This Underrated Oil Has Many Terrific Uses for Your Health
In a world that’s becoming rapidly
oversaturated with artificial products, many of us start looking for
natural items that can be just as beneficial for our health. Today, we
will show you one such amazing natural product that has endless health
benefits - Moringa Oil.
Derived from the seeds of Moringa oleifera,
a small tree native to the Himalayan Mountains, moringa oil is filled
with various helpful nutrients. It has been a staple of Ayurveda for
centuries and has been utilized for its wonderful medicinal properties.
In fact, it’s one of the most nutrient-dense plants on the planet. Every
single part of the moringa tree, including stems, seeds, pods, fruits,
bark, and root, are known to have precious medicinal values. It’s for
this reason that the tree has been called “the Miracle Tree,” “the Tree
of Life” and “Mother's Milk.”
While this tree is native to northern India, moringa oil is now produced
in all parts of the world. It has many benefits for the skin and
overall health, including healthy aging, better hair, and strengthening
the skin barrier. Intrigued? Let’s find out more about this magical tree
oil.
The composition of moringa oil
Moringa seeds have a high oil content and
are comprised of countless nutrients. They also contain powerful
antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
Here’s a look at the composition
of moringa oil:
Oleic acid
Palmitoleic acid
Linoleic acid
Amino acids
Gadoleic acid
Stearic acid
Vitamin A
B-vitamins
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Monounsaturated fats
Proteins
Sterols
Tocopherols.
To produce the oil, the seeds are first extracted from the moringa
flowers and fruits. The seeds are then dried and crushed. After several
industrial processes, including solvent extraction and cold-pressing,
the oil is ready to be bottled and sold. Moringa oil is usually
available in two forms: as an essential oil and as a cooking oil. Both
of them are beneficial for your health.
1. Acts as a natural moisturizer
One of the most prominent benefits of moringa oil is that it is a ‘dry’
oil, meaning that when you apply it to your skin, it penetrates deeply
in just a few seconds and leaves the skin dry instead of making it
greasy. More importantly, its oleic acid (a fatty acid that's found in a
lot of plant and vegetable oils) content can be terrific for the skin
when used topically as a cleansing agent or simply as a moisturizer.
Using it regularly can ensure that that the skin remains hydrated even
when exposed to pollution. Just rub 2-3 drops of moringa oil on your
palms and gently dab it onto a clean face.
2. Has anti-inflammatory properties
This powerhouse oil consists of numerous
bioactive compounds that have beneficial antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory features. Some of these compounds include tocopherols,
catechins, quercetin, ferulic acid, and zeatin. You can avail of their
benefits through moringa oil both topically or by ingesting it directly.
Additionally, the oil also contains vitamin E, which has antibacterial
as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
3. It strengthens the skin barrier
Moringa oil is made up of 40% monounsaturated fatty acids. 70% of that
is oleic acid. Dermatologists say that this combination makes the oil
great for supporting the skin barrier. A strong skin barrier will help
protect the skin against environmental elements like sunlight,
pollution, and free radicals while keeping moisture in. The better your
skin barrier, the more chances you will have of maintaining healthy and
hydrated skin.
Do note, however, that if you have sensitive skin, don’t overuse moringa
oil. Limit use to about twice a week and mix it with some gentle oil
like almond oil.
4. Repairs skin from damage and can help with inflammation
Thanks to the omega fatty acids and antioxidants present in moringa oil,
it can help soothe damaged skin and inflammation. Skin experts say that
the vitamins E, A, and C in this tree oil can be particularly useful to
repair active lesions, cuts, and burns. One 2018 study discovered that
nanofibers with moringa extracts had better wound-healing properties
than those without.
5. Works as an anti-aging oil
The high content of vitamin E in moringa
oil means it has potent antioxidant properties which can be useful for
keeping those premature wrinkles and protects against free radical
damage. Also, moringa oil contains plant hormones called cytokinins that
influence cell growth and prevent the destruction of skin tissues
associated with aging. In addition, its vitamin C content promotes
collagen and elastin production for youthful skin.
A 2014 study found that moringa leaf extract promotes facial
revitalization and has anti-aging skin effects.
6. Helps fight acne and dark spots
Studies have shown that moringa oil has
excellent antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.
Research has also shown that the oil regulates sebum production by
keeping skin hydrated, thus resulting in less oily skin by preventing
dirt and bacteria from getting clogged into the pores. Add to it its
non-greasy moisturizing effects, and you have an oil that's perfect for
fighting acne and other skin issues like dark spots and eczema.
Just add 3-4 drops of moringa oil to a little amount of almond oil and
apply the mixture to acne, dark spots, and scrapes, for quick healing.
7. Promotes hair growth
Moringa oil doesn’t just work wonders for
the skin, it also has many benefits for the hair. This nutrient-dense
oil is great for fending off scalp irritation, provides enhancing shine,
facilitating hair growth, and keeps strands moisturized without
weighing them down. This isn’t all. Its essential vitamins and minerals
are said to rejuvenate the hair in the long term. Applying moringa oil
regularly on your hair will protect it against color depletion while
also safeguarding it against the drying and damaging effects of the
sun’s rays.
Furthermore, moringa oil can regulate sebum production in the scalp.
What’s more, it's a potent fighter of scalp infections, dandruff, scalp
acne, scalp psoriasis, and scalp eczema! So how do you use it for your
hair? Simply massage the oil from root to tip, and wash your hair after
half an hour or so. For added sheen and hydration, leave on overnight
and shampoo and condition in the morning.
8. Provides relief from pain and helps in relaxation
Adding a few drops of moringa oil to a warm bath will provide relief
from tiredness and pain. Bathing with this water is said to relieve
stress while removing fatigue and boosting relaxation. If you have pain
or discomfort in the joints, massaging those areas with a few drops of
moringa oil can help in alleviating the aches, thanks to the oil's
anti-inflammatory properties.
9. Can help in cholesterol management
Food-grade or edible moringa oil contains sterols - a group of
substances made in plants that are most commonly used for lowering
cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that sterols can be especially
useful to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol
in the blood have been linked to coronary heart disease and stroke.
Hence, using moringa oil in your diet may help in cholesterol
management, although more research is needed to confirm these claims.
The Bottom Line
Moringa oil is loaded with skin and hair benefits. As an essential oil,
it’s great for moisturizing and cleansing the skin and can even help
improve skin conditions like acne and dark spots. Applying it routinely
on your skin can bring out its natural glow.
You can also add moringa oil to your diet to obtain many health
benefits, as it’s loaded with vitamins, phytonutrients, protein, and
other compounds. Add a few drops to your smoothies or simply cook with
it. Just ensure the label says it's food-grade.