Moringa Oil

Moringa Oil is an extract obtained from the seeds of the plant, Moringa Oilefera. This tree is native to the Himalayas. An edible oil is extracted by pressing the seeds to yield a high concentration of its medicinal compounds like behenic acid. This oil is commonly used for cosmetic and culinary purposes. 

It is used in the production of the skin and hair care products as a conditioner and moisturizer. It can be used for topical application on the skin or used for massaging the body parts. Moringa Oil can also be used for aromatherapy. The nutritional profile of Moringa Oil and its various health benefits are described beneath. 

Nutritional Value of Moringa Oil

The seeds of Moringa Oilefera are highly nutritious. It provides a rich amount of vitamins and minerals including vitamin B, vitamin C, Iron, and calcium. It also contains powerful antioxidants and healthy fatty acids that can penetrate deeply through the layers of the skin and produce a rejuvenative effect. The medicinal compounds present in moringa oil include:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Oleic acid
• Gadoleic acid
• Linoleic acid
• Palmitoleic acid
• Amino acids
• Stearic acid

The ORAC value of Moringa Oil is 157,000 umole TE/100g. This value signifies the powerful antioxidant effect produced by this oil, which could be beneficial for protecting the skin, and other tissues against the damage caused by pollutants, and other environmental toxins. 

Health Benefits Of Moringa Oil

Moisturizer 

Moringa Oil can be used as a natural moisturiser for the skin. This property is highly beneficial in the management of skin problems caused due to the excessive dryness of the skin such as eczema, psoriasis, and hair loss. 

It can also be used to treat the conditions associated with the high production of sebum like acne and hair problems such as dandruff. The oil can penetrate through the skin thus preventing excessive oiliness of the skin. Hence, people with an oily, acne-prone skin can also use it as a moisturizer.  

Moringa oil imparts a natural glow to the skin and moisturizes it, without making it too oily. The moisturizing properties of this oil can be attributed to the high amount of omega- 9 fatty acid called oleic acid in it. 

Additionally, behenic acid resent in it makes the skin smooth and supple and revitalizes it thus making it appear younger and more vibrant. 

Skin Infections 

Moringa oil possesses strong antiseptic properties. Hence, it is used for treating wounds, insect bites, skin rashes, and other skin infections. The phytochemicals present in this oil can inhibit the growth of the microorganisms. It can create an environment that is unfavorable for the survival of the pathogens. This results in the death of the bacteria, and fungi causing infections thus leaving the skin clear and healthy.

Wrinkles and fine lines 

Moringa oil can be used on a regular basis to prevent the signs of agingsuch as wrinkles and fine lines. It also prevents the sagging of the facial skin. The antioxidants present in Moringa oil protect the skin against the harmful agents that accelerate aging signs such as free radicals, sun exposure, pollutants, and toxins. 

It also destroys the substances that can degrade the collagen and elastin in the skin. This can restore the elasticity of the skin and make it more firm and youthful. 

Acne

Moringa oil is known for its outstanding potential to reduce acne. It works effectively for removing blackheads, whiteheads, and dark spots on your skin. It works by protecting the skin against the effects of pollution and maintains a natural glow. 

It also provides a great source of vitamin C, which calms the nervous system thus reduces stress. These benefits are of great advantage for the people who suffer from stress-induced acne. 

Skin Injuries

Moringa oil can be used to treat minor skin wounds such as cuts, insect bites, rashes, and sunburns. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of this oil can help to control pain, swelling, redness, and infection at the site of injury and heal the skin.

The polyphenols, Palmitoleic acid, and Linoleic acid present in it can restore the health and integrity of the skin by stimulating the regeneration of the skin cells. It can improve the wound closure rate, and reduce the scar area. 

Hair Problems

Moringa oil can be used to massage the scalp to stimulate hair growth. The essential fatty acids present in it nourish the scalp and hair roots and prevent hair fall. It also prevents dandruff by maintaining the hydration of the scalp without making it too oily and greasy. 

Additionally, vitamin E present in this oil provides nourishment to the scalp and strengthens the hair roots. It helps to prevent split ends and hair breakage by protecting them against pollution and harsh weather changes. 

Insomnia

Massage of the scalp with Moringa oil before the bedtime can soothe the nerves and relax the mind. It can help in the management of insomnia. It could induce deep restorative sleep and help you get up in the morning feeling fresh and rejuvenated. 

Gadoleic acid, and Palmitoleic acid present in this oil support the production of melatonin, a hormone that plays a role in inducing sleep. 

Boosts Immunity

Moringa Oil provides a rich supply of Omega-9 fatty acids and vitamin C, which produce a strong immunomodulatory effect. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Vitamin C in this oil contributes to the defense functions of the immune system by supporting cellular processes and creating an epithelial barrier against pathogens. These properties of Moringa oil can help in reducing the risk of immunological disorders such as infections, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. Patients prone to these disorders can use Moringa oil for cooking to derive these benefits. 

Cancer

Moringa oil can be used for the topical application in the case of skin cancer. A rich vitamin C content of this oil could destroy the free radicals by acting as an antioxidant and protecting the skin against excessive inflammation and oxidative damage. 

It can be consumed orally by the patients diagnosed with breast or colorectal cancers. Phenolic and polyphenolic compounds present in this oil can help to prevent the growth and spread of cancer and support the patient’s recovery. 

Hypertension 

Omega-9 fatty acids like oleic acid present in Moringa oil can help to regulate blood pressure . It can stimulate the blood circulation and lower the cholesterol levels. It can protect the heart with its cardioprotective properties. These benefits of Moringa Oil can reduce the blood pressure and prevent the risk of complications of hypertension such as heart attack, and strokes. 

How to use Moringa Oil? 

You can gently massage the oil on the scalp to manage hair loss and dandruff. It can be used to massage the skin to treat acne, wrinkles, and fine lines. You can apply Moringa oil on the affected parts of the skin such as cancer, wounds, insect bites, or sunburns. Patients suffering from other forms of cancer such as breast cancer or colorectal cancer can use this oil in cooking. It can also be used as aromatherapy to induce sleep. 

What are the side effects of Moringa Oil?

Moringa oil is safe to use. It is not known to cause any serious side effects.