
