Peach Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses, DIY Recipes & Precautions

Hmm peachy! Everyone’s favorite fruit has an essential oil after all. Peach essential oil or peach kernel essential oil is obtained from the deciduous tree Prunus persica. It belongs to the same species as rose, that is, Rosaceae. The edible fruits of these trees are called peaches and nectarines. (Although both come from the same tree, they are both marketed differently because of its subtle difference in appearance.)

The peach oil is also extracted from the kernel of the fruit and hence it is referred to as the peach kernel essential oil. This oil has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed to be a delicate elixir that restores youth. It is said that the peach tree was native to northwest China, but it was taken to the new world by the Spanish traders as early as the 16th century.

From here, the popularity of the fruit spread far and wide and it began to be cultivated across the world. Peach oils and extracts have been used in lip balms and face care for a long time. It is also used in salad dressing in some parts of the world.

Peaches have several cultural significance in Asian countries. For instance, in China peach wood is believed to drive away evil spirits. In Korea, peaches represent honor and longevity.

Peach essential oil is a rare oil, but it is very popular amongst aromatherapists and in the cosmetic industry because of its sweet, fruity aroma. The oil is light in texture (easily absorbed into the skin) and orange-colored. And anyone who has smelled a peach fruit or used a peach-scented product can guess its aroma.

(Gya Labs does not recommend the consumption of essential oils unless explicitly stated by a doctor.)

How Is Peach Essential Oil Extracted?

The peach oil is extracted through a process called cold pressing. In this process the peach kernel, seed or pit is crushed and the oil is squeezed out. The cold pressing method of essential oil extraction ensures that the resultant oil retains all the nutrition and molecular structure of the kernel.

Another method of extracting this essential oil is heat extraction which uses heat. This method produces more oil, but since heat is used in the extraction, it decreases the nutritional output of the end product. Sometimes, even the aroma is less.

Peach Essential Oil Benefits

1. Rich in Vitamins

Peach essential oil has ingredients that have high content of Vitamin E and C. Along with the aroma, its nutrients are the reason why peach oil is used as an ingredient in cosmetic products.

2. Peach Essential Oil Benefits For Different Skin Types

Peach oil is a light textured oil which is why it is easily absorbed into the skin. The essential oil of peach does not leave a greasy layer on the skin and hence does not clog the pores and hence useful for oily skin. It also has a calming and moisturizing effect on the skin and hence can be applied without any qualms on dry skin and sensitive skin types. It is known to improve skin elasticity and is an emollient. It may be suitable for all skin types.

3. Lowers Toothaches and Improves Dental Health

Peach oil is a natural remedy for treating oral health issues. But, consult a dentist before using peach oil for oral conditions.

4. Peach Oil For Smokers

Peach oil has certain benefits for smokers. However, more research is needed to substantiate these claims.

Uses Of Peach Essential Oil

1. Inhalation and Massage Aromatherapy

Health benefits of peach kernel oil have gradually gained popularity as oil for aromatherapy. The peachy aroma of this oil enters the limbic system and works its magic.

How to Use: Add a few drops of the oil in any type of aroma diffuser and inhale the scent for half an hour. It is beneficial when added to massage oils and cream.

2. Peach Oil For Skin Uses

Peach essential oil is diluted with carrier oils (which may include coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil or olive oil) and applied locally on the skin. So what does peach oil do for the skin?

The oil cleans the skin and pores and acts as a moisturizer.

Using this oil regularly removes dead skin from the face.

3. Peach Oil For Lip Use

The healthy acids and the presence of vitamin c and e in the oil when applied on the lips nourish it and give it suppleness.

4. Peach Oil Benefits for Hair Care

Peach oil has a healthy effect on the hair. Applying this oil with a massage boosts the blood circulation which stimulates the scalp. If used at an early age, this oil makes the hair thicker and curbs hair loss. Peach oil is also diluted and applied on colored hair to keep the hair color last longer.

How to Use: Dilute the oil with any preferred carrier oil and massage the scalp and hair. Rinse it off with shampoo.

5. Dental Care with Peach Oil

Peach oil is good for dental care. A drop of the oil can be added to toothpaste and brushed with it twice a week to protect the gums. It is also added to warm water for gargling.

