Moringa Oil: a detailed Overview

Natural resources are any day better than artificial or synthetic resources as they have no side effects and have great benefits.

Today, when people are facing so many lifestyle related health problems it becomes even more important to seek natural sources of health and wellness.

Unfortunately, many skincare brands and health brands capitalize on this situation and offer products that claim to restore damages and offer protection.

Most products available today are made entirely out of chemicals that offer no protection and may even make the condition worse. Especially the skin care market, is full of synthetic and chemical based products that rob the skin off its natural vitality.

Using natural products for skin care, hair care and caring for one’s health is not a new concept. Ancient practices like Ayurveda, and other forms of traditional medications have always highlighted upon the need to rely on natural resources to completely protect the body, internal and external.

 

Moringa oil has gained popularity

Since centuries, even before the onset of modern day medicines and, skin and hair care products, people have been using and benefitting from natural resources that are available in abundance all around us.

Moringa oil is one such natural resource that has gained popularity, even though it has been used since centuries. Also called as the ‘Miracle Tree’, Moringa offers so many benefits and uses that the name is truly apt!

Moringa oil is not just any other ‘health fad’; it has been in use for so long that its properties and uses are based on facts and researches.

Over the years, the popularity has grown only because more and more people are realizing the need to turn to natural and safe resources. Apart from its industrial uses, the health, skin and hair benefits of Moringa oil have contributed to its popularity.

The external environment is so polluted and unhealthy today, the food we eat is so devoid of nutrients and the quality of products has gone so low that something as beneficial and rich as Moringa can bring in stability and many benefits to overall life and wellness.

Before we go on to understand the specific uses, properties and benefits of Moringa oil, let’s take a look at the origin, history and other facts about Moringa oil that has made it a ‘miracle’ for centuries.

Parts of Moringa Tree and their uses

Seeds: Produce oil that has a large number of benefits, explained in detail further.

Flowers: Eat fresh for a rich source of potassium and calcium and a remedy for cold when put in boiled water.

Pods: Rich source of amino acids, vitamins and other nutrients, consume when immature and prepare like beans.

Leaf: One of the highest source of protein amongst leafy vegetables. Has all the essential vitamins and minerals too.

Click here to learn more about Moringa : All you need to know about Moringa

What is Moringa Oil?

Moringa oil comes from the seeds of Moringa Oleifera, commonly known as Drumsticks. While most people known this is a common food ingredient, there are infact many benefits and a lot of goodness packed in those seeds.

The oil is extracted from the seeds and used for many purposes. It is also known as Ben oil because it’s a rich source of Behanic Acid.

The health properties and medicinal uses of Moringa oil goes back to ancient Greece and Rome. In India, Moringa tree is most commonly found and native to the foothills of the Himalayas.

It grows in tropical and sub tropical countries and today it’s made way to 82 countries.

Common Names

• Ben Oil
• Behan Oil
• Miracle Oil/Miraculous Oil
• Drumstick Oil

History of Moringa oil

The mention of Moringa oil goes back to nearly 5000 years ago in the vedic scriptures of India. It has been mentioned as a powerful healing natural resource. From then, Moringa made its way into Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine.

Different parts of the Moringa are believed to be a cure for over 300 different kinds of health issues. Even today, Moringa is a significant part of traditional medicines, and being recognized by modern medicine too.

The existence and properties of moringa oil are also seen recorded in ancient Egypt, around 2480 BC, as a source of cooking, perfume, embalmment and medicines. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was a commonly used oil used for cosmetics, ointments, creams and as an essential oil.

It was in the colonial era, when British rulers discovered and took along a number of spices and herbs from India, Moringa reached to other parts of the world. It was used by the British people as a common substitute for horseradish.

Until the 19th century, Moringa oil was the most commonly used lubricating oil by watch manufacturers in Swiss and Germany. Over the years’ other cheaper variants replaced the moringa oil, though it is still used by many.

Today, from one species found in one country, it has grown to 13 different species and found in many parts of the world. Though, India, Asia and Africa continue to be the major producers of Moringa.

Nutritional Value of Moringa Oil

Moringa oil is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a great source of nutrients. The nutritional value of moringa oil comprises of:

Vitamin E

Not one, but three types of Vitamin E – α-tocopherol, ϒ-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol- are present in Moringa Oil. Whether applied to the skin or consumed, Vitamin E enhances the immune system and protects the skin from damage.

