Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy

• Peach Kernel Oil 

• Latin Name
  Prunus Persia Stokes
  (=Amygdalus persica L,. Persia Vulgaris Nutt.)
• Family : Rosaceae
• Etymology
  Prunus is the Latin for plum tree, and Persica means from Persia.
• The Plant and its Environment
  The peach tree is a small deciduous tree growing to a maximum height of only about 8 metres (25Feet) with its origins in China. It was Alexander the Great who brought news of the peach from Persia. and by the first century  Ad peaches were being enjoyed by the Romans. Who knew them as Persian apples.
• It was the Romans who brought the peach to Europe. California and Texas are now the world's major producers even though the tree was not introduced to America until  the 17th century. The tree grows well, sometimes for centuries, in an alkaline soil with plenty of sun.
• The Oil
  Chemically and physically peach kernel oil is similar to apricot kernel oil and almond oils, but it is more expensive than sweet almond , possibly because it is not produced in such large quantities and is mostly cold pressed.
• Persic oil is expressed from the seeds of P. persica and P. armeniaca (apricot) and is largely used in the manufacture of toilet preparations and as a substitute for almond oil. (Wren 1975)
• Method Of Extraction
  The best quality oil is obtained by cold pressing the kernels.

Principal Constituents

Physical Properties

• Folk-Lore and Traditional Plant Uses
  The plant - bark, leaves, expressed oil - has been used for its sedative, diuretic and expectorant properties. It has been used in coughs, whooping cough, and chronic bronchitis and also for irritation and congestion of the gastric surfaces (Wren 1975).
• Culpepper advises the application of the milk or cream of the kernels on the forehead to bring rest and sleep to sick persons and writes.... that the oil drawn from the kernels, and the temples anointed therewith doth the like Culpeper.
• Therapeutic Properties - Internal Use
  As with both sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil, peach kernel oil may be used in laxative preparations and is said to be effective in reducing blood cholesterol level.
• Therapeutic Properties - External Use
  Skin protection (emollient, nourishing and is slowly absorbed)
  Relieves itching
• Eczema
• Cosmetic Use
  Peach kernel oil is suitable for sensitive, dry and ageing skins and makes a good facial massage oil. It is often used in skin care creams.
• Cautionary Notes
  Non-irritating and non-sensitizing to the skin, and considered safe for cosmetic use.
• Reference: Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy & Massage : Len Price with Ian Smith & Shirley Price