Oil from The Miracle Tree: Moringa & Its Benefits

An ingredient that is intrinsic to Indian food, Drumstick or Moringa is a delicious condiment that has immense nutritional benefits for the skin and hair. Also known as the ‘Miracle Tree’, amongst its innumerable attributes, Moringa and its extracts are known to give lustre to the skin, and nourish the hair. Whilst Moringa has gained more popularity in the last few years, the history of this ingredient transcends time as it is an ancient Vedic tree, which is mentioned as an extremely beneficial food in the Vedas, Brahmanas and Puranas.

Mythological & Ayurvedic Past of Moringa

It is believed that Moringa’s leafy vegetables were Lord Krishna’s favourite food. Till date, his beloved followers prepare a delicious Moringa vegetable to serve as prasad on Lord Krishna’s birthday.

The Charak Samhita mentions Moringa extracts for various remedies from skin concerns and digestive issues. It mentions Moringa oil as a potent extract to condition and nourish the skin and hair. Read on as we unravel what is Moringa oil benefits for the skin and hair. As per the Ayurvedic textbook, DravyaGuna Vigyan, Moringa is said to have healing and energetic effects. The plant has significant detoxifying and cleansing effects due to its Ayurvedic properties of being light, dry, sharp, and fluid. In the renowned Ayurvedic book, Bhava Prakash, Moringa is mentioned as Sigru, or ‘One that moves like an arrow’, as it deeply penetrates the skin and its tissues for a cleansing and detoxifying effect.

Also Read – Essential skincare & selfcare rituals in Ayurveda for a healthy skin

What is Moringa oil?

In Ayurveda, Moringa has always been renowned for its miraculous healing and nourishing qualities. The Forest Essentials Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Oil Moringa is extracted only from the juicy white kernels of the purest, mature black seeds of Moringa using the traditional cold press method, without the application of heat, to preserve its nutritional value.

Benefits of Moringa Oil

The ideal application of Moringa oil is mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts, to fully absorb its nutritional content. The application of hand pressed, virgin oils is of utmost importance, including the specific strokes that soothe the skin. One must always apply this with firm yet gentle strokes, moving in an upward direction. The usage of Moringa oil also has a pacifying effect on the Tridosha, particularly on Kapha and Vata Dosha.

What are the benefits of Moringa oil for the skin?

Did you know that Moringa oil contains 40% monounsaturated fatty acids, with 70% of that being oleic acid, which improves the skin’s texture? It is found in multiple skincare products as it is a rich source of nourishment with moisturizing, cleansing, and emollient properties.

• The oil boosts the skin’s collagen production when used regularly.
• It protects and detoxifies the skin from environmental damage.
• Moringa oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants.
• It imparts a healthy glow to the skin whilst deeply hydrating it.

What are the benefits of Moringa oil for the hair?

Moringa oil is renowned to deeply condition the hair from the inside

• Not only does this cold-pressed virgin oil nourish the length of your hair but deeply condition the scalp and strengthens hair follicles to promote healthy hair growth.
• It rejuvenates the hair with essential vitamins and minerals.
• Regular usage of Moringa oil helps to reduce split ends whilst nourishing damaged, chemically treated hair.
• Research has also found that Moringa oil helps your hair to retain its original colour.

How to use Moringa oil?

• Warm a small quantity of oil using the double boiler technique: immerse the container of oil in a bowl (preferably a bowl made of Copper or Kansa metal) of hot water such that the oil gets heated indirectly. This method of heating ensures the ingredients of Moringa oil remain intact to then maintain the efficacy of the massage that is to follow.
• Massage onto skin using gentle yet firm strokes. You can also massage Moringa oil on your scalp and keep on for 20-30 minutes.
• Follow with a warm bath and gently wash off the oil from your scalp using an Ayurvedic cleanser and hair conditioner. May we suggest the Bhringraj & Shikakai hair care selection to reduce hair fall, the Japapatti & Brahmi selection for dry and chemically treated hair and the Amla, Honey & Mulethi selection to increase volume.

Also Read – Forest Essentials hair care range for all hair types

Discover the miraculous Moringa oil and more from our Ayurvedic hair care selection at our website.