Peaches are native to China and play an important role in Chinese mythology. The tree is considered the tree of life, and the fruit is known as the fruit of immortality. The god of longevity in Chinese mythology, known as the “Old Man of the South Pole,” often held a large peach in his hand, symbolizing long life and health. It also symbolizes unity, and Chinese brides traditionally wear peach blossoms. In both China and Korea, peach trees were believed to ward off spirits. Peaches are mentioned in Chinese scriptures that may date back to the 10th century, and they were said to be a favorite fruit of emperors.
Origin and Characteristics peach
The peach tree is deciduous, its botanical name is Prunus Persica and it is a member of the Rosaceae family, the same family as roses, and the same subspecies as the almond. The botanical name is “Persian plum” because it is closely related to the plum and is erroneously thought to have originated in Persia. The fruit was named “malum persicum” by the ancient Romans, which translates as “Persian apple”, later becoming the French “pêche”, and the English “peach”. Peaches are now thought to have originated in China, as archaeologists believe they were cultivated along the Yangtze River, where fossilized peaches have been found that are thought to date back to 6000 BC. Alexander the Great is thought to have introduced peaches to Europe after finding them in Persia.
Peach Oil and Its Benefits
Rich in nutrients and vitamins, including potassium, zinc, selenium, magnesium and beta-carotene, vitamins K, A and E, and essential fatty acids, peach oil has a long tradition of use as a cosmetic. In ancient China, the oil was used by ladies to prevent aging. The Romans also recognized its beneficial properties, and it was a valuable cosmetic. It became widely used for skin care in England in the first half of the 16th century and is now a vital ingredient in many creams and lotions due to its healing and rejuvenating properties. It has anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating, antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-comedogenic, antioxidant, emollient and soothing properties.
Peach Oil for Skin
Peach oil is extremely light and easily absorbed into the skin, penetrates deeply without leaving a greasy residue, and provides complete nourishment, retaining moisture, restoring dry or flaky skin while controlling sebum production, thus not making the skin oily. It provides complete skin rejuvenation, as it is rich in beneficial vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and essential fatty acids that fully support the skin by stimulating skin regeneration and collagen formation, reducing inflammation, fighting free radicals and restoring the skin’s natural pH. It is suitable for restoring, rejuvenating and firming any skin type, keeping the skin in perfect condition. Because the oil is so light, it will not irritate oily skin as it penetrates deeply without clogging pores, which is a major cause of boils and acne. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it a valuable ally against acne-causing bacteria, and its ability to regulate sebum production can prevent breakouts while protecting and repairing damaged skin and stimulating skin renewal. Skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea are often caused by free radical damage to the skin. Rich in antioxidants, this oil can reduce and prevent further symptoms while stimulating skin cell renewal, repairing damaged cells, reducing inflammation, soothing redness and speeding up healing. For more mature skin, an oil containing antioxidants is also beneficial as it prevents the breakdown of skin tissue, helps increase collagen and elastin production, making the skin more elastic and firm, reducing sagging skin and slowing down the signs of aging. Cell regeneration is accelerated, and dull and tired skin is replaced by smooth and radiant skin.
Use:For daily use, simply add a few drops to your regular moisturizer. For skin suffering from any condition such as dermatitis or acne, add 3 drops of peach oil to 1 teaspoon of coconut or jojoba oil and massage the affected area twice a day. For aging skin, apply a serum of 5 drops of peach oil mixed with 1 tablespoon of coconut or jojoba oil twice a week. To brighten skin, open pores and draw out impurities, add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and gently steam your face. Peach oil can be used as a moisturizer for the entire skin. Simply mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil and massage evenly over the body or add a few drops to a warm bath.
Peach Oil for Pigmentation and Scars
With its ability to regenerate the skin and thus prevent dead cells from being deposited on the skin’s surface, peach oil can help in the healing of scars and skin discoloration, age spots and skin imperfections, helping to tone the skin, resulting in brighter, clearer skin with a healthy glow.
Use: Mix three drops of peach oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and gently massage into the pigmented or scarred area.
Peach Oil for Hair
The scalp, like the rest of the body, also needs some help to keep it in tip-top shape, and peach oil is a great choice as it is easily absorbed and helps control sebum production, thus eliminating excess scalp oiliness. Likewise, peach oil controls dry scalp conditions, including dandruff, without clogging pores or follicles or leaving a greasy residue. The presence of fatty acids found in peach oil means that it has excellent restorative properties that will help to make hair soft and manageable, shiny and healthy. When applied to the hair, the oil will provide protection against fading, breakage, dryness, frizz and damage from UV rays, sun, wind and pollution. It can also help to maintain curls and calm frizz. Since the oil is very light, it does not weigh down the hair and is easy to rinse out.
Use: Add a few drops of peach oil to jojoba oil and massage into the scalp. Wrap your hair in a towel and leave for an hour, ideally overnight. Rinse with shampoo. As an intensive deep conditioner for dry or damaged hair, it can be applied undiluted to strands of hair (avoid the scalp) and wrapped in a towel for an hour, then rinse with shampoo, hair will be super silky.
Peach Oil for Nails
Peach oil is an excellent choice for softening and removing cuticles, and with regular use it prevents them from drying out. It adds a natural shine to nails, especially those damaged by artificial nails, and can be applied to the surface of the nail before buffing to increase shine.
Uses:Add 3 drops to a teaspoon of carrier oil and massage into cuticles and nails.
Peach Oil and Aromatherapy
When used in aromatherapy, the delicate scent of peach oil can help to relax, calm, and balance your mood.
Peach Oil for Massage
When mixed with a carrier oil and used in massage, peach oil is known to deeply moisturize, reduce skin inflammation, regulate sebum production, restore the skin’s natural pH balance, and brighten skin. Ideal for soothing and softening dry, aging, inflamed, or sensitive skin. Due to its calming properties, it can also help relax the body and mind, and can help with sleep disorders.
Uses: Mix three drops of peach oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and gently massage into skin for complete hydration, concentrating on any dry or inflamed areas.