What's Happening Wednesday-Exotic Oils Cont.-Pomegranate Seed Oil

This Wednesday we are continuing with the Exotic Oils series, so we will be looking at Pomegranate Seed Oil. 

Pomegranate seed oil, botanically known as Punica granatum, is a soft amber color, and has a slightly fruity odor. The name pomegranate comes from the Latin word pomum, meaning apple, and granatus, meaning seeded. The pomegranate fruit is roundish and red, with a bitter pith that contains about 600 seeds, which are surrounded by juicy pips called the aril, which range in color from white, to a deep red or purple. They are native to Persia, Northern India and the Himalayas, but have been cultivated in the Caucasus, the drier parts of southeast Asia, the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe, and Africa since ancient times. They were introduced to Latin America and California by Spanish settlers in 1769, and are now cultivated in parts of California and Arizona.   

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 The pomegranate seed oil is an extremely rich and nutritious oil that can be used internally and externally. It is suitable for food use, as well as for a dietary supplement, and it has great cosmetic and medicinal applications. It is a cold pressed oil that is relatively stable, with a shelf life of 14-16 months. And, as you have probably surmised, this oil comes from the seeds of the pomegranate fruit. The oil is rather pricey, but considering that it takes over two hundred pounds of fresh pomegranates to produce one pound of pomegranate seed oil, you can easily see why!

 Now, why should you splurge on this exotic oil? Well, you may know that pomegranate seed extract and pomegranate juice possess high anti-oxidant properties. But what you probably are not aware of, is that the pomegranate seed oil is proving to be even more beneficial than the juice. While the oil also contains high levels of anti-oxidants, which fight free radicals and skin aging, pomegranate seed oil is one of the only plant sources of conjugated fatty acids. The conjugated fatty acids give it strong anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and ease muscular aches and pains. 

Several recent studies have shown that pomegranate seed oil stimulates keratinocyte proliferation which promotes regeneration and strengthening of the epidermis, the skin. Pomegranate seed oil also contains a high amount of punicic acid, a compound closely related to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). This punicic acid has been called a "super CLA", whose effect is even more potent than the ordinary CLA. Scientific studies have indicated that it may support the immune system and help the body to fight against human cancers, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, pomegranate seed oil also contains phytoestrogens, which are similar to the estrogens which are naturally produced by the human body. Many women have found that using pomegranate seed oil topically as a skin moisturizer, orally as a dietary supplement, as a massage oil, or as a personal lubricant, has helped to ease the symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. Relieving symptoms of mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and diminished libido.

  

In cosmetic products, pomegranate seed oil is commonly used to revitalize dull and/or mature skin, soothe minor skin irritations, and diminish wrinkles. Without moisture, wrinkles become more pronounced and more numerous and the skin appears lack luster. The pomegranate seed oil adds moisture and with its natural estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties, along with its anti-oxidants, it improves the skin's elasticity and protects it. It also affords relief from inflammation and minor skin irritations such as,  dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and sunburned skin. 

Pomegranate seed oil may be used in most of your skin care formulas, and only a small amount is needed to provide beneficial results. So try some pomegranate seed oil in your soaps, massage oils, facial care recipes, and any other body-care or cosmetic formulary. It has been shown to be excellent for the skin and the hair, whether as an additive, or just applied by itself to the skin and the hair.  To reiterate, studies have shown that, when applied to the skin, pomegranate seed oil  tightens the skin, moisturizes, balances the skin's PH, revitalizes aging skin, fights against wrinkles, and restores the skin's elasticity.  It is good in hair care products because it revitalizes damaged hair, brings back shine, protects against environmental pollutants, and moisturizes. 

As far as soaping is concerned, I know many will baulk at the thought of using this expensive oil in a "wash off" product. However, many studies are reporting that the benefits of this oil in natural, organic soaps are visibly measurable, and well worth the expense, especially for persons with eczema or dry, damaged skin, as the pomegranate soaps help to soothe these conditions as they clean. And, as previously stated, even a small amount has proven to be beneficial.

Frankly Speaking Friday- Exotic Oils Cont.- Neem Seed Oil

Franky Speaking, I am becoming anxious to get to the end of this exotic oil series! Lol. So, here we go again, today's topic is Neem Seed Oil.