 

All the three types of Vitamin E completely protect the skin from harsh and damaging elements and also from the damaging effect of the sun.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are known to strengthen the blood vessels and curb inflammation. These are typically antioxidants that offer great protection to the body and keep internal health strong. These are also extremely effective for good skin and hair health.

Sterols

Cold pressed Moringa oil is rich in ‘good’ cholesterol and phytosterol that offer benefits like controlling cholesterol levels, managing diabetes, anti inflammatory properties, improving osteoarthritis conditions, improving blood sugar levels and more.

Overall, Moringa contains almost 90 different types of nutrients, around 45 types of antioxidants and proteins, and over 35 anti inflammatory agents!

It’s absolutely packed with goodness.

How do you make moringa oil ?

The Moringa tree has long and thick short branch like pods that contain the Moringa seeds within. The oil is extracted by pressing of these seeds.

The quality of the oil depends entirely on the tree and the variety of tree it is extracted from. The most nutritious and high property oil is extracted from Moringa tree varieties found in India, Sri Lanka, Kenya and other parts of Africa.

Certain species of Moringa may produce Moringa oil but are not necessarily the same as Ben oil.

Moringa oil is extracted using three common methods

1. Cold Pressed
2. Filtered
3. Solvent Extracted

Cold Pressed Moringa oil is known to have the highest properties and offers maximum benefits. It has the maximum nutrients too. Cold pressed Moringa oil is dense, flavorful and most recommended.

 

When buying Moringa oil it is important to know where the oil has been extracted and also ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or synthetic materials added to it. Some varieties of Moringa oil contain harmful toxins and can have adverse affects on health.

Extracting Moringa Oil at Home

If you want to extract your own home made Moringa oil, all you need are quality seeds. Boil the seeds until the oil rises up to the top and then let it boil for a little more time.

After the oil has completely formed the top layer, carefully remove it and pour it into a clean bottle or container. Ensure you use high quality seeds for valuable and quality Moringa oil.

If you want dry Moringa powder, you can simply dry and grind the leaves.

Moringa leaves are known to contain almost 25% proteins, one of the highest protein content in any plant. Additionally, the leaves contain 9 essential amino acids. It is great for growth and maintenance of muscle mass.

What are the benefits of moringa oil ?

Whether applied on the skin or consumed, Moringa Oil is known to offer a great variety of health benefits (NCBI studies here and here).

Since decades now, people have been using and benefitting from the properties that Moringa oil possesses. Here is a list of some health benefits:

Skin Health

Moringa oil or Ben oil is known to be the safest and an all-natural skin moisturizer. Massaging it into the skin makes the skin soft, supple and glowing. Best part, it is not sticky and does not make the skin look oily.

Massaging it well makes it completely absorbed by the skin, which then works on the skin texture from within. It is rich in antioxidants and omega 9 fatty acids that prevent signs of ageing by smoothening the skin and also offering an even skin tone.

It spreads easily and does not just make the exterior look nice but works on the internal health of the skin. Apart from working as a moisturizer, other skin benefits include:

• Works wonders on dry or irritated skin.
• Natural oil to treat skin issues like eczema and psoriasis
• Anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties make it safe and effective for acne probe skin.
• Gives the skin a youthful glow especially during cold and dry weather
• It has the capacity to reduce and minimize scars on the skin. It can also be put on wounds and bruises as a disinfectant and curbing scar formations
• Common fungal infections like ring worm, athlete’s foot etc. can be treated with Moringa oil because of its high anti fungal properties.
• Reduces and delays the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Hair Health

Not just the skin, Moringa oil can offer your hair good health too.

It is an effective conditioner that makes the hair strong by seeping into the scalp and offering stronger, shinier hair.

Using it as a hot oil conditioner can relieve nose hair problems like dandruff, dryness, split ends, dullness and rough hair. If you have scalp irritation or itchiness, Moringa oil offers relief from it all.

Damaged and lifeless hair can be completely repaired because of the presence of behenic acid.

Moringa oil restores and balances the natural vitality of the hair without changing or altering the pH and sebum levels of the hair.

