Apricot oil benefits include cancer prevention and treatment. It’s also used as a massage oil and it’s an ingredient in countless hair and beauty products, as well as homemade remedies.
In comparison to oils that are household names, even to those not particularly interested in natural health, apricot oil seems to fly under the radar.
Almost everybody these days knows about coconut oil benefits and tea tree oil uses and lavender’s many uses. Even almond oil, which is sort of like apricot oil’s closest cousin, enjoys far more popularity.
It’s difficult to tell exactly how less popular apricot oil is compared to other botanical oils, in terms of sales figures. That is, unless, you’re willing to spend almost $3,000 to buy this Global Apricot Oil Market Research report.
And it’s a shame. Not that you won’t pay for the report, but rather, it’s too bad more people don’t know about apricot oil benefits.
Can Apricot Oil Cure Cancer?
Perhaps as many as 90% of people with cancer try complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within one year of their therapy regimen. At least as part of their treatment that is.
In Europe, CAM is more popular. And one CAM cancer treatment is eating apricot kernel seeds. Natural health advocates believe a compound found in apricot kernels (seeds) can kill cancer cells and wipe out tumors.
However, this natural compound contains a poisonous Trojan Horse: cyanide. Thus, although apricot kernels (which contain the oils) may or may not wipe out cancer cells–and thus far, there’s no definitive research studies that support this claim–they may also contribute to cyanide poisoning. [SOURCE]
Certainly, some cancer survivors credit apricots for their miraculous recovery. However, it’s worth repeating that the only evidence that this treatment works is purely anecdotal at this time; more research is needed. (And whether the large drug companies will fund a study using whole apricots is highly doubtful and for debate elsewhere.)
Cancer-curing possibilities aside, what are other apricot oil benefits?
Apricot Oil Benefits
This study suggests apricot kernel oil possesses powerful heart-protecting properties. (At least for rats.) The authors of the study, therefore, conclude, apricot oil could be developed as a nutriment for the treatment and prevention of heart attacks.
Actually, let’s backtrack to apricots for cancer. Because of its healthy dietary fat content, apricot oil, according to this study, can help the immune system after chemotherapy.
Besides containing antioxidants, apricots have other benefits. They are anti-inflammatory. And autoimmune disorders, in which the body attacks itself because it mistakes a harmless substance, is a sign of inflammation.
For example, there’s ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is an inflammation of the colon and rectum. In this study, researchers gave rats UC to see if apricot kernel extracts could lessen the inflammation.
The results? Mission accomplished. However, the researchers say more detailed studies are needed.
In addition, this study suggests ground apricot kernel can improve liver function. It does this by preventing the oxidation of fat cells in the liver.
Another study concludes it has significant anti-candida activity.
And here’s one more apricot oil benefit backed by research….
According to this study, the chronic skin condition known as psoriasis affects approximately 2% of the world’s population. (That’s about 160 million people.) However, the researchers say conventional remedies are neither effective nor necessarily safe.
But one thing that does work for psoriasis is apricot essential oil. That’s because it helps kill skin cells that produce the protein, keratin. This allows new skin cells to form.
Why Is Apricot Oil Healthy?
Obviously, fruit consumption is good for overall health. The many kinds of antioxidants in various produce can help fight premature aging.
However, it’s the oils in the fruit that provide apricot oil benefits. In fact, dietary fat accounts for up to 50 percent of apricot kernels.
Apricot oil is rich in oleic acid. Oleic acid is an omega-9 fatty acid. The reason why almond oil and apricot oil make for great massage oils is the moisturizing property of oleic acid. (In the diet, it’s important to have a good ratio of omega 3’s, 6’s, and 9’s.)
In addition, apricot oil is rich in the omega-6 essential fatty linolenic acid. This healthy fat helps with brain function and development.
Apricot oil uses
In addition to medical apricot oil benefits, there are other uses….
Take a stroll through the aisle of beauty products. And check out the ingredients. You may notice several cosmetics include apricot oil.
Also, a popular use for apricot oil is cooking. DIY types who make cosmetics at home may use apricot oil for such cleaning items like soap and a facial scrub.
And as mentioned already, apricot oil, like almond oil, is used for massage therapy. That’s because it can moisten and soften the skin. Furthermore, it’s a relatively light oil.
Apricot oil for hair
In addition to its fatty acids, apricot oil contains abundant vitamins. This includes vitamins A, C, and E. Many hair-care products contain vitamin E for its deep-penetrating moisturizing ability.
Also, apricot may benefit your hair because it’s not greasy. It is moisturizing and quickly absorbs without leaving a greasy residue.
And getting back to the benefits of the fatty acids in apricot oil, they may add luster to dry hair. The essential fatty acids help restore softness, shine, and lost nutrients to dry or damaged hair.
Apricot oil seems to lock in moisture. Although, it doesn’t necessarily penetrate deep into the hair shafts like, say, marula oil.
Apricot oil for acne
Another of the many apricot oil benefits is promoting healthy skin. In fact, apricot oil is considered by many essential oil experts to be one of the best carrier oils for skin.
One fluid ounce of it mixed with 10-12 drops of your favorite essential oil can be great for the skin (as long as the oils are safe for topical use). The vitamin A, along with the vitamin E and fatty acids have many proven benefits for the epidermis, including protection from free-radical damage from sun exposure.
Some people use apricot oil as a moisture-sealant post-shower.
However, if you have acne, it’s one skin condition that apricot oil may not be good for. That’s because it may clog the pores.
Acne breakouts are a manifestation of clogged pores. In light of this, the last thing you want to do is clog them even more.
Instead, use some of these safe all-natural acne treatments.
And finally, it should be noted that whether it’s for medicinal, beautifying or culinary purposes, the best type of apricot oil to buy is organic cold-pressed.