Neem oil is extracted from the nut of the neem tree, botanically identified as Azadirachta indica. This tree is native to India, but can now be found growing in a number of semi-tropical and tropical countries. The oil is Cold Pressed

and is an incredibly rich, dark in color, viscous (thick), and highly odoriferous oil, smelling strongly of garlic. In fact, it really needs to be diluted before being adding to your products. Anyone using it, should experiment with it in small batches, in order to make sure that the odor does not adversely affect the final products. Neem oil is semi-solid in its natural state. For this reason, many vendors add a percentage of olive, or other oil, to the neem, in order to assist in its pourability. Even so, you may still have to liquefied the neem [mixture] oil in a pot of simmering water, a microwave, in the sun, or at a temperature higher than 85 degrees F. While some people do use neem oil internally, and its use in this way has been proven beneficial, it really needs to be done under the direct supervision of someone who is qualified in the administration of this substance. Neem is extremely potent, and more studies are needed before I would feel safe recommending its internal use straight off the market shelf.  

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The neem tree has many uses in traditionak medicine, hygiene and is even one of the best natural insecticides available today. It possess a chemical called azadirachtin that is the insecticide part of neem oil. This chemical prevents the bug from eating the plant or leaf, so it starves to death. I actually think its the smell, but I couldn't find any documentation to back me up on this! Lol! 
But it does not seem to interfere with beneficial insects, animals, or delay the harvest in any way, even though it must be reapplied every few days. This is really its only downside, the lack of persistence so to speak, but many gardeners consider this to actually be another benefit. 


Medically speaking, neem oil has been proven to be useful in treating a myriad of illnesses and diseases. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiparasitic properties. Meaning that it truly has earned its reputation as "the curer of all ailments", as it was called in ancient Indian texts that date back to as early as 2000 to 4000 BC. All of the neem tree is, and has been used. In fact, it has been so well used, that this tree is considered good luck, and was often referred to as the "village pharmacy." 

This amazing oil can be found in medicines, toiletries, pest control, cosmetics, plant and animal nutrition and other products. Its pharmaceutical effects cover a wide spectrum too, from skin-care and health, to agriculture and veterinary uses. In fact, it is even being taughted as the active ingredient in the first male birth control pill. Studies dating back to 1959 show neem to be an effective spermicidal and [female] contraceptive agent. And, in 1993, published reports state that "vaginal creams and suppositories made with neem oil are quickly becoming the birth control method of choice in India." 


So what can this fascinating oil do for you? Well, as already stated, you can use this in the garden quite easily. Simply mix 2 Tablespoons of neem oil, with a bit of dish soap, and a gallon of water. (The dish soap acts as a surfactant, so the water and the oil will mix). Spray infested plants with this mixture and the insects will avoid the sprayed leaves, and die of starvation. It is also good as a personal bug repellent when it is incorporated into a body lotion. 
For athlete's foot, just add a few drops into a foot soak, powder, or salve recipe. For dandruff and head lice, add some neem to olive oil, or the carrier oil of your choice, and massage it into the hair and scalp, leaving in for one hour, then shampooing out. Repeat this treatment once a week for 3 weeks, or as long as the problem persists. 


Some people like to add neem leaves into their baths, or just a few drops of the oil,  before soaking. Adding neem oil to your liquid hand soap will create an antibacterial soap, where adding it to bar soap or facial clay, will make a great acne treatment. Neem can be added into your soap, up to 30% of your base oil, if you can stand the smell, or in amounts of 5-10% for superfatting. 
  
 The neem seed kernel is very rich in fatty acids, and essential fatty acids, as well as vitamin E, making it an excellent moisturizing oil, with regenerative properties. While it is known to boost the immune system and to treat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, as well as other, specific health issues [ranging from malerial fevers, Aides and leprosy, to gangrene, tuberculosis and heart disease] its strong, strong smell, and its bitter taste, has limited its commercial viability for all intent and purposes. If, however, you can get past the scent, or sufficiently mask its odor with essential or fragrance oils, you will find that this oil has amazing, useful, healing qualities. Because the lye process naturally cuts some of the scent (and the fragrance can further cover the odor), soap makes an excellent delivery mode for neem oil. Neem oil is especially good for treating  skin lesions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, chicken pox, diaper rash, insect bites, and even hot spots on animals. So making a soap bar with these maladies in mind is a natural and smart use of the oil! If, however you still cannot stomach the scent, try Karanja Oil, which is pressed from the seeds of the Pongam Tree, a cousin of Neem, which offers similar therapeutic benefits.  




