Apricot oil is not made from the fruits themselves, but from their seeds, using the technology of cold mechanical pressing and squeezing. Thanks to this, all substances useful for the body are retained in the final product, which are usually destroyed under the influence of high temperature. These compounds include:
- linoleic, pantothenic, oleic and other unsaturated fatty acids;
- stearins;
- vitamins A, F and C;
- a complex of B vitamins;
- tocopherols (vitamin E group);
- a large amount of trace elements, in particular potassium and magnesium.
What is it used for?
This product is widely used as a cosmetic product. But the instillation of apricot oil into the nose is primarily for medicinal purposes.
The healing properties of milk from apricot kernels were known in ancient China, and from the 1st century AD this substance began to spread in European countries. For centuries, they tried to treat hemorrhoids, tumor diseases, ulcerative lesions, as well as a variety of pathologies of the ears and nose. But, as shown by modern medical research, this product is not a panacea. However, several applications were found for it:
- Moisturizing mucous membranes with rhinitis
This is perhaps the main indication when using apricot oil for the nose. Chronic inflammation of the lining of the nasal passages causes it to dry out with the formation of hard crusts. Thick and immobile mucus often accumulates under them, which serves as an excellent substrate for the development of bacterial infections. That is, the inflammation process becomes self-sustaining.
In order to break this vicious circle, it is necessary to constantly moisturize the nasal mucosa. In this case, the contents of the nasal passages will be actively removed from the body, simultaneously ensuring the removal of microbial bodies. And here apricot oil is able to cope extremely effectively with the task of moisturizing the mucous membrane.
Before instilling the drug into the nose, it is required to clear the passages from the accumulated mucus.
To do this, it is enough to rinse them with a pipette with warm saline solution. In childhood, the dosage is 1-2 drops in each nostril, and for adults - 3-4 drops. In addition, children can not bury oil, but lubricate the inner surface of the nostrils with a cotton swab. An even more effective remedy is a mixture of apricot oil and vitamin A, which also has an oil base. It will allow, simultaneously with moisturizing, to reduce the fragility of the walls of the vessels located in the nasal cavity.
- Prevention of colds
Instilling apricot oil into the nose can protect its mucous membrane from drying out and hypothermia in the cold season. Namely, these factors are one of the main reasons for the development of upper respiratory tract infections.
- Treating a cold or flu
In its pure form, this product is not a remedy for the treatment of such diseases - it simply does not have a sufficient antiseptic effect. But on the basis of apricot oil, you can prepare nasal drops by mixing it with essential oils (eucalyptus, tea, fir, etc.). And this aromatic mixture is already becoming an excellent option for the treatment of colds.
- Application in pharmacology
Butter milk from apricot kernels is a component of some medicinal preparations. So, on its basis, antitussives are made, shown for bronchitis and other inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system.
Restrictions on use
Apricot oil is not addictive or adaptive, so it can be safely used for a long time. Its effect on the body is extremely mild, which means that it is shown even in early childhood. Of the side effects, one can name only a rare individual intolerance.
The only important limitation when using apricot nasal oil is that it should not be consumed internally.
It is necessary to ensure that the entire volume of the drug remains on the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, without penetrating into the pharynx.
This is due to the fact that the oil contains a compound called amygdalin. When it enters the digestive system of the body, it is metabolized to form hydrocyanic acid, which is a strong toxin.
How to choose a quality product?
First of all, evaluate the consistency, smell and color of the oil.
The product obtained naturally will be very thick, light in color and with a nutty aroma. Its price is usually quite high, since the process of making oil is not easy and it is not produced on an industrial scale. Fans of virtual machines know how important it is to find a platform where the administration shows respect to their fans. Here, each player is guaranteed maximum attention and support, and disputes that arise are resolved by independent experts who usually take the side of clients. If the cost of packaging is underestimated, there is a high probability that the bottle is not apricot oil, but almond oil.
How to store?
This should be done out of the reach of children, since, as mentioned earlier, its ingestion is strictly prohibited. In addition, the glass container must be made of dark glass and have a tight cork.
At a temperature of no more than 15 ° C and in the absence of exposure to direct sunlight, apricot oil has a shelf life of about six months.
