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Baobab
BAOBAB (ADANSONIA DIGITATA)
One of the best known trees of Africa (and often symbolic of the continent itself) the Baobab tree (or Upside-down tree as it is sometimes called) is an extremely long lived species, with some specimens believed to be 3000 years old! The oil obtained from the seeds found in its pods has strong moisturizing and sheen properties and is used to prevent and cure dry skin conditions of the face, body and scalp. This is due to the high, almost equal quantities of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The oil also contains linoleic acid which the human body cannot synthesize itself.
Marula
MARULA (SCELROCARYA BIRREA)
The seeds yield an abundant quantity of oil which has particular efficacy for the cosmetics industry. The clear, yellow-brown coloured oil is extraordinarily stable and contains a large proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids and natural antioxidants. The combination of high proportions of oleic acid, as well as linoleic fatty acids make Marula oil particularly ideal for topical application.
Mafura Butter
MAFURA BUTTER (TRICHILIA EMETICA)
The highly effective cosmetic and healing properties of the oil have been harnessed by indigenous African peoples for centuries. The conditioning and colouring properties of the Mafura butter (the pressed oil is in a solid, butter-like form at room temperature, hence this nickname) have made it a popular hair- care product, as well as a skin nourisher and revitalizer. In addition to it’s high proportions of monounsaturated oleic acid, trichilia oil has also been shown to contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of a number of limonoids.
Mongongo Oil
MONGONGO OIL (SHINZIOPHYTON RAUTANENII)
The oil extracted from the seeds of this tree are uniquely high in eleostearic acid which polymerizes rapidly under UV light to form a protective film on skin or hair. The oil is also high in linoleic acid and total tocopherols which gives this oil its stability. The oil offers unique natural protection from UV and environmental pollutants. The oil is restructuring and regenerative - it reduces inflammation and promotes cellular repair.
Almond
ALMOND (PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS/ BADAM)
Widely recognised as being one of the most potent Ayurvedic oils, sweet almond oil is prized for its sattvic (pure, essential) values. With its oily and heavy potency, Almond oil is known for pacifying vata and pitta doshas and for aggravating kapha dosha. Almond is among the few Ayurvedic remedies for augmenting the functions of all seven dhatus (tissues).
Moringa
MORINGA (MORINGA OLEIFERA)
Loved as ‘Mother’s Best Friend’ in East Africa and as ‘Miracle Tree’ all over the world, Moringa is particularly useful in that every part of this tree (leaves, stems, seeds, pods, fruits, root and bark) has enormous medicinal values. It has exceptional benefits for the skin-this is mainly due to the presence of rich nutrients and antioxidants in the leaves. Moringa and its essential oil are said to reduce excess kapha and vata and improve deficiency of pitta. It is a light and oil that easily penetrates deep into the skin.
Ashwagandha
ASHWAGANDHA (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA)
Both African and Indian ancient people are said to have used this herb. In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha essential oil is said to pacify vata and kapha doshas and increase pitta energy. The antioxidant effects of this oil combats the growth of free radicals responsible for causing aging symptoms (e.g. wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots and blemishes). The presence of steroidal compounds found in this oil is believed to augment the production of collagen - a key facet in maintaining young and healthy looking skin. Ashwagandha oil is also known for its ability to promote the secretion of structural protein vital for the skin.
Basil
BASIL (OCIMUM TENUIFLORIUM/TULSI)
Widely known across South Asia as a medicinal plant and a herbal tea. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of “elixir of life” and believed to promote longevity. Its essential oil is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics, and is widely used in skin preparations due to its anti-bacterial activity.
