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Apricot oil is an excellent healing, antiseptic and intestinal regulator, among other benefits

Edited and resized image by Mikhail Alexandrov, is available on Unsplash

Apricot oil is a plant substance extracted from the stone of the fruit of the apricot, a tree with a scientific name. Armenian Prunus. Much like peach, the apricot is shaped like a plum, with an orange color, the flesh a little less juicy, and the taste a little more sour compared to peach.

Its scientific name is associated with its possible origin, which was long linked to Armenia (Armenian Prunus: "plum of Armenia"). However, after further research, the most accepted thought is that the apricot comes from China and Central Asia. Despite this, the biggest apricot exporter in the world is Turkey.

The apricot tree does not support the Brazilian climate, therefore, most of the apricot available here is imported, making it more difficult to find it in its fresh form - the dried fruit is more common.

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Extraction and properties

Like the peach, the apricot has a stone in the center of the fruit, where various oils and nutrients are concentrated. From the cold pressing of the stone, the apricot oil is extracted. This process is based on pressing the seeds at a controlled temperature, so that the components present in the oil are not degraded.

Oil is a source of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, vitamins B3 and B5, oleic acid and linoleic acid. It is also rich in beta-carotene, known as provitamin A. This means that the substance will generate in our body vitamin A, which is not synthesized by mammals and is of great importance for vision.

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The compounds present in apricot oil give it properties such as:

• Healing;
• Muscle relaxant;
• Moisturizer;
• Antiseptic;
• Anti-oily;
• Antioxidant;
• Iron source;
• Intestinal regulator;
• Expectorant.

Applications and how to use

Thanks to its properties, there are several uses for apricot oil and its applications have proven to be very effective. Check out:

Skin

In addition to its moisturizing property, apricot oil is recommended for sensitive, dry or oily skin, contributing to the skin's softness, protection, hydration and cleansing. Apply it to the skin with the help of a cotton wool soaked in warm water.

Hair

Apricot oil has the power to renew the hair's keratin layer, in addition to having an anti-oily action, acting as a shampoo and conditioner for oily hair. You can add a few drops to your shampoo and apply it to your hair normally to get the desired oil effect.

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Earaches

A few drops of apricot oil can be applied to the affected part of the ear to relieve the ear.

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Relation to fighting cancer

In the 20th century, a compound extracted from the apricot kernels was widely used as a treatment for prostate cancer. Called laetrile (or amygdalin), currently the US Cancer Institute (NIH) does not recognize that the substance is an effective means of treatment, and may even cause adverse problems, such as intoxication by cyanide released by laetrile.

As much as it is something natural and has many benefits, it is important to avoid excessive use, always maintaining balance.

Apricot oil does not have any contraindications, but it is advisable to avoid its use in case of allergy to the oil or to apricot. Before buying, make sure the oil is 100% natural, without adding any additives or preservatives.