Warning wise, I want to reiterate, neem oil is VERY strong. Large doses of Neem may even be toxic. I highly recommend additional research and study before using this oil internally. You should understand that it has been documented, infants have died as a result of the internal use of neem.
No matter what, children and pregnant or nursing women should NOT use neem oil. Long term use of this oil has been linked with liver and kidney dysfunction. Additionally, if you are on any type of medication you should consult with a physician before using Neem oil. There simply has not been enough studies done on drug interactions with this oil. Be sure to keep oil away from children and pets.

*For references please see the reference page, link is at the top of this post

Frankly Speaking Friday- Hemp and Hemp Seed Oil

This weeks Franky Speaking Friday is all about the weed, the doobie, the blunt, and for you, um, slightly older folks, the J, the Mary Jane (now that's a dater isn't it?). Okay, the Pot plant, there I said it! Lol. We are going to learn all about the cannabis plant! Why? Because the cannabis plant seed oil is our next exotic oil! 

Commonly referred to as the marijuana plant, hemp seed oil is derived from the seeds of cannabis sativa. What everyone needs to understand, is that there is a difference between the hemp that is grown and the hemp that is smoked to get high. The cannabis sativa is the variety grown for industrial use, while cannabis sativa indica is what is smoked. The indica variety generally has poor fiber quality, and is primarily used for the production of recreational and medicinal drugs. While the difference between the two types of plants can be seen microscopically, the major difference is the amount of tetrahydrocannaninol that they possess. Commonly referred to as THC, this is the stuff that gets you high. The oil seed and fiber varieties of Cannabis, the ones that are approved for industrial hemp production, only produce minute amounts of THC, typically below 0.3% of the psychoactive drug that gets you high. While cultivars of Cannabis that are grown for smoking, called marijuana,  can contain anywhere from 6 to over 20% of THC.

The world's leading producer of hemp is  China, with smaller production in Europe, Chili, and Korea. In fact, hemp is legally grown in just about every country of the world, except for the USA. Yet, more hemp is exported to the United States, than to any other country in the world. The reason being, the US government does not consistently distinguish between the cultivars of cannabis, rather, it treats all cannabis plants the same, assuming they all are  high in THC.

Hemp has a tremendous commercial value. Aside from making a great food and cosmetic grade oil, hemp is also used to create sewing material, paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction materials, alternative fuel, health food, and medical products. 

As a crop, hemp is very environmentally friendly. It requires little to no pesticides, no herbicides, and no fertilizers. It is extremely low maintenance, growing just about anywhere. It is an ideal crop for organic sustainable farming, unlike cotton, especially because it is so quick and easy to grow. Also,  it does not require pesticides or a warm climate, nor does it require much rainfall to produce a good crop. It is said that growing just a few acres of this plant yields 8 times more paper producing material than 2 acres of trees. Additionally, hemp grows to maturity within 4 months of its planting, where trees take many, many years. 

The seeds of the cannabis sativa plant, hemp seed, contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain a healthy, human life. No other single plant source has the essential amino acids in such an easily digestible form, nor has the essential fatty acids in as perfect of a ratio to meet human nutritional needs. This oil has the lowest amount of saturated fatty acids at 8%, and the highest amount of the polyunsaturated essential fatty acids at 80%, of any other oil. (Flax seed oil comes in second at 72% combined total essential fatty acids.) Hemp's nutritional advantage over other sources of fats and protein lies in this highly desirable balance of basic nutrients. Simply put, when eating hemp seed, nut and/or oil, our body obtains much of what it needs without the caloric ballast of non-essential nutrients. Yet, unlike fish and flax oil supplements and assorted protein powders, properly processed hemp seed offers these benefits with the additional bonus of a nice flavor profile. Simply stated, hemp tastes good! Fresh, cold pressed hemp oil, and hemp nuts, particularly when toasted, add a nice, nutty flavor to many dishes and pre- packaged food products.

Its seeds can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, sprouted, made into hemp milk (akin to soy milk), prepared as tea, and used in baking. The fresh leaves can also be eaten in salads. Products include cereals, frozen waffles, hemp tofu, and nut butters, to name a few. A few companies produce value added hemp seed items that include the seed oils, whole hemp grain (which is sterilized by law in the United States, where they import it from China and Canada), de-hulled hemp seed (the whole seed without the mineral rich outer shell), hemp flour, hemp cake (a by-product of pressing the seed for oil) and hemp protein powder. Hemp is also used in some organic cereals, for non-dairy milk, somewhat similar to soy and nut milks, and for non-dairy hemp "ice cream." Hempseed is an adequate source of dietary fiber, calcium, and iron, and contains antioxidants and chlorophyll. Whole hemp seeds are also a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese. In fact, hemp seed oil has specifically been shown to help with the following medical conditions;  Osteoporosis, Menopause, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Premenstrual Symptoms, High cholesterol, high blood pressure, Weight loss, Poor circulation, Crohn's disease, Cardiovascular disease, Gall stones, Kidney degeneration, Immune deficiency, Irregular hormone levels, HIV virus, Tuberculosis, Low energy levels, and Low metabolism. And, in studies, adult users of hemp seed oil have also reported softer skin, stronger nails and hair after only a few weeks of using 1-2 Tablespoons of oil per day. 

