Apricot

Origin: Asia

Family: Rosaceae
Subfamily: Amygdaloideae
Tribe: Amygdaleae
Scientific Name: Prunus armeniaca

Magical

Element: Water
Day: Friday
Planet: Venus
Zodiac: Taurus
Deities: Venus

Parts Used: Fruit, seed oil

Magical Properties: Love, beauty, relationships, change

Substitutions: Almond

Lore

In northeastern China, apricots were believed to bestow the power of prophecy.

Magical Uses

Aromatherapy

Part Used: Nut kernel
Extraction Method: Cold-pressed
Flash Point: 280°C

Perfume Use: Base oil
Shelf Life: 6-12 months
Scent Description: Faintly nutty

Active Constituents: Rich in vitamin E

Topical Use

Skin Types: All
Absorption Rate: Fast
Viscosity: Light/medium

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, emollient, wound healing, scar softening.

Notes: Excellent option for those with nut allergies - similar to almond oil, but more stable and quicker-absorbing.

Warnings: Generally safe for those with nut allergies, but a patch test would be wise, as apricot is closely related to almond.

Botanical

Type: Tree
Plant size: 8-12m
Leaves: Oval with a pointed tip, 5-9cm long, 4-8cm wide
Flowers: White to light pink, 2-4.5cm diameter, with 5 petals
Fruit: 2.5cm round, yellow/orange peach-like fruits with a large stone in the centre

In the Garden

Type: Deciduous tree
Sow: Winter
Light: Full sun
Water: Keep moist
Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly alkaline

Companion Planting: Asparagus, basil, garlic, tansy

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