BAOBAB OIL
(organic)
BOTANICAL NAME: Adansonia digitata
WHAT IS IT
The impressive baobab tree is long-lived and may grow to be several thousands years old with the oldest trees reaching the age of 5000 years and a height of 20 meters and a trunk girth of 25m.
On average Baobab trees start flowering at around 20 years of age however depending on climatic conditions and rainfall it can take up to 200 years before a baobab tree sets its first flowers.
The huge creamy white flowers bloom once a year and interestingly only open at night and only for a short 24 hour period. They emit a smell of rotting meat which attracts pollinating bats, moths flies and ants, however the seed oil itself possesses a light, nutty, almost floral scent.
Baobab oil is cold-pressed from the little brown kidney bean shaped seeds of the baobab fruit.
The oil has a deep golden/amber yellow colour and a silky texture.
WHERE DOES IT COME FROM
The Baobab tree is native to Madagascar, Africa & Australia with 6 out of the total of 9 species native to Madagascar.
Its name derives from the Arabic word “bu hibab” from – fruit with many seeds.
Our Baobab oil comes from Ghana, is fairly traded & sustainably harvested by women's cooperatives.
WHY IS IT SO GOOD
French Botanist, Michel Adanson, for whom the tree is named for, once remarked that of all the trees he had studied, the Baobab “is probably the most useful tree in all.” Apparently, he credited consuming Baobab juice for his good health. In fact, people have been consuming various parts of the Baobab since ancient times for its extremely high concentration of calcium and vitamin C. In addition, parts of the Baobab contain high levels of protein and vitamin A.
Baobab oil is indeed very rich in nutrients – contains all three omega fatty acids: omega 3, 6 and 9, as well as containing some rare fatty acids and a host of vitamins including vitamins A, D, E and K.
It nourishes and improves skin elasticity, soothes dry skin and helps to smooth and prevent stretch marks.
The Baobab is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and the high anti-oxidant content of the oil helps to rejuvenate damaged skin cells and fight damaging free radicals.
One study* has found that all parts of the Baobab (including the pulp, leaves and seeds) not only have higher IACs (Integral Antioxidant Capacity) than orange pulp, but also higher IACs than strawberry, bilberry and kiwi pulp. The IAC represents the combined capacity of hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants.
Baobab oil has got a lovely light and nutty smell and a silky smooth texture. It is easily & quickly absorbed by the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
* www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814606005954
YOU CAN FIND BAOBAB OIL IN FOLLOWING PRODUCTS: