It is said to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, be rich in vitamin A, and moisturize our hair and skin without clogging our pores.
But what is this moringa oil, and why on earth have we never heard of it before? Here's everything you need to know about this miraculous treatment that will soon replace coconut oil in your beauty routine.
What Is Moringa Oil?
Harvested from the seeds of the moringa tree, a tropical tree native to India, this oil is a natural antioxidant known for its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is also an excellent exfoliant, making it the ideal beauty oil for those with blemish-prone skin. But its benefits are not limited to the skin: moringa oil is rich in vitamins A, B, and C.
It strengthens and softens hair, softens and nourishes the driest areas of the body, gives new radiance to mature skin, can be used in massage oil, and can even be cooked!
Where Does Moringa Oil
Come From?
Moringa oil is extracted from the moringa seed. It is, therefore, a vegetable oil (extracted by pressing) and not an essential oil (obtained by distillation). There are usually between 10 and 20 seeds per fruit.
The moringa fruit looks like a giant green pod, which at maturity becomes light brown and releases the seeds.
These seeds, the size of a chickpea, contain about 30% oil. The name of the cultivated moringa, Moringa oleifera, means moringa that carries oil.
What Is Moringa Oil
Used For?
Moringa oil has two uses: cosmetic and food. Cosmetic use is the most common, although the fatty acid composition, very similar to olive oil, is also very beneficial at the nutritional level.
Moringa Oil Cosmetic
Cosmetic moringa oil has four particularities that make it attractive in cosmetics:
- It penetrates very quickly into the skin
- It does not leave a greasy sensation
- It is very moisturizing
- It does not go rancid
Moringa Oil for Food
Moringa oil is particularly rich in oleic acid: 70%. This oleic acid (the same as olive oil, a monounsaturated fatty acid of the omega nine families) makes it an excellent food oil. It can be consumed raw or cooked. Its taste is light and pleasing.
A slightly toasted flavor, although pleasant, indicates that the seeds have been roasted before pressing, which degrades some of the components.
Composition of The Moringa
Oil
Rich in unsaturated fatty acids with 70% oleic acid and vitamins C, A, B, minerals (potassium, calcium), and proteins.
Many sterols have been identified in Moringa oil. Depending on the study, the levels of sterols found are variable. Stigmasterol, campesterol, and beta-sitosterol are the three predominant compounds.
It contains vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol).
What Are Its
Properties?
Cosmetic Properties
Oleic acid is the fatty acid that makes up our skin's sebum. Moringa oil strengthens the hydrolipidic film and reinforces the elasticity, suppleness, and hydration of the skin.
With its antibacterial and antifungal properties (found in all plant organs), Moringa oil is very effective against skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and any irritation.
Health and Nutrition
Properties
Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid whose consumption protects against cardiovascular diseases. This fatty acid is fundamental in human and animal physiology: it is the one that allows both the storage and the easy release of reserves.
It is resistant to the oxidation process and therefore low in antioxidant substances. Attention: it also exists in meat but, in this case, is not associated with the reduction of cardiovascular risks. Only oleic acid of vegetable origin is beneficial.
How to Use Moringa Oil?
To Clean Imperfections
On clean and dry skin, massage the imperfections with one to two drops of moringa oil. Make light circular movements.
This action will block the water in the skin and thus allow it to absorb the vitamins and antioxidants completely. This will give you a clear and radiant complexion with no pimple’s insight.
For Healthy Hair
Moringa oil not only moisturizes dry, dandruff-prone scalps but also helps stimulate hair growth, prevent split ends, and strengthen roots.
Massage a few drops of oil onto your scalp and leave on—no need to rinse unless you want to.
You can also use it as a cuticle treatment or to repair dry, damaged skin.
As mentioned above, it is possible to use moringa oil in cooking, provided that it is 100% pure and, if possible organic.
Add a few drops to your dishes to get your daily dose of vitamin C and vitamin A and fill up on omega 3.
The benefits of this little cure in the long term? Increased energy, better quality sleep, and protection against heart disease and diabetes. Worth a try, right?
Where to Find Moringa Oil?
Still not widely available - at least not as much as coconut oil - moringa oil is starting to appear in specialized organic stores.
It is also possible to buy it on the Internet: be careful to check the origin of your moringa oil, which must be organic to maximize its effects.
It is also always better to make sure that it has been produced in an ethical, ecological, and fairway.
How to Make It at
Home
Organic Homemade Moringa Oil - Recipe / Preparation
All
we will need is the following:
- ¾ (or 75%) jar of whole moringa seeds.
- ¼ (or 25%) jar of dried moringa leaves.
- Extra virgin olive oil.
Materials:
- A blender
- Filter or fine strainer.
- A dropper or container with a lid to place the final product.
- A jar or container with a lid, preferably dark in color. Here we will macerate the oil.
When
we have everything, we are going to do the following:
- We blend the seeds with peel until they are powdered.
- Put them in the jar.
- Then, we add 25% of dried moringa leaves.
- Fill the jar with olive oil,
- Close it and let it macerate in a dry, cool, and dark place for 20 to 40 days. It is recommended to shake it once a day.
- After it macerates.
- We filter and bottle the liquid.
How Do You Use Homemade Moringa Oil?
It can be used in several ways.
Applied directly to the skin: It is ideal for moisturizing and nourishing sensitive areas such as the face, neck, and neckline. Plus, you'll be delaying skin aging.
For hair: Put it on the scalp, massaging gently for 30 minutes before bathing at night. This activates circulation and stimulates hair growth while deeply nourishing and moisturizing.
In addition, if applied to the
length of the hair, it will help nourish and close split ends.
In
cosmetics: It can be used to make products such as shampoo or
body/facial creams.
Massage: This oil works well as a muscle relaxant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory.
Where Do I Get the
Ingredients?
In health food stores, some pharmacies, or the internet.