Hemp seed and hemp seed oil is usually very safe for those unable to tolerate nuts, gluten, lactose, and sugar. In fact, there are no known allergies to hemp foods. However, in order to avoid conversion of the polyunsaturated fatty acids to unhealthy peroxides, which occur at higher temperatures, hemp oil and the hemp nut are both best used cold, it should never be fried. It may be easily added  to salad dressings, pasta, vegetables, smoothies, soups, sauces, hummus, guacamole, pesto, or other foods, after the heating/baking has been completed. If you must heat the oil, it may be gently heated for a short period of time.


Hemp seed oil is cold pressed and semi-refined by straining methods only (not heat methods), so the color is pretty light, similar to sweet almond oil. It holds a natural, medium (to light) odor that is distinctive, yet not unpleasant. As a cosmetic oil, hemp seed oil can be added to any body care or cosmetic product, including creams, lotions, facial or body oils, massage oils, shampoo, conditioner, shaving products, lip balms, soap, and just about any other product you can think of. The good percentage of proteins, natural fatty acids, vitamins and enzymes which the hemp seed oil possess, are easily absorbed through the skin, and as a result, any skin care formula made with this oil, will provide a more vitamin and mineral enriched product. Its anti-oxidants and moisture balancing properties help to heal and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it soft and non-greasy. It fights inflammation and protects the skin from moisture loss, acting as an emollient, all of which make it a great choice for any type of skin, but especially for sensitive skin issues. This oil is specifically known to help eczema, psoriasis, and acne, as well as dry scalp, and dry and/or damaged hair. 

When added to your cold process soap, the hemp seed oil will help to produce a stable lather, and  will leave the skin silky and smooth, even when only used to superfat a batch. As a base oil, you will need to keep its use to less than 40% of your total batch, in order to avoid too soft of a bar, but really, 20-30% is a better amount. Just keep in mind that, because of its low amount of saturated fats, hemp seed oil will spoil fairly quickly, keeping only for about 6-8 months. It is a sensitive oil that will degrade under excessive light exposure, and any fluctuation in temperature, therefore it must be kept in the refrigerator.

*See the Reference Link at the top of the page for references and bibliography for this and other posts.

  

  

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What's Happening Wednesday- Exotic Oils Cont.- Emu

I know that it is hump day, or for our purposes, What's Happening Wednesday, but today I thought that I would keep going with exotic oils, and discuss Emu oil. I really didn't think you would want to hear more about my soap making, which is still what I am up to, and will be for a few more Wednesdays to come! Lol ! So let's discuss emu oil!


Emu oil comes from the prehistoric, Australian bird, the emu, a large, flightless, ostrich like bird. This bird is thought to have wandered the Australian outback for the past 80 million years, and can still be found there today! Its history can be compared to the Native Americans' relationship with bison, as this bird provided the Australian Aborigines with food, clothing, shelter, medicine ( it was used for wounds, aches, pains and skin protection) and spiritual sustenance. The emu has been valued by the Aborigines for thousands of years, especially for its healing powers, and it does indeed, have many natural qualities which are  beneficial to our health.

Emu oil is a by product of the Emu, after it is processed for it’s meat. It has a thick layer of fat, just under its skin on its back, and this is what is rendered, refined and sterilized, to get the oil that is used in cosmetic and medical applications. Unlike many other oils, the emu oil is beneficial to your health without the addition of any additives, either herbal or chemical. In fact, the fatty acid composition of this oil is very close to the correct composition of the fats found in [normal] human skin. Emu oil has been proven to be an intensive pain reliever in cases of chronic arthritis, strains, sprains, and muscle pain. And it is known to  possess; anti-inflammatory properties, with effects comparable to ibuprofen;  bacteriostatic properties, meaning that it inhibits the growth of bacteria, but may not prevent it; Hypoallergenic properties, which means that it is not known to cause skin irritation or have any side effects; is a non-comedogenic oil, meaning that it does not clog the skin pores; and it is [also] widely used as am accelerant for wound healing. 