You can indulge in a highly nourishing and conditioning DIY hair treatment:

1. Just warm the oil and gently massage it into the hair with the tips of your fingers.
2. Soak a towel in hot water, wring out extra water and wrap it around your oiled hair.
3. Leave it on till the heat completely goes off. The heat will allow your scalp to better absorb the oil, repairing the hair from the roots.
4. Leave the oil on for at least an hour then use a mild herbal shampoo to wash hair.

Taking this treatment once a week will significantly improve the health of your hair. You will have healthier hair from root to tip and all scalp problems will completely vanish!

Liver Health

Consuming Moringa oil is known to offer good liver health, especially for those people who have damaged their liver because of high toxic levels.

Certain medication or health problems like hepatitis B are known to have an adverse effect on the liver and increase certain damaging levels. Moringa oils reduce the toxic and damaging levels and enhances liver function.

Oral Health

Massaging Moringa oil on the gums reduces inflammation or any other gum problems. People with scurvy can also greatly benefit from Moringa oil. The taste is mild and does not make it an unpleasant experience. Massaging Moringa oil on the gums regularly can show great results within weeks of use.

Joints health

Damaged or painful joints is another very common health issue faced by people today. using Moringa oil as a rheumatic oil and massaging it on affected joints can reduce pain, inflammation and restricted movement.

You can massage it directly or even use as an oil pack. Painful joints as a result of injury, wear and tear or certain medical conditions can all be treated and relieved with Moringa Oil.

Emotional Health

The oldest use of Moringa oil is associated with calming down the mind and enhancing emotional health. Hysteria or emotional instability can easily be controlled and calmed.

Centuries ago, Moringa oil was the most commonly used deworming remedy. Because of its properties it helped clear the stomach and is till date known to be an effective remedy for stomach ulcers.

It was also used as an anti-poison before modern medicines replaced its use. Moringa oil controls retinal damage be keeping the retinal vasculature intact.

Energy

It is also known as a great source of energy. Adding it to a child’s diet can offer many benefits in healthy growth and nutrition of the child.

The energy sources keep you fresh and active and revitalizes your mind and body to function better.

Bone development

Moringa oil nourishes and improves bone development. In ancient Egypt young children were given moringa oil as a nutritional supplement for better bone development and a healthier body.

Also, it can regulate and improve your bowel movements.

Get rid of toxins

It helps the body gets rid of waste and toxins, while also enhancing the nutrition absorption in the stomach.

Drinking Moringa tree is way healthier than consuming artificial and sugary energy drinks for an instant bout of energy!

Moringa Oil Benefits for Specific Medical conditions

Moringa Oil is used to treat many health and medical conditions. Some of the many conditions include:

• Anemia
• Arthritis/Joint Pain
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Constipation/Diarrhea
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Heart problems
• Headaches
• Intestinal spasms/ulcers
• Bacterial/Fungal/Viral/Parasitic Infections
• Kidney stones

Moringa is also a commonly used aphrodisiac known to enhance a person’s sex drive. For women especially, Moringa oil prevents pregnancy and if pregnant, it increases the production of breast milk.

Using it as a health supplement or tonic is known to improve overall health and also boost a person’s immunity.

What is Moringa oil used for ?

Ever since Moringa oil was first extracted, it is used for many industrial and home uses. Apart from health uses and regular wellness uses, Moringa oil is used for:

Relaxing and calm sleep

Massaging Moringa oil on the head is a great cure for sleeplessness or soothing an irritated mind. You can add a few drops of lavender oil for a very relaxing and calm sleep. It is a great sleep aid that improves your sleep cycle.

Remove dead cells

The polluted environment today greatly damages our skin. Using artificial or synthetic products makes it worse!

Use Moringa oil to gently exfoliate the skin to remove dead cells and damage to the skin. You can add olive oil and sugar to make it a great daily skin care regime. The combination effective, gentle and absolutely natural.

Hard nails

Hard nails can be softened by messaging Moringa oil. Soak nails in oil, gently message and leave overnight. Wash with warm water in the morning for best results. the overall texture and nail health improves by doing this on a regular basis. Once softened you can do this weekly to maintain good nails.

