Unlocking the Hidden Treasure: Exploring Marula Seed Oil’s Extraordinary Benefits and Versatile Applications
What is Marula Seed Oil?
Marula seed oil is a natural oil extracted from the kernels of the marula fruit, which is native to Southern Africa. It is a clear to pale yellow-brown oil with a nutty aroma. Marula oil is high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. It is also a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Marula seed oil is a versatile oil that can be used for a variety of purposes. It can be used on its own or as an ingredient in skin care products and hair care products. It can also be used as a massage oil or a carrier oil for essential oils.
Green marula fruit in the African marula tree
Marula seed oil origins
The marula is the fruit of the marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea) which is a medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to the Miombo woodlands of Southern Africa, the Sudano-Sahelian range of West Africa, the savanna woodlands of East Africa and Madagascar. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes the Cashew tree, Mango tree, and Pistachio tree.
The marula tree can grow up to 18 metres tall and has a spreading crown. The leaves are dark green and oval-shaped and its flowers are small and yellow, and blooms from September to November. The Marula fruit is a yellow-orange berry that is about the size of a plum. The fruit is edible and has a sweet, sour, and nutty flavour.
The marula tree is an important part of the African ecosystem. It provides food and shelter for many animals, including elephants, baboons, and monkeys. The fruit is also used to make alcoholic beverages, such as marula beer and gin. The wood of the marula tree is used for carving and making furniture.
The marula tree has many medicinal properties. The bark, leaves, and fruit are used to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhoea, dysentery, and fever. The oil extracted from the seeds is used for skin care and hair care. The marula tree is a valuable resource for the people of Africa. It provides food, shelter, medicine, and wood. It is no wonder that the Marula tree is also known as the ‘Tree of Life’ in Africa
The African marula tree
How is Marula seed oil extracted?
Marula seed oil is produced by cold-pressing the kernels of the marula fruit. The marula fruit is a yellow-orange berry that is about the size of a plum. The kernels are extracted from the fruit and then cold-pressed to extract the oil.
Cold-pressing is a gentle extraction method that preserves the nutrients and antioxidants in the oil. The oil is then filtered to remove impurities.
Marula seed oil benefits
Marula seed oil has moisturising properties beneficial to both hair and skin. It’s deeply moisturising when used in skincare products and it prevents hair from becoming dry and brittle. It contains natural antioxidants which helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals – which are unstable molecules in our environment that can damage our cells, leading to premature ageing, wrinkles and age-spots.
Marula seed oil is anti-inflammatory and reduces redness, swelling and irritations on the skin. It’s high natural oil content prevents nails and hair from becoming dry and brittle.
The african marula tree’s fruit. Sweet, sour and fruity tasting fruit.
Popular uses for Marula Seed Oil
You can use Marula seed oil as a moisturiser on your skin. Apply marula seed oil to your face and body after cleansing. It can be used on its own or mixed with other oils or creams.
Apply marula seed oil to your hair from the roots to the ends and gently massage into your scalp. This will prevent your hair from breaking and becoming brittle.
Marula seed oil is a good base for massage oil and it absorbs easily. The aroma is fruity and sweet with nutty undertones and blends well with essential oils.
Lastly, you can also use Marula seed oil as a carrier oil for essential oils. This dilutes the essential oils to make it less harsh on your skin.
Considerations before using Marula seed oil
If you are considering using marula seed oil in your skincare routine we urge you to talk to your doctor first. Marula oil is generally safe for most people, but it may interact with certain medications.
The African marula tree is ‘The tree of life’ to all creates living in Africa