When you look at the contents of emu oil, its benefits are not all that surprising. Emu oil contains Vitamin E, which is a major antioxidant and healing agent; Vitamin A, which is a known skin repairer, as well as another antioxidant; Linoleic acid, which helps to ease muscle and joint pain; Oleic acid, a proven skin cell regenerator and anti-wrinkle agent; Sapogens, which are skin softeners; and Terpines, which are known antiseptics.

Skin care products made with emu oil, because of the powerful antioxidants, will be great skin cell regenerators, and anti-wrinkle agents, actually improving the condition of aging skin. Additionally, products made with this oil are great moisturizers, capable of smoothing and conditioning even the roughest and driest of elbows, knees and heels. It is also good for reducing the itching and flakiness that often accompanies dry skin issues, as it forms a protective barrier after it moisturizes and lubricates the irritated skin. Emu oil is actually  a skin-thickening agent, as well, and it affords the skin protection from wind and other weather conditions, especially that of the face and hands. 

Not too mention the fact that, because of its natural bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, and cell regeneration properties, this oil would make a great addition to homeopathic balms. In fact, it is gaining popularity in the sports medicine world, as its properties make it a natural choice for balms to treat  muscle aches, pains, strains, pulls, sprains, and cramps, as well as minor wound repairs, especially when scarring could be an issue. It is also a good oil for recipes intended to; lessen the pain of chronic conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia;  lesson the pain and scarring of burns and sunburns; reduce the appearance of stretch marks; alleviate the discomfort of eczema, psoriasis, diaper rash, and shingles; as well as ones that reduce the infection, pain and swelling of insect bites and/or stings. Emu oil has also been shown to help reverse hair loss, so you may wish to consider it in a shampoo or scalp conditioning type of treatment.  

 The anti-inflammatory, as well as the other benefits, of emu oil are considered to be long lasting. Because the human skin lacks phosphorus, and the fact that the chemical composition of emu oil is very similar to that of human skin, this oil, and its beneficial substances, can  quickly and easily penetrate the skin, to a deep level. Then, after it's applied to the skin, this odorless product goes on to moisturize and condition the skin's surface, leaving it smooth and non-greasy. Even after repetitive washings, the skin will still reap the benefits of an application of emu oil. 

When searching for warnings for the use of emu oil, all I found was a note that warned that not all emu oil sold on the market today is of animal origin. Just what the impostors are made with, I didn't find, nor did I find a way to tell whether you had an impostor or not. So my only suggestion is to purchase this oil from a reputable company. Additionally, I found warnings that some  

emu Oil is only rendered and filtered, not purified, so therefore it can contain contaminants. So be sure to read the fine print, and always choose the refined product. 

*As with all these posts, please make sure to read the references/bibliographies by clicking on the Reference tab at the top of this page.

More Exotic Oils- Evening Primrose Oil

The Evening Primrose is a pretty yellow flower, that blooms daily, in the evening, just around sunset, hence its common name. One of my nicest memories is of my Granny and me sitting outside, waiting for the flowers to bloom on this really cool bush! I was amazed by the fact that I could watch them open. In fact, they open pretty quickly once they begin, and I was always rather disappointed when the final ones bloomed. 

Oenothera Biennis is the botanical name for the Evening Primrose, and the oil we use comes from the seeds of the flower blossoms. While I purchase evening primrose oil from a vendor that sells organic, cold pressed oil, this oil is typically distilled by the use of the chemical, hexane. And, while my Granny's bush was intentionally planted, evening primrose is actually a common wildflower, found throughout much of North America, Europe, and even in parts of Asia. 

Historically speaking, Native Americans boiled and ate the nutty flavored root of the evening primrose for nutritional support, as well as a medicinal treatment for sore throats and stomach aches. Additionally, the leaves were used as poultices, to treat bruises and hemorrhoids. European settlers took the root back to England and Germany where it was introduced as food, and became known as German rampion, because it grew as a crawling vine. sore throats, stomachaches, hemorrhoids, and bruises. It was also a Shaker medicine that was sold commercially. 