Perfume

For a safe and natural perfume, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil with Moringa oil and make your own perfume. Since Moringa oil is odorless you can smell fresh of only your chosen essential oil.

Lubricant

Small machinery is often lubricated with Moringa oil. Machinery as small as watches are preferred to be oiled with Moringa oil rather than other thick and viscous oils.

Perfumes

All perfumes have an oil base and Moringa oil is probably the best of all. It is an absolutely natural oil base for perfumes and the most widely known commercial use of it.

Soaps

The many skin benefits offered by Moringa oil has made it a widely used for making soaps. Moringa oil based soaps are moisturizing, cleansing and gentle on the skin.

Today one can easily finds shampoos, body washes, skin scrubs, hand lotions, lip balms and other cosmetic products, especially for hygiene, infused with Moringa oil.

Cooking

As a cooking or salad oil, Moringa oil is great for both! It is most used for deep frying or sautéing as the smoke point is high.

Biofuel

It is a highly economical and ecological alternative to other crops that are traditionally used as fuel as it can grow on marginal land and requires very little maintenance. Also, Moringa tree does not require a lot of fertilizers or pest control.

Storing Moringa Oil

Moringa oil can be easily stored without having to worry about it going bad. It does not get rancid and thus can easily be stored for a long time.

The cold pressed Moringa oil is probably the best buying and storing option as it is healthier and even more dense and flavorful.

The oil can be stored for up to 5 years. In fact, the Egyptians were known to place Moringa oil vases in their tombs as the oil has very high oxidative stability. It is probably one of the most stable oils.

Moringa Oil Side Effects

Moringa Oil and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the only time that use of Moringa oil is not recommended. Using before pregnancy and after is okay but not during pregnancy.

Use of Moringa oil during pregnancy is associated with uterine contraction. Use of Moringa oil in the first two trimesters may also stimulate menstruation and increase risks of premature labor or miscarriage.

On the other hand, using Moringa oil after delivery, during the breast feeding phase, is known to enhance the production of milk. Always consult a doctor to understand the benefits during this time and ensure you do not have any specific allergies.

Others side effects

Consuming Moringa oil is known to have no side effects. But it is important to avoid consumption of the roots of the Moringa tree as these can be toxic.

Up to 6 grams of Moringa Oil daily does not cause any side effects. Age, health conditions and allergies may change the dosage for individuals.

Although the oil has no side effects, consulting your regular physician is always recommended to ensure you don’t have any specific conditions, allergies or issues that could be triggered by Moringa oil.

Moringa oil is a rich source of omega 9 fatty acids that improves blood pressure levels but if you are already on medication for blood pressure, you may want to consult your physician to avoid risks of damaging levels of hypertension.

Even though Moringa oil is one of the best natural resources for all kinds of skin and skin problems, every individual has a unique skin type and thus a small patch test on the skin must be done before beginning regular application.

If you are using Moringa oil for cooking or as a salad dressing, use small amounts because consuming in very large amounts can cause issues like flatulence, bloating, cramping or even diarrhea.

Conclusion

Looking at the many benefits and properties of Moringa Oil it can be safely said that it is indeed a great health and wellness oil. From internal to external health, Moringa Oil offers so many benefits that has made it so popular. Today, medical experts who believe in alternative medicines have been highly recommending the use of Moringa oil for specific health or skin issues and even as a daily supplement for improves health.

It is important to note that the Moringa oil you purchase must be of the highest quality and contain absolutely no synthetic substances. Good quality Moringa oil will give you all the benefits mentioned above so ensure you buy from standard manufacturers. The goodness of Moringa can be infused to daily life from the very first day!

Over the years we have found and sourced the most reliable sources for pure Moringa oil. We add no chemicals or synthetic products that mar the quality of the oil as we believe that organic and pure Moringa oil deserves to remain untouched. We choose quality seeds and organic produce for the highest quality of Moringa oil. We understand that health standards are a basic necessity and we do not compromise on it at all.

Our 100% pure Moringa oil is the finest quality you can get. Right from the selection to the extraction and manufacturing, we assume complete quality and offer only the very best. Using our Moringa oil as a health supplement, cooking oil, hair or skin treatment or any other of the many uses it offers will add great value to every day. Get your bottle of pure Moringa oil and see the difference in life and health!