About Millennium's Almond Oil 

Almond / Badam / Prunus amygdalus

Almonds and its oil  are true "nutritional powerhouses," offering a rich source of proteins, riboflavin, vitamin E, copper, niacin, calcium, fiber, folic acid, magnesium, etc., and a good source of iron and zinc. They are a source of vitamin B1 and are rich in mono-unsaturated fat responsible for lowering LDL cholesterol. They are highly revered in some cultures and are one of the oldest domesticated trees in Southeast Asia, especially Kashmir, Iran, Europe, and Afghanistan, which later disseminated to other regions such as the United States, Mediterranean countries, Australia, and Central Asia.

The young, developing, or raw almond fruit is green in color, fleshy on the outside, and sour in taste but can be eaten. The ripe ones are sweet in taste. They are edible and most often eaten raw on their own, roasted, toasted, or pressed for the almond oil. It is used in some dishes and often sprinkled over desserts along with other nuts. There is also almond butter, a spread similar to peanut butter, popular with peanut allergy sufferers for its less salty taste.

The sweet almond itself contains negligible carbohydrates with a good amount of fibers therefore can be utilized as flour for cakes and biscuits for low carbohydrate diets or for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus.

Almonds can be processed into a milk substitute simply called almond milk; the nut's soft texture, mild flavor, and light coloring make for an efficient analog to dairy and a soy-free choice, for lactose intolerant people, vegans, etc. Raw, blanched and lightly toasted almonds all work well for different production techniques, which are very similar to that of soymilk. In fact, in some of these techniques, no heat is required, resulting in raw milk.

Almond Oil

Fixed oil extracted from the almond kernel is called Oleum Amygdalae (Almond oil). It possesses slight odor and a nutty taste. This oil has been traditionally used by massage therapists to lubricate the skin during a massage session, being considered by many to be an effective emollient.

Almond Oil Extraction: Cold-pressing Method

Millennium Herbal Care’s Almond Oil is extracted using cold extraction methods preserving the volatile intact and delivering the pleasant sensory characteristics of almonds. Cold-pressing technique maintains better physico-chemical and pleasant sensory properties of almonds. It is an environment friendly method with shorter processing time yielding a high-quality oil at low temperature. Cold-pressed oil is free from polluting or hazardous substances compared to the solvent oil extraction method. Also, it has been reported that the values obtained for the fatty acid composition, tocopherol and sterol contents from cold-pressed almond oils are higher than the values obtained from Soxhlet extracted oils (with petroleum ether at 50◦C).

Health Benefits from Almond Oil:

Indian children are often fed almonds in their childhood for sharp memory and better brain development. Since it has a particular affinity for the blood and thereby circulates its powerful health benefits no only on the glowing skin but deep inside the body, there is hardly any system in the body that is not benefitted by almond oil. Apart from topical application for beautification it is used in cooking, as a dietary supplement. It supports almost all systems and functions in the body:

• Eliminates or minimize toxins in the body
• Supports healthy skin
• Improves skin tone of the body
• Prevents itching, allergies, infections and skin disorders
• Promotes wound healing
• Prevents cardio-vascular diseases and promotes heart health
• Supports healthy blood sugar levels in Diabetics
• Promotes Respiratory health and prevents infections
• Promotes digestion
• Due to anti-inflammatory properties helps maintain comfortable joint movement and nourishment to the heart as well as circulatory system
• Supports proper functioning of the liver
• Reinforces the immune system

Almond oil is a rich source of macro and micronutrients. It contains a significant proportion of poly and monounsaturated fatty acids, with amygadlin, oleic acid, tocopherol and phyto-sterol in good amounts. It is clinically proven to have potential role in cardiovascular risk management, glucose homeostasis, reduction of oxidative stress, neuroprotection and many dermatologic and cosmetic applications. Almond oil has a health promoting nutritional profile as a good source of:

1. Vitamins (vitamin E, niacin, riboflavin, etc.)
2. Minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, selenium, copper, etc.)
3. Macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fibers, etc.)
4. Fatty acids: ranging from C14 to C20 which include saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA)
5. Oil-soluble compounds: phytosterols [reduce plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels], tocopherols (α- , β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol) and tocotrienols (α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocotrienols)
6. Oleic acid (as the main fatty acid), Linoleic acid, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Palmitoleic acid, Vaccenic acid, trace of Arachidic acid, Myristic acid, etc.

