All About Hickory

What is Hickory Nut Oil? Hickory Nut Essential Oil is extracted from the nuts of Carya Illinoensis through the process of steam distillation.

The plant belongs to the Juglandaceae family or the walnut family, which consists of 20 species of deciduous trees. Hickory nuts are harvested, crushed, and then subjected to steam distillation for the extraction of essential oil.

The hickory tree grows up to 50 meters tall, has deeply-furrowed bark, has compound leaves arranged like feathers, and produces fleshy short-clustered fruits. The tree is native to North America and grows well in temperate regions.

The tree is also called Pecan, and it is the largest of hickories.

The hickory tree has both male and female flowers. The male flowers hang down whereas the female flowers form in clusters. Upon maturity, the outer covering (hulls) of the fruits dry and separate into 4 sections that are almost equal in size. Thus, forming the hickory nuts.

The term “hickory” is a Native American word, from the Powhatan or

Algonquian language.

The English word “Pecan” is borrowed from the French word “pacane.” The French people derived the word “hickory” from the Algonquian language “pakani,” which means “hard nut.”

It is one of the most economically-valued plants in North America. It has been used for various purposes for centuries. The tree takes up a lot of space, as it grows.

~ Properties of Hickory Oil ~

• Anthelmintic – Repels intestinal parasites

• Antibacterial – Prevents bacterial growth

• Antidepressant – Relieves depression

• Antifungal – Prevents fungal growth

• Anti-infectious – Prevents infections

• Anti-inflammatory – Reduces inflammation

• Antimicrobial – Prevents the growth of microorganisms

• Antioxidant – Inhibits the oxidation process

• Antisclerotic – Prevents the hardening of cells & tissues

• Antiviral – Effective against virus

• Astringent – Contracts/tightens the tissues

• Calmative – Effective sedative and calming agent

• Carminative – Gets rid of flatulence, bloating, and abdominal pain

• Cholagogue – Eliminates excess bile from ducts and gall bladder

• Cicatrizing – Heals faster by promoting the formation of scar tissues

• Circulatory – Promotes proper blood flow

• Cytophylactic – Promotes cell turnover and thus, heals faster

• Digestive – Helps in the digestion of food

• Diuretic – Removes excess water from the body

• Emollient – Soothes as well as softens the skin

• Hepatic – Maintains a healthy liver

• Immunostimulant – Stimulates the action of the immune system

• Nervine – Relieves nervous disorders

• Regenerative – Tends to regenerate

• Restorative – Strengthens and revives the body

• Stimulant – Stimulates the overall function of the body

• Stomachic – A great digestive aid and maintains a healthy stomach

• Sudorific – Promotes perspiration

• Thermogenic – Stimulates heat production

• Tonic – Restores the bodily functions

• Vasodilatory – Promotes the dilation of the blood vessels

• Vulnerary – Heals wounds & sores upon topical application

Though hickory nut oil benefits are abundant, the most noteworthy ones proved by different researchers are listed below.

~ Benefits of Using Hickory Oil ~

1. Maintains healthy body weight

2. Keeps the hair healthy

3. Improves skin health

4. Reduces wrinkle formation

5. Balances cholesterol levels

6. Increases blood circulation

7. Good for the stomach

8. Increases metabolism

9. Boosts immunity

10. Keeps you active

~ Maintains Healthy Body Weight ~

Weight gain is different from putting on weight. The latter is unintentional and unhealthy. Weight gain does not mean accumulating fat in your body.

A healthy weight gain involves increasing muscle mass. It makes you strong, healthy, and active.

People suffer from problems due to misunderstanding. If your weight gain process is intentional and well-planned with a positive attitude, then the process is straightforward. In this process of healthy weight gain, nuts and nut oils come in handy.

Since hickory nut is a good source of lauric acid, oleic acid, and eicosanoic acid, it helps in increasing muscle mass and burn bad cholesterol.

However, this requires hickory nut oil to be consumed internally. But we strongly recommend you to consult with a doctor before you use it. Also, if you are on medications, it might interact. So, it is always good to take advice from a doctor before consuming oils.

~ Keeps the Hair Healthy ~

Whether you have extreme hair loss, thin hair, or dry hair, hickory oil can be a big help. Hickory nut oil is a rich source of Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. It has antifungal, anti-infectious, and anti-inflammatory properties.

It helps in getting rid of all kinds of hair problems and ensures that you have healthy hair. Massage your scalp using diluted hickory nut oil.

Massaging your scalp with this mixture increases circulation in the scalp and gives a relaxing effect.

Lauric Acid, Oleic Acid, and Linoleic Acid are the compounds responsible for this benefit of hickory nut oil. The application of hickory nut oil keeps your hair moisturized and healthy.

~Improves Skin Health ~

From acne to scars, you can cure using essential oils, and hickory nut oil is one among them. Thanks to its antioxidant properties.

The compounds Lauric acid, Myristic acid, Stearic acid, Oleic acid, Linoleic acid, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C are responsible for the incredible effects of hickory nut oil on your skin.

Topical application of hickory nut oil (but diluted with a carrier oil) helps you to moisturize your skin deeply.

When your skin is constantly moisturized, it becomes soft and supple over time.

~ Reduces Wrinkle Formation ~

Aging is inevitable. But, as people age, they develop sagging skin and wrinkles. Cellulite accumulation, improper blood circulation, and stress are the primary cause of premature wrinkle formation.

Hickory Oil helps to make your skin look young and adds a glow. Looking young is not just associated with the outer skin. The antioxidant property of the oil makes you look young from within.

~ Balances Cholesterol Levels ~

Not all fats are bad. Every human body needs carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to grow and be healthy. However, anything in excess is toxic, even it is the healthiest ingredient.

People suffer from obesity and overweight due to their sedentary lifestyle, junk foods, unhealthy habits, and stress. This, in turn, increases the bad cholesterol levels. Hickory nut oil helps to reduce bad (or LDL) cholesterol from your body.

You can also have a massage using hickory nut oil to help balance Cholesterol Levels.

~ Increases Blood Circulation ~

Improper blood circulation initially shows up on your legs and foot. Varicose veins, cold feet, swelling ankles, and discolored skin are the symptoms of improper circulation in the body.

To improve blood circulation, one has to observe their lifestyle keenly. A conscious decision to change your food habit, workout regime, and lifestyle is crucial. Essential Oils only act as an aid for increasing circulation.

~ Good for the Stomach ~

Hickory Nut Oil is good for the gastrointestinal system. Digestion is not only about processing the food and excreting the waste. It absorbs all the vital nutrients from the food and feeds every cell with them.

~ Increases Metabolism ~

Maintaining a healthy metabolic rate is crucial. The hickory nut is deeply associated with metabolism. Hickory Nut Oil contains Vitamin B and it helps with the metabolic process. In addition, the oil ensures that your internal organs function properly.

~ Boosts Immune System ~

Your immune system evolves every day, it is always changing!

Hickory oil is one oil that helps to boost your immune system. You can digest, use topically, or by using aromatherapy to help boost your immune system.

~ Helps Keep You Active ~

An active and healthy lifestyle is important. With all the benefits mentioned above and those that are not still explored by the scientific community yet, it is sure that hickory nut oil helps you to stay active and healthy. A positive mindset, a healthy lifestyle, and a few aids do a great deed.

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Whether using this oil Topically or through Aromatherapy it has many health benefits that can help with many different things.

We use Hickory in our Winter Woods Beeswax Candle and Wax Melts, make sure to go check them out! We will have more Products using Hickory Oil Coming Out Soon!!!