In the past 20 years, the evening primrose oil has gained popularity for its medicinal properties, and it is now a common dietary supplement. It is prized for its abundant food, health, cosmetic and medicinal benefits. It is because of its many health benefits that the Evening Primrose Seed Oil is a wonderful supplement. It can be taken alone, or drizzled on top of salads or other prepared meals. While it is suitable for food use, you do have to exercise caution, as excessive ingestion may cause bloating or abdominal upset. You also need to exercise caution during the purchasing phase, as some manufacturers blend their Evening Primrose Seed oil with another carrier oil, which degrades the potency and the quality of the evening primrose, and it may also adversely affect your health, if it is not blended with another food grade quality oil.  

The seeds of the evening primrose are a rich source of linoleic and gamma linoleic acid, omega 6 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids. You may remember that essential fatty acids cannot be produced by our own bodies, so they must be obtained from dietary sources. While there are bad omega 6 fatty acids, like those typically found in the standard American diet, the good kind, the health-promoting kind, is what is contained in the evening primrose oil. It is these essential fatty acids that support our physiological functions, and are required, in order to maintain healthy cells and healthy body functions. These essential fatty acids affect our cardiovascular, immune, nervous, and reproductive systems. In addition, Evening Primrose Seed Oil has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, blood thinning and vessel dilator properties.   It has been claimed to be shown as an effective treatment for the following conditions; cramps, mood swings and breast tenderness associated with premenstrual syndrome, nerve damage associated with diabetes, memory deficiency related to alzheimers, attention deficit disorder, damage from multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus related inflammation, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, and/or legs, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, symptoms related to Raynaud's disease, hypercholesterolimia, fibrocystic breast disease, skin ulcerations, osteoporosis, irritable bowel syndrome,  weight loss, rashes, hives, and high blood pressure. 

Evening primrose oil is absorbed quickly into skin, where those essential fatty acids help to inhibit bacterial growth while encouraging antibodies, thereby  enabling the skin to better defend against infection and/or inflammation. For those with extra dry skin it is a wonderful soother, but it works especially well for the treatment of acne, rosacea, premature ageing, and eczema. Also, it is an excellent source of nourishment for the scalp, hair, and the nails. In fact, more than 30 [human] studies have reported the benefits of evening primrose oil for treating eczema and dermatitis. One study, of 1,207 patients, reported that evening primrose oil helped skin conditions that included itching, crusting,  swelling, and redness. 

If you suffer from extra dry skin, you can either apply this oil directly on the skin, or add some into your soap, lotion or cream recipes. A small amount of it  goes a long way, so it doesn't take that much to be effective. In fact, it is recommended that you use only 1 tablespoon of oil per 5 pounds of soap, when making cold process soap, but it should never be heated, so only add it at trace, never as a base oil. In other products, just add it after the heating phase is complete. It is best to store this oil in the refrigerator in order to help prolong its shelf life, which tends to be about six months

Even though herbal remedies are a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating diseases, I do have to caution you to seek professional care prior to beginning any new treatment plan, as many herbs and oils contain ingredients and/or possess properties that could interact with certain conditions and/or medications. That being said, Evening primrose oil is generally considered safe, when its used in recommended dosages, and the reported side effects are mild and rare. However, if you are taking this oil as a supplement, and you develop stomach pain and/or loose stools, you are probably taking an excessive dose, and you should speak with your physician about the issues. This oil is considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation, but, since it possess blood thinning properties, should not be taken if you have any type of blood disorder or bleeding problems. Additionally, no omega 6 supplement, including evening primrose oil, should be used by people who have a seizure disorder, as it may induce seizures. 

Frankly Speaking Friday- Exotic Oils cont. - Borage Seed Oil

Borage oil is a light, sweet, pale yellow oil that is pressed from the seed of the borage plant, botanically known as Borago officinalis. The plant has pretty, delicate, star-shaped, blue flowers and is grown primarily in the USA and China. Because of its foliage, it is also known as "star flower" oil. This oil penetrates the skin well, but does leave a slight oily feeling. 

Although it is very pricey, it is also very prized, both in the skin care and the culinary fields. It is so highly valued because it has the highest, natural concentration of essential fatty acids found in any plant source. It contains a whopping concentration of gamma linolenic acid, GLA, which is an Omega-6 fatty acid. Omega-6 fatty acids are important because they cannot be produced by our bodies, so they have to be obtained from our food. Since essential fatty acids are necessary for proper brain function, the regulation of our metabolism, and for the growth and the health of our bones, hair, and the skin, this oil is beneficial internally and topically. In deed, because of its essential fatty acid content, it has the potential for a great many uses.  

