Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy

SHOREA STENOPTERA SEED BUTTER

CAS Number	91770-65-9
Chem/IUPAC Name:	Shorea Stenoptera Seed Extract is a fat obtained from the seeds of the Shorea stenoptera, Dipterocarpaceae
EINECS/ELINCS No:	294-851-7
COSING REF No:	58513

8 Wonderful Benefits Of Monoi Oil For Hair & Skin

Monoï oil has a number of important side effects, such as moisturizing the skin and hair, slowing signs of aging, balancing cholesterol levels, soothing inflammation, preventing oxidative stress, minimizing allergic reactions, protecting against sun damage, strengthening the immune system and promoting good sleep habits. There are some side effects associated with the use of monoi oil too when consumed, namely skin irritation, or gastrointestinal distress when consumed. Although internal consumption of monoi oil isn’t necessarily toxic, the oil can be quite expensive and is primarily intended as a topical oil for the skin and hair.

What is Monoi Oil?

This unique tropical oil is made by soaking the petals of Tahitian gardenias in coconut oil. As the name of the flower implies, this oil is native to French Polynesia and nearby regions, where both the flower and coconut trees grow in high numbers. The gardenias are also known as Tiare flowers, so this natural remedy is sometimes referred to as tiare oil. This powerful oil has been used for thousands of years by the native people of that region, and is considered culturally sacred, due to its use in religious ceremonies, as well as its protective abilities against harsh environmental conditions. The combination of pure organic coconut oil with the high levels of vitamin E and methyl salicylate found in the gardenia flowers makes this a very effective tonic for the skin and hair. ^[1]

Benefits of Monoi Oil 

People regularly use monoi oil if they are suffering from dandruff, dry skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema, split ends, frizzy hair, sunburn, skin discoloration, wrinkles, blemishes, age spots, hair loss, a weak immune system, oxidative stress and other inflammatory conditions.

Prevents Dandruff

This tropical oil is an excellent moisturizer, so when it is rubbed into the scalp, it can effectively lock moisture in the scalp, which will prevent dry skin and flaking. If you regularly struggle with dandruff, daily use of this oil for 1-2 weeks, or whenever your dandruff flares up, should be enough to neutralize the symptoms.  ^[2]

Prevents Split Ends

When your hair dries out, or becomes nutrient deficient, it can no longer retain its shape, and begins to break down, resulting in split ends. Making a hair mask with monoi oil, however, can help increase your hair strength and prevent breakage and split ends, leaving your hair looking and feeling healthy. If you suffer from constantly frizzy hair, this oil can also quickly tame your locks!  ^[3]

Treats Hair Loss

Premature hair loss is the result of a number of factors, including poor nutrient delivery to the hair, environmental stress, topical infection or insufficient blood flow, among others. If you want to stimulate the growth of new hair, and protect the hair that you already have, massaging your scalp with monoi oil once per week is a quick and simple strategy to protect your hair. ^[4]

Increases Immunity

The skin is the largest organ in the body, and is also the most exposed to the elements. This means that your skin is constantly bombarded by airborne pathogens, allergens and irritants that can do damage. The antibacterial and anti-fungal effects of coconut oil, in combination with the counter-irritant effect of methyl salicylate, can keep your skin (and the rest of your body) safe from infection. ^[5]

Acts as Anti-aging Agent

Coconut oil has a number of antioxidant properties that make it one of the most highly sought after and useful natural remedies. When you use monoi oil on the skin, you will similarly benefit from the effects of lauric acid, which can seek out free radicals and neutralize them before they can cause oxidative stress. This can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve the feel of your skin, and even lower your risk of skin cancer.  ^[6]

Soothes Sunburn

Spending time out in the sun is a part of life, but protecting your skin against solar radiation is crucial. Although this oil shouldn’t be fully relied on as a sunscreen, research has shown that it can block some UV rays from penetrating the skin. If you do suffer from a sunburn, monoi oil can be applied to soothe the inflammation, eliminate pain, and speed the healing process of the burn. ^[7]

Moisturizes Skin

Many people in French Polynesia use monoi oil as a full-body moisturizer, often covering themselves in this oil before going sailing or diving. This will help their bodies retain moisture, even when exposed to salt water, wind and the harsh sun – an important health effect for those who want to keep their skin moist and nourished all day long! ^[8]

