What is Moringa Oleifera?
Moringa Oleifera is a fast-growing tree native to North India. It derives from the Moringaceae family and is cultivated in many tropical regions in continents such as Africa, Asia and America. It is otherwise known as the miracle tree because its leaves, flowers and seeds are used to make medicine. Traditionally, Moringa Oleifera had many different uses. It was originally used by the ancient Mauryan warriors of India, who drank the moringa leaf extract on the war front. The Moringa was known to relieve stress and pain for the warriors and provided them with greater strength to fight. Today it is commonly used for its medical properties and health benefits. This is not only for skincare and haircare, but also to cure symptoms of asthma, high blood pressure and anaemia.
What is in Moringa Oleifera?
Moringa Oleifera is used for its leaves, flowers, bark, seeds and roots. Its leaves are known to be high in protein, Vitamin C, Iron and Potassium. This makes the plant extremely valuable in not only cosmetic products but also as an important food source to combat malnutrition in parts of the world. It also contains antiviral, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What are the benefits of using Moringa Oleifera in general?
Moringa Oleifera is known to provide a wide range of benefits in health and beauty products due to being packed with essential nutrients. When used on the skin, Moringa seed oil contains protein which helps protect skin cells from germs and bacteria. It is also known to reduce inflammation, as Moringa provides a protective mechanism in responding to injury or infection in the body. A further benefit is that Moringa is known to reduce the risk of heart disease, by its seeds effectively lowering cholesterol levels. There is an extensive list of health benefits such as: protecting the liver; treating diabetes and asthma. It is an extremely versatile and effective plant for its wide range of uses.
What are the specific benefits of Moringa for the skin?
Moringa seed oil is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Vitamin C helps in reducing the signs of ageing by rejuvenating dry and rough skin. It is full of antioxidants that prevent radical damage. The build-up of radical damage can create the formation of wrinkles on the skin. All vitamins are useful in protecting the skin from ultraviolet sun rays whilst preventing skin cell destruction. Moringa is also known to contain moisturising properties which can nourish the lips. The plant is heavily used in lip balm products because of its smooth and moisturizing effect. In addition, Moringa has commonly been used to treat acne and spot breakouts. This is due to its anti-bacterial properties which work to deeply cleanse and soothe the skin. Other popular benefits include Moringa reducing soreness and redness on the face, as well as formulating a glowy complexion.
Why has ARLENE MIJALENKO chosen Moringa Oleifera as an ingredient for her formulations?
For personal reasons, Moringa Oleifera has been chosen for its superfood skin power as a natural ingredient. It is harvested in my home, specifically from North East Argentina. I wanted to use natural ingredients from the heart of my home to be incorporated into my skincare because of its wide advantages for the skin. From my research and personal use, I discovered Moringa Oleifera contains a high concentration of oleic acid. This makes it a highly moisturising oil, absorbing deep into the skin to benefit dry and sensitive skin. It also protects the skin barrier, protecting it from external stress such as pollution. Its high level of antioxidants makes it the "green smoothie" for the face. Its benefits for not only the skin but health and beauty in general, make it an unmissable ingredient. I encourage all to give it a try.
References
Ali, A., Akhtar, N. and Chowdhary, F., 2014. Enhancement of human skin facial revitalization by moringa leaf extract cream. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, 2, pp.71-76.
Atli, A., 2018. 6 Science-Based Health Benefits of Moringa oleifera.
Cadman, B., 2020. Moringa: Benefits, side effects, and risks.
Meireles, D., Lopes, L. and Gomes, J., 2021. A review of properties, nutritional and pharmaceutical applications of Moringa Oleifera: integrative approach on conventional and traditional asian cuisine.
Ritu, B., 2021. 3 amazing benefits of Moringa for your skin.
RxList. 2019. Moringa: Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Interactions.
Saini, R., Sivanesan, I. and Keum, Y., 2016. Phytochemicals of Moringa oleifera: a review of their nutritional, therapeutic and industrial significance. 3 Biotech, 6(2).