6. Peach Oil For Air Freshener

A small spritzer bottle is half filled with water and to it 10-12 drops of peach essential oil are added. This mix can be sprayed anywhere in the house to fill the rooms with the sweet fragrance of peaches.

7. Oil For Insect Bites

Peach essential oil has a soothing effect on the skin. When applied on insect and bug bites on the body, the oil soothes the skin and lowers irritation.

DIY Recipes Of Peach Essential Oil

The following recipes are to be diffused via an aroma diffuser, unless specified.

1. Pleasant Morning Blend

Ingredients

• 2 drops of leach oil
• 2 drops of lemon oil
• 2 drops of bergamot oil

2. Acne Fighting Combo (topical application)

Ingredients

• 4 drops of peach oil
• 2 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 drop of wintergreen oil
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

3. Essentials For Relief

Ingredients

• 5 drops of lavender oil
• 5 drops of peach oil
• 3 drops of patchouli oil

4. Peach Essential Oil Recipe for Coughs

• 5 drops of peach essential oil
• 1 drop of bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops of grapefruit essential oil
• 2 drops of orange essential oil

Another Extraction Process of Peach essential Oil

The essential oil of peach is extracted from the peach kernel or Prunus persica kernel. The oil is extracted using the Soxhlet extraction method employing different solvents including ethyl ether and hexane.

The major fatty acids in the kernel oil are oleic acid and linoleic acid. The phenol compounds consist of caffeic acid, sinopinic acid and more. It is hence used as nutrient abundant food oil.

The research also showed that the peach kernel had more amounts of phenolic compounds than the oil. Hence, the kernel is also used to enrich food.

While discussing peach essential oil, one cannot miss out on peach seeds, which have many benefits of its own.

Peach Seeds Health Benefits

Peach seeds are from the peach tree (botanically prunus persica). This tree is supposed to have its roots in China from where the Spanish merchants introduced it to the rest of the world. The medicinal properties of the plant were realized across the world and it was grown in different parts. The peach fruit ripens during the summer season and has a soft exterior and a hard stone kernel or pit. The peach seeds are located within the stone or pit (the peach core or the peach nut). The stone of the peach was split and the seeds were sundried.

Peach seeds have a bitter taste. However, its benefits are many.

• The seeds in different forms are used in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Peach seeds are used to treat health issues related to blood.

What Makes Peach Seeds Effective?

The presence of the naturally occurring chemical compound amygdalin is largely responsible for the benefits of peach seeds. The extracts of the seeds are used in the treatment of ailments. Essential oil is diffused when people are suffering from common colds and coughs.

Safety When Using Peach Essential Oil

Essential oils are great for self-care routines. However, we should also take care and follow caution when using them to keep ourselves and loved ones safe from its side effects. Generally essential oils are safe, but a few guidelines must be followed to avoid any adverse effects.

Also, the oils are different, made up of different compounds. Some people may be allergic to certain compounds while others may be allergic to others. Concentrated oil must be bought after careful deliberation. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

• Read the label and instructions to make sure you’re using the oil correctly.
• While buying essential oils be wary of the terms fragrance oil, perfume oil and natural identical oil.
• The term pure essential oil can be widely seen on the bottles. These may be made from substandard sources.
• Ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients or compounds in the oil.
• Make sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe application.
• Do not add too much of the oil in the diffuser.
• Avoid using essential oils of sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
• Don’t apply it on broken skin either unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label.
• Keep it out of reach of kids and fur kids.
• Do not diffuse the oil near kids and pets. Consult a doctor before doing so.
• Some oils may make you sensitive to sun damage, so be sure to load up on SPF.
• Check the label to see if the oil is photo-toxic.
• The oil may cause embryotoxicity; consult a doctor before use.
• Always do a small patch test before topical application.
• If aromatherapy is performed directly from the bottle, make sure that the oil does not touch the skin.
• The common unwanted effects caused by essential oils up on topical application are rashes, redness and swelling.
• If you show signs of irritation, stop use and consult a health professional.
• Some essential oils cannot be used by people with kidney problems, whereas some essential oils cannot be used by those with blood disorders. It is always advisable to consult a doctor about your essential oil needs and predisposition for diseases.
• The peach kernel oil is not devoid of side effects. Ingesting the oil can cause heart palpitations. However, this side effect is only noticed after regular ingestion