Reduces Inflammation

There are many different health conditions that can cause inflammation on the skin or scalp, but the methyl salicylate found in monoi oil can help eliminate many of those underlying factors. Thanks to its soothing and moisturizing nature, this oil can ease the pain of those conditions, while also protecting against further inflammation, including conditions like psoriasis, eczema and acne. ^[9]

Side Effects of Monoi Oil 

There are very few side effects associated with monoi oil, but some people have reported skin inflammation and gastrointestinal issues when this oil is consumed. For internal consumption, coconut oil is a better choice than monoi oil, as it isn’t highly perfumed, and is also less expensive. Furthermore, if you are pregnant, you should also speak with a doctor before adding monoi oil to your regular health regimen. 

Skin Irritation

For people with sensitive skin, this oil may cause inflammation or irritation, due to the powerful chemicals in the gardenia flowers, as well as the organic coconut oil. To avoid this, apply a small amount of this oil to a patch of skin and watch for any negative reactions before adding it to a larger area of skin or scalp. 

Stomach Problems 

On the rare occasion when this oil is consumed internally, it can cause stomach upset, as the concentrated nature of the methyl salicylate in the petals of the flowers may cause inflammation. Generally speaking, this oil should not be consumed.

Pregnancy

There are a number of potent side effects of this oil that could potentially be passed along to a fetus, so its use during pregnancy is generally not recommended. However, use of coconut oil is not strictly forbidden during pregnancy; speak to your doctor if you are interested in using monoi oil during your pregnancy term. 

Reference: Organic Facts.com: John Staughton (BASc, BFA) 

Shea Butter-7 Amazing Benefits Of Shea Butter

Shea butter is a unique substance made from raw fats extracted from shea nut that can be used both internally and externally to improve your health.

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is made from a type of fat that is found in the nuts of an African tree – the shea tree. Scientifically known as Vitellaria paradoxa, when the fat is extracted from the nut, it can be processed in various ways to make it more versatile and useful, both in food preparation and cosmetic products. As a triglyceride, this butter is primarily composed of oleic and stearic acids, both of which have a wide range of effects on human health. ^[1

Shea Butter Benefits 

The most recognized benefits of shea butter may include effects like moisturizing the skin, reducing inflammation, preventing premature aging, protecting cardiovascular health, and lightening the skin, among others.

May Moisturize The Skin

The fatty acids in this butter may be popularly known to penetrate the skin and deliver nutrients and antioxidants deep into the skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy. ^[3]

be popularly known to penetrate the skin and deliver nutrients and antioxidants deep into the skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy. ^[3]

be popularly known to penetrate the skin and deliver nutrients and antioxidants deep into the skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy. ^[3]

May Aid In Hair Care

Using shea butter on your scalp and hair may help increase growth, prevent hair loss, and reduce inflammation. This simple fix may lead to less dandruff. ^[4]

May Be Anti-Inflammatory

Applying this substance to itchy or irritated areas of the body may help quickly relieve discomfort and soothe conditions like psoriasis, acne, eczema, or rosacea. ^[5]

May Help In Skin Care

Regularly applying this fat-rich butter to your skin may eliminate rough skin and boost skin tone by encouraging circulation and repair of damaged skin cells.

May Prevent Premature Aging

The antioxidant activity of certain active compounds in this butter, such as linolenic and linoleic acid may help prevent oxidative stress in the skin, which may reduce the likelihood of wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of premature aging. ^[6]

May Help Remove Stretch Marks

Following rapid weight change (pregnancy, crash diet, etc.), your body may develop stretch marks that can be difficult to eliminate. Thanks to the skin-lightening properties of this natural butter, you can make the stretch marks less noticeable. ^[7]

May Protect From Diaper Rash

Popular with new parents, shea butter may help protect your child against one of the most irritating and annoying conditions of infancy – diaper rash. Daily application of a small amount can keep them feeling good all day!

How to Make Shea Butter?

Although shea butter is widely available around the world, some people like to prepare their own at home, which isn’t particularly difficult, provided you have the time and are willing to put in the effort! Let us take a look at the recipe below.

Shea Butter Uses

This butter has been used in countless ways throughout history, but some of the most popular applications may include its use as a skin lotion, hair conditioner, cooking oil, and soap. In terms of its strictly medicinal uses, it might be known to help relieve inflammation and the pain of insect bites, while also stimulating regrowth, repair, and better health of the skin. While most commonly known as a cosmetic product, this versatile butter continues to appear in new products every year. ^[8]

How to Store Shea Butter?

