Morocco is an exotic location known for its many unique qualities and its argan oil. Argan oil is extracted from the fruit of the argan tree, grown primarily in Morocco. As the tree dwindles in existence by its use for charcoal production, it has had to be protected by the government. Consequently, argan oil is expensive because of its limited production.
This Moroccan oil is extracted primarily by hand by local women using rocks to crack the hard nut. The nut is then roasted with water inside a stone quern. After the roasting, the nut is grinded into a paste and the oil is extracted by squeezing the paste by hand. Dry pressing is the new modern method of extracting argan oil, which has been adopted by many producers.
Once extracted it can be put to good use for cooking, as a beauty treatment or as a treatment for skin diseases. If consumed, it has been found to have antioxidant properties and other properties that lower LDL cholesterol, making it an excellent food for the fight against cardiovascular disease. As a beauty treatment, Moroccan argan oil has many uses. It is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, so it is used as a facial treatment and protectant when applied at night. It reduces fine lines and softens skin all over the body. It can also be used to strengthen nails and soften cuticles. It makes a wonderful soothing bath when added to the water. When you emerge from the bath, you will have wonderfully moisturised skin.
The healing properties of this Moroccan treasure have a quite remarkable range. If applied to dry skin, it can soften scars and stretch marks. It can ease skin problems like eczema, psoriasis or acne. If massaged into the roots of your hair and rinsed out after about an hour, it can relive psoriasis of the scalp. As an anti-inflammatory, it is applied to arthritic joints or sports injuries and it relieves the pain.
It has been used traditionally by Berber women as a skincare product. Western beauty and cosmetic companies are discovering its many beauty applications and are starting to use it more and more. It can be used to slow the ageing of the skin due to its high concentration on saponins and vitamin E. It also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles by restoring the skin’s water lipid levels. It also neutralizes free radicals helping to protect skin from pollution and it protects skin against winter’s cold and harsh weather.
Moroccan oil has many applications and all of them are beneficial to mankind. If the argan tree can regain its former prominence, we will continue to have access to this wonderful substance. As a food it provides healing and nourishing properties. It’s nutty flavour makes a tasty salad dressing and it is great for cooking grilled vegetables. Moroccan oil is rich in magnesium, potassium and essential fatty acids. It protects the skin against the elements and enriches it with moisture. It restores the skins natural properties and it acts as an anti-inflammatory. With so many uses, argan oil is truly a national treasure.