This oil is used in aromatherapy, as well as skin care. It has been widely studied for its ability to calm and reduce inflammation, and it has been successfully used to alleviate the pain, swelling, and joint stiffness that is associated with rheumatoid arthritis.  It  has also been used, with positive results, for many different skin disorders, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, rosacea, and prematurely matured skin.  

In fact, it may just prove to be invaluable in the prevention and/or treatment of many different ailments and conditions, and studies have begun to prove this. The condition list is quite long, and ranges from breast inflammation and cramping that accompanies menstruation, to respiratory conditions, to dry eye and elevated eye pressure, to nerve disorders which are associated with diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The conditions being treated are varied, affecting the entire body, and all of the body systems. Borage seed oil is even being studied as an effective treatment for Alzheimer's, assisting with the nerve impulses of the brain. 

In food preparations, borage oil just needs to be mixed into the meal prior to serving. It must be used cold to take full advantage of its health benefits, and, in fact, should never be heated. Anyone that is on medication should seek counsel before using borage seed oil, because potential interactions could occur. Additionally, the safe use of this oil during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, so to be safe, it should be avoided until more is known. This oil (or any other for that matter), should not be used in high doses or over a long period of time without discussion with your health care provider. It may cause loose stools and/or minor abdominal complaints.   

For cosmetic applications, it can either be applied directly to the skin, or it can be added to skin care formulas after the heat phase. Because of its high cost, Borage seed oil is generally blended into another carrier oil(s), often at a 10% rate. This provides the benefits of the oil, without breaking the bank.

One of the few downsides of this oil, is that the essential fatty acids which  make it a great, healing oil, also cause it to be prone to rancidity, since essential fatty acids deteriorate quickly. Therefore, the shelf life tends to max out at approximately six months, but actually, can be as soon as four months. To further protect it, it should be stored in the refrigerator, and kept away from both natural and artificial light.

After spending the weekend making soap, Monday's post will be another great "Make it Yourself" day! Just what will you be making? I could say it's a surprise, or I could just tell you like it is and say that I haven't decided yet! Lol. Whatever it is, it will easy to accomplish and useful, so check in on Monday and see what it is! Conversely, if you have a project request, just let me know and I will do my best to present it!
More exotic oil notes will be coming your way, with the Teaching Tuesday post! Camelina, Emu, and Evening Primrose Oil will all be coming up next week!  




  

What's Happening Wednesday- More Exotic Oils- Baobab Seed Oil

What's happening this Wednesday? It's the beginning of the month, so I am making my order lists for materials. I have so much to do and so little time! But, I did just find out that the Spring show I do annually, is set for April 30, this year. Since this is a bit later than it has been in the past, I am extremely happy, as it gives me a couple of extra weeks to prep! As for today, later on I will be making another batch of soap, and I still need to unmold and cut the Daisies soap that I made the other day. 


Yesterday we learned about Babassu oil, and today we will explore another exotic oil, Baobab seed oil.


Baobab oil is cold pressed from the seed of the Baobab tree, probably the best known tree in all of Africa. This tree grows throughout Africa, and is extremely intriguing. To begin with, it is an extremely long-lived tree. There are currently specimens estimated to be 3,000 years old, and they expect that they can live to be 6,000 years old. The tree and its fruit have unique characteristics, which make it instantly recognizable. It has hand shaped leaves, and bears an ovoid fruit that has a woody shell, which is covered in green-yellowish, velvety hairs. The crown of the tree is very spread out, and is seasonally devoid of any foliage, while the trunk is gray, extremely  thick, and fibrous. It can grow to be over 25 cm in circumference. Its unique attributes has earned this tree the nicknames of "the upside down tree" and "the monkey tree".


The botanical name is Adansonia digitata, and it actually belongs to its own family, Bombacaceae. The inside of the fruit shell has contains a lot of seeds which are embedded in a powdery white pulp. This pulp is soaked in milk or water, the pulp is then eaten, and the [soaked] liquid is drunk. It is very nutritious, and the beverage is said to be quite refreshing. In fact, the fruit may have more vitamin C than oranges and exceed the calcium content of cow's milk. Seeds not used for food are gathered and sent to be cold pressed for the oil, which is a golden yellow, and possesses a slight nutty odor/scent. 