If you make your own butter, or have an excessive amount and want to store it safely, be sure to wrap it in saran wrap and store it in a plastic bag. From there, place it in a cool, dry place. If exposed to excess heat, or fluctuations in temperatures, the butter can melt and harden over and over, which will gradually reduce the potency of the active ingredients. Unrefined shea butter should have a shelf life of roughly 2 years when stored properly.

Shea Butter Side Effects

Some of the side effects of this specialty butter may include allergic reactions, as well as heart issues when used in excess. As mentioned, most people use this butter for cosmetic purposes, and that can result in irritation or inflammation for those with sensitive skin or allergies to shea. Furthermore, using an excessive amount of this “butter” in your cooking can result in weight gain or even obesity, due to the concentrated fat levels. ^[9] 

Reference:Organic Facts: by John Staughton (BASc, BFA)

Mango Seed Oil 

Mango seed oil is the oil which is extracted from the stone of the fruit named Magniferia indica. The oil has soft yellow color. It is also called Mango butter or Mango kernel fat. At room temperatures, it becomes semi solid and is widely used in sun care balms, baby creams, moisturizing products and hair products. This oil has the melting point of 90-108°F (3242 °C). It could be prepared at home by removing the coat of the seeds and mixing the seeds with olive oil and coconut oil. This mixture is sealed in a glass jar in sunlight for about 7 to 10 days.

History

The tree of Mango is native to South Asia of Eastern India. It belongs to the family Anacardiaceae and is the relative of cashew and pistachio trees. The mango seeds were carried by Persian traders to the Middle East. It was introduced to Africa by the sea faring Portuguese in the 16^th century which was taken to Brazil in 1700s. The seeds of mango traveled with humans to Middle East, Asia, South America and East Africa around 300 or 400 A.D. Mango was spread to North Americas which reached in early 19^th century to Mexico and in 1860 to United States. The mangoes which are sold in U.S were grown in Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Haiti and Guatemala. It was grown commercially.  Today, it has become widely popular.

Health Benefits of Mango seed oil

Mango is a widely known fruit which is popular for its pulpy flesh. Along with that the seeds also possess various health benefits. The oil is extracted from the Mango seed that offers health benefits that are listed below:

1. Cholesterol balance

The seeds of Mango promote the blood circulation in the body that helps to lower the cholesterol. The people having high cholesterol level should add Mango oil to their diet.

2. Lowers blood sugar

It is helpful for the diabetic patients because it helps to reduce the level of blood sugar by maintaining the level of energy. It slows down the absorption of glucose in the body.

3. Reduce acne

Mango seed oil lowers the appearance of acne in the skin. The use of Mango scrub regularly could be helpful.

4. Maintain healthy weight

The fruit and seeds of Mango help to manage the weight effectively. It promotes the blood circulation and metabolism of the body as it is loaded with various vitamins and nutrients.

5. Prevent dandruff

Mango oil is also used to treat dandruff. Massage hair with Mango seed oil and wait for about minutes. It nourishes the scalp as well.

6. Healthy hair

Mango oil is loaded with fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that helps to provide nourish and shiny hair.

Traditional uses

• It is used in lotions to moisturize and nourish skin.
• It prevents drying of skin.
• It lowers skin inflammation and cures skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema.
• Use this oil daily to avoid hair fall and prevent hair greying.
• It also makes the hair black, long and shiny.
• Due to the high content of Vitamin D, A, antioxidant, phytochemicals and beta-carotene, it effectively removes blackheads, dark patches on skin and treats blemishes.
• It also heals stretch marks, scars, and rashes such as acne, eczema and dermatitis.
• It provides relief from insect bites and soothes itchy, inflamed and peeling skin.
• It possesses anti-aging properties that erases wrinkles and lines.
• It eliminates dandruff from the scalp and nourishes it.

Precautions 

• People allergic to mango should avoid using this oil.
• It should be used in moderate amounts.
• Avoid its excessive use.
• Do a patch test before use.
• Pregnant and breast feeding women should consult the health practitioner for use.

Other Facts        

• Mango seed oil is used in the cosmetic products such as shampoos, soaps and lotions.
• It is semi-solid at room temperatures.
• It is used in suncare balms, baby creams, moisturizing products and hair products.

Mango seed oil facts