Amazing Benefits of Baobab Oil

Baobab oil comes from the seeds of the fruit of the Adansonia tree, which takes its name from the French botantist, Michel Adanson. The tree grows throughout Africa as well as in Madagascar, Australia and Arabia. 

The Baobab tree has also been called the 'upside down tree' because it looks as if it is growing roots upwards. The trees store water in their thick trunks, which can reach 25 meters in circumference, so they can survive long droughts. They have a large, spreading crown and are able to live for thousands of years. The fruit resembles coconuts and contains many nutrients.It has a hard, woody shell covered with yellowish-green velvety hairs. The seeds are rich in oil, which is obtained using the cold pressing method. The yellow golden oil has a rich, silky texture and a pleasant, earthy aroma. It contains 0.8% omega 3, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is particularly rich in omega 9 (oleic acid), which helps the oil seal in moisture and also gives it its long shelf life of around 2 years. Baobab oil has an almost perfect balance between omega 6 and omega 9 and the linoleic oil makes it light, fast-absorbing and non-comedogenic (it doesn't block pores). It can be safely applied to the skin but is not recommended for internal consumption.

Amazing Benefits of Baobab Oil

Baobab oil  has several healing, therapeutic benefits. It is mainly used as a cosmetic agent and can be directly applied to the skin or combined with other natural ingredients such as essential oils.

1)It is great for massge as it is an excellent moisturizer for the skin. It is non-drying so it helps relieve generally dry, damaged and ageing skin as well as dry patches of skin. It has very small molecules which enable it to be absorbed easily.

2)It stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis under the skin, which helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks as well as healing wounds and post-surgical scars and promotes the rejuvenation of skin cells.

3)Baobab oil can be used as a daily moisturizering lotion. A small amount applied on the skin after a shower will help to lock in the moisture. The oil is quickly absorbed so the skin doesn't feel greasy. The oil could also be added to a moisturizer to increase its effectiveness.

4)A small amount of oil applied directly to the lips is great for sore, chapped lips.

5)Baobab oil can be warmed and applied to the scalp for hot oil conditioning. Cover the head with a shower cap for a few hours and then wash the oil out. It will leave the hair soft and silky with added volume. Baobab oil also protects the hair from sun damage and relieves dandruff.

6)Soaking the hands and feet in baobab oil will soften and protect the nails. It also helps prevent breakage of the nails.

7)Baobab oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect because of the omega fatty acids in it.

8) As an insulator, it protects the skin from excessive high and low temperatures.

9) Baobab oil is great for helping to heal eczema. The high level of omega 6 that it contains softens and hydrates the skin by helping it to retain its own moisture. 

How to use Baobab Oil

Baobab oil can be safely applied directly to the skin and rubbed onto the arms and legs as well as used in massage. 

It can also be applied to wet skin as it will spread more easily.

It can be applied directly to dry skin patches, scars and stretch marks.

A few drops of Baobab oil can be added to bath water.

It can also be added to body lotions, face creams and hair conditioners.

Risks of Baobab Oil

Baobab oil is safe to use topically and can be used by pregnant women and children but it should not be taken internally.

How to Store Baobab Oil

The best oil is organic, cold-pressed oil which is unfiltered. It has a strong resistance to rancidity and a good shelf life of around two years but it should be stored in a glass container away from light.