This oil is very rich and nourishing, extremely emollient, and highly moisturizing. It is quickly absorbed into the skin, it doesn't clog the pores, nor  leave a greasy residue. It contains almost equal amounts of saturated, mono-saturated, poly-unsaturated, and fatty acids, as well as containing vitamins A, D, E and F. Vitamins A and F are involved in the rejuvenation of cell membranes, while vitamin E, a great antioxidant, helps to fight the signs and symptoms of aging skin. This oil is ideal for dry, damaged skin, and offers soothing properties that will benefit eczema and psoriasis as well. Studies have shown that, after four weeks of use, this oil was "extremely effective" in improving skin elasticity. In other words, goodbye dry, wrinkly skin! One of its better benefits is that it alleviates the pain caused by burns, while it helps to heal the skin. This oil encourages the regeneration of the skin cells and tissue, as it improves the tone and elasticity, and it accomplishes this in a relatively  short period of time.


Baobab oil is suitable for all skin types. Because it is so highly moisturizing and nourishing, it only requires a few drops to massage into the skin. Additionally, this is not a cheap oil to import, so, even though it doesn't have any usage limits, it is often incorporated into recipes in small, albeit effective, amounts. Its mild odor is easily masked with fragrance, and it is extremely stable, with a shelf life of two or more years. Its superb benefits make it appropriate for skin and hair, so it can be useful in all of your bath and body products.     

Teaching Tuesdays - Exotic Oils For Skin Care, Babassu

With Winter having pounded our skin for months now, and Spring and Summer looming just around the corner, I thought that we would discuss some of the more "exotic" oils that are great for skin care, and in skin care products. For basic information on the usual carrier oils, see this post. We will begin with Babassu oil.


Babassu nuts were first brought to the world’s attention in 1914, when there was a shortage of coal, due to WWI. All eyes went to Brazil as these nuts were used whole, as fuel, in the boilers of Brazilian steamships. Additionally, the rubber workers of the Amazon valley have used these nuts as fuel, for the smoking of rubber for many years. Of course, the Brazilian natives have used the babassu nut since their earliest recollections, for many things.  


Babassu oil is cold-pressed from the kernels of the Babassu nut, which is the hard-shelled nut of the babassu palm tree. This palm tree grows in the Amazon valley of Brazil (South America). It's botanical name is Orbignya oleifera.  It is a tall palm, with an erect trunk, growing up to 20 m tall, and it can be 30-40 cm in width. It has a crown of erect, spreading leaves, which have long, narrow lobes, that make the leaf look somewhat like a branch. It bears flowers that  are unisexual, and the fruits, the Babassu nuts, look like small coconuts, about  6 cm long, and pointed. They can be yielded in large amounts, making this an easily sustainable crop. 


As the nuts ripen, they fall to the ground, where the women, called babassu breakers, pick them up and break them open. The kernels are then sent to the processing plants where the oil is extracted. The oil itself is somewhat transparent, being light yellow to white in color. It presents as a solid, at room temperature, and has a medium viscosity. Due to the fact that this oil is cold pressed from the kernel, it contains about 70% lipids (fats), and is ultra-refined without the use of chemicals. Its chemical and physical properties are very similar to coconut oil, and it is used in much the same way. In fact, it is considered to be a cost effective substitute for Coconut oil when making cosmetics such as soaps, creams, lotions, balms, massage oil, lipsticks, and [any] other anhydrous formulations. Aside from cosmetics, this oil is routinely used in food processing, beverages, fuel, lubricants, medicine, and cleaners.


Babassu oil is composed mainly of lauric, myristic and oleic acids. Since it has a high portion of lauric and myristic acids, which have melting points [relatively] close to our body temperature, when it is applied to the skin it  draws the heat from the skin to initiate its melting. This heat transfer actually produces a nice cooling effect on the skin. It can be used to provide a protective barrier against the climate and pollution.  Babassu oil forms a soothing, protective coat when applied to the skin, providing a nice, soft, velvety feeling. It is a superior emollient, and is beneficial for all skin types, working equally well on dry and oily complexions. It is quickly absorbed by the skin, conditioning and moisturizing, without leaving a greasy residue. It has several benefits, but is best known to heal dry, itchy, and/or eczema afflicted   skin, as well as dry, itchy scalps (when used in shampoos). 


For the soap makers out there, this oil makes a great addition to your soap. According to most information sites, there is no maximum usage recommendation, but I did see a max of 6% on one vendors web site. All agree though, it creates a nice hard bar, with fluffy, stable lather, again, having properties that are similar to coconut oil. It should be stored in a cool area, and out of direct sunlight. Depending upon who you listen to, it should remain good for anywhere from 1 to 2 years. 


*As per usual, see the "References" tab for the bibliography for this, or any other post. 


Next oils post we will look at Boabab and Borage oils!