Moringa oil: properties and how to use it for incredible benefits on skin and hair

Moringa oil is rich in benefits, which has always been used as a remedy in folk medicine, let's find out how to use it for skin and hair

Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous

Moringa oil is rich in benefits, which has always been used as a remedy in folk medicine, let's find out how to use it for skin and hair

THEMoringa oil it is derived from the seeds of Moringa oleifera, a small tree native to the Himalayan mountains. Virtually all parts of the tree, including seeds, roots, bark, flowers, and leaves, can be used for nutritional, industrial, or medicinal purposes.

For this reason, it is sometimes called the "miracle tree", it is also called the wand tree, referring to the shape of its pods. (Read also: Essential oils: what they are and the right doses to use them at their best)

Index

What is Moringa oil?

Moringa seeds have a high oil content and contain many nutritional compounds, including monounsaturated fats, proteins, sterols and tocopherols. Moringa oil is produced through a variety of industrial processes, including solvent extraction and cold pressing. It is available as an essential oil and as a cooking oil, and is also an ingredient found in many hair and skin products.

Moringa oil products

Moringa oil can be found as:

kitchen oil: to be used in frying and cooking
essential oil: to be used locally on skin and hair: how? Just always dilute any essential oil with a carrier oil before use.
ingredient in skin and hair care products: such as soap, liquid cleanser, moisturizing tonic, massage oil, shampoo and hair conditioner.

Uses and benefits of Moringa oil

Moringa oil was used as cure in folk medicine, and as a topical cosmetic ingredient since ancient times. Today it is produced for a wide range of personal and industrial uses, such as:

cooking oil: Moringa oil is rich in proteins and oleic acid, a monounsaturated and healthy fat. When used for cooking, it is an affordable and nutritious alternative to more expensive oils
topical cleanser and moisturizer: the oleic acid of Moringa oil makes it excellent when used locally as a cleanser, and as moisturizer for skin and hair
cholesterol management: edible moringa oil contains sterols, which have been shown to lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol
antioxidant: the beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol present in Moringa oil, may have antioxidant and antidiabetic effects, although more research is needed to confirm this
anti-inflammatory: Moringa oil contains several bioactive compounds that they have property inflammatory, whether ingested or used locally. This can make it useful for fighting acne, for example; these compounds include tocopherol, catechins, quercetin, ferulic acid and zeatin

Here are some tips for using Moringa oil.

Facial cleanser

Moringa oil is ideal to be included as the first step of the cleaning routine. It has been shown that as a result of continued hydration, you may even notice a reduction of sebum production; therefore, it is ideal to use as a treatment in case of oily skin.

Moringa oil is mild enough to act as a carrier oil for more potent ingredients, although you should try it on your arm before using it on your face. For a mild cleanser, combine equal parts moringa oil, tamanu oil and black castor oil; massage it into damp skin, with a clean cloth if you want to exfoliate, and rinse immediately afterwards.

Sun protection

Uno study of 2018 showed that moringa extracts have an SPF of 2; obviously it's very low, but you can add it to your sunscreen. Always apply face oils before sunscreen.

DIY body butter

Moringa oil is a concentrate of oleic acid, is its main component and makes up about a quarter of its entire composition, it is a famous emollient. It has been shown to penetrate deep into the skin, hydrate and lock in the moisture within.

However, it is necessary to be careful since one search has identified how Moringa oil can compromise the function of the skin barrier. Consequently, its use should be limited to no more than twice a week and mixed with a milder carrier oil, such asalmond oil in case of particularly sensitive skin.

Make your own body butter with:

2/3 cup of shea butter
1/4 cup moringa oil
1/8 cup of jojoba oil
five teaspoons of tapioca starch

Procedure:

soften the shea butter in a double boiler, then whip it with an immersion blender, adding the oils after a couple of minutes
Once the oils are well blended, add the tapioca starch and mix well
finish with up to 30 drops of essential oil (optional)

Spot treatment for skin spots

The abundance of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties Moringa oil makes it a great natural treatment for skin spots. When applied to a stain, the versatile plant extract helps absorb dirt and bacteria from the pores, potentially reducing some redness and swelling; vitamins A, C and E also promote skin recovery.

Face mask

Moringa oil is great to use as an ingredient for one nourishing face mask, with flax seeds and Greek yogurt. Simply combine one or two tablespoons of flaxseed (depending on the desired thickness), three tablespoons of Greek yogurt (or a vegan alternative) and four drops of Moringa oil, and leave the mixture on your face for about 30 minutes. After the time has elapsed, proceed with rinsing.

Scalp treatment

A regular scalp massage with Moringa oil, to be applied preferably within a few minutes of leaving the shower, when the skin is still damp, it could help to relieve itching and peeling. Its abundant fatty acids help lock in moisture and keep the head hydrated, even after rinsing it.

For a do it yourself hair treatment you can use:

2 cups of a carrier oil, such as almond oil, which has moisturizing properties
5-10 drops of moringa oil
5-10 drops of a beneficial essential oil, such as lavender or tea tree oil

Procedure:

mix the oils in a bowl or glass bottle
apply to the hair, massaging up to the roots
cover your hair and leave on overnight
shampoo and condition your hair as usual

You can also heat this mixture for a few seconds in the microwave, so that it can release its intense scent due to the heating of the oils.

Moringa oil in the kitchen

One of the best ways to achieve radiant skin with Moringa oil is to ingest it. After all, your skin is an organ, your largest, and it should be nourished from within.

Il monounsaturated fat derived from seeds is rich in vitamins and phytonutrients, which travel through the body promoting cell regeneration, thus leaving you skin elastic and energized. You can take moringa oil pills and add it to smoothies, or cook it by adding it to your dishes. Just make sure the label states it's food grade.

How to choose Moringa oil

Moringa oil is sometimes called behen oil or even ben oil, due to its content of behenic acid. Before purchasing, always try to see if it is a carrier or essential oil, as as with any essential oil, moringa oil must be mixed with a carrier oil before topical use.

Also remember that Moringa essential oil may not be edible and should not be taken internally. If you buy it for cooking, then, choose a cold pressed food grade oil, as some types are produced in large batches by solvent extraction, to be used as a fuel or as a lubricant for machinery.

If you are going to use it for cooking or for topical use on the skin, look for a cold-pressed, organic, and labeled oil for such purposes. Check how it was produced, that is, look for a manufacturer who is transparent about procurement and production processes and mechanisms. Also look at the color of the oil and its clarity; always opt for a pale yellow product with a light peanut scent.

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