Almond Oil for Flawless Skin:

Traditionally, almond oil has been extensively used to:

• Maintain skin’s elasticity
• Treat dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
• Groom
• Reduce puffiness and under-eye circles
• Improve complexionand skin tone
• Improve acne
• Help reverse sun damage
• Reduce the appearance of scars.
• Reduce the appearance of stretch marks

Almond has high antioxidant status, it helps eliminate toxins from the body and supports healthy skin. It is anti-allergic in nature, thus relieves itching associated with various conditions. It improves skin tone/complexion of the body by promoting wound healing, wound contraction; improving rate of new skin formation and tissue strength. Almond oil has emollient and sclerosant characteristics, which helps to enhance pigmentation and skin tone. It possess the ability to protect the skin from harmful UV-induced effects and reverses oxidative damage to skin cells and other tissues.

Almond oil helps prevent the structural damage caused by exposure to UV radiation and inhibits photo-aging of skin. Almond oil (75%) when combined with beeswax (9%) and zinc oxide (16%) shows significant pho-protective results comparable to commercial sunscreens. Also, it possesses emollient i.e. skin softening or soothing properties on topical application.

Almond Oil for Damage-free Hair and Scalp:

Almond oil is rich in Vitamin A, E, Omega 3 Fatty Acid and other antioxidants. It neutralizes the problematic free radicals that affect hair health and helps in tackling damage to hair caused by various factors like pollution, chemicals, heat, etc. Almond oil provides the much-needed hydration to the hair that helps them look shiny and feel soft. It not only helps to moisturize the scalp but also nourishes the hair strands and follicle, thus leading to healthy hair.

Almond Oil for Baby Massage:

Almond oil acts like a natural penetration enhancer and itself penetrates the outermost as well as the deepest layers of the stratum corneum in infant and adult skin Due to its safer and lubricating properties as well as rapid absorption by the skin, it is as effective and safe as petroleum jelly when used as a moisturizer in adults and infants. A study on preterm new born babies showed that almond oil improved skin (stratum corneum) hydration. Likewise, another study reported that almond oil-based ointment conferred a protective effect against recurrent diaper dermatitis, with 90% efficacy.

Benefits of almond oil Baby Massage: 

• Aids in proper growth
• Very relaxing for the baby
• A natural emollient, helps moisturize baby skin, makes skin smooth and glowing
• Promotes hair growth
• Lush eyelashes
• Removes dandruff and cradle crap
• Good for nails
• Strengthens muscles
• Helps baby sleep well
• Encourages blood circulation
• Good for brain and nerves
• Favorable for bone development
• Boosts immunity
• Is edible, you do not have to worry about your baby accidentally ingesting it
• Helps reduce indigestion
• Helpful for babies and toddlers with respiratory problems as it relaxes the chest muscles

Almond Oil for Antioxidants:

Almond oil is well documented for its antioxidant activity in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo studies. Almond oil supplementation enhances antioxidant defenses, free radical scavenging capacity and decrease oxidative damage.

Almond Oil for Brain Health:

Repeated supplementation of almonds helps improve brain function and attenuate memory deficits. It has a tonic effect on the nervous system and improves visual acuity. Some studies suggest that almond use can prevent memory loss characteristically occurring in senile dementia like Alzheimer’s disease. Also, almond oil supplementation or application helps reduce anxiety, insomnia and depression. Administration of Almond oil benefits in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by elevating serotonin levels in the brain. Almond oil can also be used for inhalation or nasal instillation (nasya) for pleasant emotions (good, fresh, relaxed and calm feelings). Additionally, several studies have shown that almond oil is used in aromatherapy to dilute lavender oil which potentiates its sleep-inducing quality, stress, anxiety and pain-relieving effects.

Almond Oil for Reproductive Health:

In Greco–Persian and Unani–Tibb medical system almond oil is considered as a natural aphrodisiac if used for massage or internal consumption. Almonds possess protective effects against reproductive disorders. Interestingly, a study demonstrated that adding 60 g of mixed nuts per day (30 g of walnuts, 15 gm of almonds, and 15 gm of hazelnuts) to a Western-style diet for 14 weeks improved the main sperm quality parameters (the total sperm count, vitality, motility and morphology of sperm) in a group of healthy reproductive-aged participants.

Similarly, almond oil due to the antioxidant component such as Arginine, Coenzyme Q10, and α-tocopherol is more potent in protecting against sperm damages. Almond extracts help reverse the effect of Atenolol (β-blocker) that reduces the testicular weight. In certain animal studies, almond administration significantly increased the weight of seminal vesicles, sperm motility and sperm contents in the epididymis and vas deferens.

In another study on women with sexual dysfunction, the application almond oil (and other food product) every night for 5 min on sole foot massage before sexual intercourse modulated fertility parameters and product improved desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain.

Almond Oil for Heart Health:

Total cholesterol and LDL levels increases the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Almond oil supplementation helps protect against cardiovascular disease through blood lipids modulation. It significantly reduces the plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), LDL and triglycerides as well as it significantly increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level which are good for the smooth functioning of the heart.  These properties of almond oil help improve dyslipidemia, endothelial function and prevent against cardiovascular disease. A study showed that a diet enriched with 10 mL of almond oil, two times a day for 30 days, significantly improves the decreased total cholesterol and LDL levels. Also, it possesses a recognized property for appetite management without weight gain.

Almond Oil for prevention of Diabetic Dyslipidemia:

Almond oil helps prevent or correct Diabetic Dyslipidemia i.e. increased TC, LDL and decreased HDL in prediabetes and type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Almond oil supplementation helps improve glycemic status. Interestingly, compared to other almond products, lipid fraction in almond oil provide major benefits in lowering the increased level of glucose in blood.

Almond Oil for Glycemic Health:

Several studies have found that almond oil consumption helps lowers blood glucose concentrations and improve insulin levels in healthy individuals, adults with pre-diabetes and T2DM.

Another study in healthy human subjects compared the effect of four different meals (whole almond seed, almond oil, and defatted almond flour, or a sunflower oil blend) and showed that almond oil helps lower plasma glucose better than the whole almond seed meal Also, day-long glucose and insulin levels are improved by the almond oil but not almond butter or defatted almond flour, which suggests that differences in the physical form of consumed almonds can affect the postprandial glycaemia response.

Almond Oil for Pressure Injury:

A pressure injury also called a bedsore, pressure ulcer, pressure sore, or decubitus ulcer is an area of injured skin and underlying soft tissue resulting from prolonged or severe pressure on an area of skin or a dragging (shearing) force between the skin and another surface. These injuries usually happen over bony parts of the body (hips, heels, tailbone, elbows, head and ankles). A pressure injury can become life-threatening if it advances to a deep wound or becomes infected. Almond oil significantly decreases the risk and incidences of pressure injuries within 7 days.

Almond Oil for Stretch-marks:

A study demonstrated that a 15-min massage with almond oil starting from the 19^th week after conception may be effective in reducing the visibility of current striae gravidarum (pregnancy stretch marks) and in the prevention of new striae. Also, it is more effective in relieving the itching of striae and preventing its progression.

Almond Oil for Foot Massage:

It has a positive effects on leg edema resulting from pregnancy. Similarly, foot massage with almond oil is effective in reducing fatigue, uremic pruritus and improving the quality of life in renal patients undergoing dialysis.

Almond Oil for Aromatherapy:

Almond oil is beneficial in palliative care of patients with osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression and pain.

Almond Oil for Gastro-intestinal Health:

Almond oil has a tonic effects on the stomach i.e. a laxative effect. It improves bowel transit and helps reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Also, it is useful in intestinal ulcers, obstructive diseases of liver and spleen.

Almond Oil for Sports Performance:

Almond supplementation before exercise improves performance in endurance exercise. Almond oil is highly nutritional, mainly due to their high lipid which also makes it highly calorific. It is also very rich in unsaturated Fatty Acids, especially oleic acid (monounsaturated) and linoleic acid (polyunsaturated), which account for around 90% of its total lipid content. These Fatty Acids are beneficial to trained individuals as an energy source to perform better in endurance exercise. They modify the energy substrate availability pattern in plasma.

How to use Almond Oil:

Almond oil applications for achieving healthy and beautiful hair:

• Pre-wash deep conditioning: As wetness helps the hair absorb the almond oil better, use warm water to soften the bonds in your hair helping them to detangle. Take sufficient amount of almond oil on your fingers and massage it into your scalp, starting from the hairline and moving towards the crown first then dispersing it to all the hair
• Post-wash leave-in conditioning: Apply a few drops of Millennium Almond Oil to your hair once it is dried off. It gives your hair a healthy shine forming a layer to protect the hair from external harmful factors like pollution, dust, etc.

Almond oil applications for flawless skin:

• Make-up remover: Apply a small amount of Almond oil onto your palm. Using your fingertips, gently apply the oil to the areas where you want to remove makeup. Then, use cotton balls or warm water to remove the oil.
• As a cleanser: Almond oil is known as a carrier oil, which means it has the ability to carry other essential oils more deeply into the skin. Add a few drops of the favorite essential oil to almond oil and mix well. Apply the mixture to damp skin and rinse with warm water. Then rinse twice to remove any residue.
• As a moisturizer: Wash and dry your skin as usual. Then, gently pat a small amount of almond oil onto your face with your fingertips and let it absorb into your skin and don’t rinse it off.
• Baby Massage: Select a convenient time before bath or at nighttime as it aids in good sleep. Select a safe and comfortable place. Apply oil on the baby’s body. Use only hands for massaging. Do remove any pointed finger rings or bangles that may hurt the baby. Start with legs, arm and then moving to the chest, back and face

*This is the same Almond Oil that we have used in our PRO HairVit Hair Oil.