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Jojoba Oil: What You Should Know
When it comes to the world of essential oils, carrier oils are the unsung heroes, quietly but powerfully enhancing our experience. Think of them as the reliable sidekicks, supporting the superheroes – essential oils – in their quest to heal, soothe, and uplift.
Carrier oils act as a medium to dilute potent essential oils, ensuring their safe application on the skin. This dilution not only prevents skin irritation but also allows the essential oil to be absorbed more effectively, maximizing its therapeutic benefits. Now, choosing the right carrier oil is not a one-size-fits-all adventure. Different carrier oils offer their own array of benefits and characteristics. Ask, what do I seek in a carrier oil? Is it hydration, nourishment, or perhaps a bit of both?
The Many Benefits Of Jojoba OilPromotes the faster healing of wounds Prevents joint inflammation Prevents joint stiffness and pain Boosts immunity Has cleansing properties Exhibits anti-oxidant properties Has a silky texture Has non-greasy emollient properties Is readily absorbed by the skin Is non-comedogenic (does not block the skin's pores) Provides a natural alternative to silicone in skin care products Moisturizes and tightens skin Enhances skin elasticity Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and premature aging Makes skin less oily Enhances the brightness of skin's complexion Deeply cleanse pores and balances oil production Regulates pigment production Offer soothing relief to skin that has been burned Repairs scarred and blemished skin Is a natural lubricant for skin and hair Prevents moisture loss from skin and hair Promotes the growth of shiny hair Maintains the softness, suppleness, and radiance of skin and hair Smooths hair follicles Stimulates the growth of thicker, longer and stronger hairEliminates dandruff and thereby support hair growth Maintains hair's texture, colour, and strength Boosts healthy nail growth Provides oxidative stability Helps products remain potent when stored for long periods of time Cultivation And ExtractionThe Jojoba shrub can reach heights of up to 19 feet, resembling a small tree with several stems. Its leaves are characterized by their thickness, broadness, and grey-green hue. These oval-shaped leaves feature a waxy coating that aids in water retention, while their aerodynamic design, standing upright with only their tips exposed to the sun, facilitates the capture of wind-borne pollen from male flowers. Additionally, the plant's taproots extend deep into the soil in search of water, contributing to its resilience in arid environments. The Jojoba shrub thrives in the hot, arid regions of southern Arizona, southern California, and northwestern Mexico, particularly within the Sonoran Desert, the Colorado Desert, and the Baja California Desert. Plantations of Jojoba can also be found in other desert and semi-desert areas worldwide, including Argentina, Australia, Israel, Mexico, Peru, and the United States. These robust shrubs are highly resilient to high temperatures but are susceptible to damage or death if exposed to frost. They demonstrate remarkable adaptability, thriving in nutrient-poor and saline soils, as well as enduring drought conditions. Ideally suited to light, well-drained sandy soil with a pH range of 5 to 8, Jojoba plants require minimal water and cultivation. However, growth may be impeded if established in heavy soil, resulting in delayed blooming and increased susceptibility to fungal diseases. The Jojoba shrub produces flowers that are distinguished into male and female genders, with each type growing on separate plants. These flowers typically lack petals and are supported by 5 or 6 sepals. Female flowers, small and pale green, cluster at the nodes of the plant. In contrast, male flowers, larger and yellow, also form clusters. Pollen from the male flowers plays a crucial role in fertilizing the female flowers, a process facilitated by wind or insect pollination. Following successful pollination, the female plants produce seeds abundant in oil.
The History of Jojoba OilDerived from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis botanical, the liquid commonly known as Jojoba Oil is not really an oil but rather a liquid wax ester. The name Jojoba originates from the word Hohowi, a name given to the seeds – or the “beans/nuts” – by the O'odham, a Native American tribe that discovered the versatility of Jojoba seeds. The tribe created and used an anti-oxidant paste made from the nuts for skin and hair care purposes. For medicinal purposes, they used the nut paste or the oil to treat sores, wounds, and burns. Jojoba seeds were sometimes ground to make hot beverages, and in emergency situations or during hunts and raids, the Jojoba nut was eaten for survival. Pregnant women believed that consuming the seeds would ease childbirth. The nut is comprised of 50% wax, which is generally not easily digested, thus it would pass through the intestinal tract of humans unaffected, functioning as a laxative. In the 18th century, the indigenous peoples softened the Jojoba seeds by heating them and then, using a mortar and pestle, they ground the seeds into a buttery salve that was meant to be applied as a cosmetic ingredient to the skin and hair as an ointment and a conditioning agent. This salve also functioned as a softener and preservative for animal hides. Before the widespread use of Jojoba Oil, sperm whale oil products were more pronounced in cosmetic applications; however, when whale hunting became illegal in the 1970s, sperm whale products and the other animal waxes that were used were being banned from being imported. They were replaced with Jojoba Oil products, as it was discovered that Jojoba Oil was similar to its predecessor in terms of providing moisture for all skin types, and in many other ways Jojoba Oil was superior. Today, Jojoba Oil is largely known and used for its hypoallergenic cosmetic benefits. Comprised of nearly all the vitamins and minerals required to facilitate the growth of healthy skin and hair, it continues to prove its effectiveness on the most sensitive of skin. Jojoba Oil has demonstrated countless advantages such as its ability to hydrate while cleansing and controlling oil production, its ability to improve the look and feel of skin and hair, and its ability to reduce the look and feel of irritation and unwanted marks. Jojoba Oil UsesWhen utilized for medicinal purposes, Jojoba Oil harnesses its antiseptic and disinfectant characteristics to eradicate harmful bacteria from the skin. It also provides relief from inflammation, wounds, itching, dryness, and redness associated with various skin conditions like chafing, chapping, burns, eczema, fungal infections, and psoriasis. Specifically on acne-prone skin, it acts as a potent cleanser, effectively unclogging pores and alleviating irritation with its anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically, Jojoba Oil serves as a non-comedogenic, swiftly absorbed yet enduring emollient, delicately moisturizing, calming, enriching, and smoothing the skin sans any greasy residue. It purifies the skin, warding off harmful bacteria and fostering the emergence of a rejuvenated, clarified, and supple complexion. With a chemical structure akin to the skin's natural sebum, Jojoba Oil is seamlessly integrated and tolerated, proficiently harmonizing the skin's oil production to mitigate acne by regulating excess oils within the pores. Forming a hydrating and protective shield, it shields the skin from environmental aggressors. When applied to nails, Jojoba Oil fortifies and hydrates the cuticles, averting potential nail bed infections. When incorporated into hair care routines, Jojoba Carrier Oil invigorates and stimulates hair growth. It aids in regulating sebum production, thereby alleviating scalp oiliness. For dry and unruly hair, Jojoba Oil's conditioning attributes impart manageability and tangle-free texture. Applied to damp hair, it envelops the hair shaft with its liquid wax, safeguarding against moisture loss. With its antibacterial and antifungal properties, Jojoba Oil combats dandruff and addresses damage such as breakage, leaving a refreshing sensation on the scalp. Its comprehensive strengthening benefits foster faster, healthier hair growth, resulting in a visibly thicker and glossier appearance.
Contraindications For Olive OilThere are no known contraindications for jojoba oil when used in hair and skin applications. Safety InformationPlease note, the International Federation of Aromatherapists do not recommend that Essential Oils be taken internally, unless under the supervision of a Medical Doctor, who is also qualified in clinical Aromatherapy. In addition, Essential Oils must be properly diluted before use, in order to avoid any damages to property or adverse physical effects (including injury or bodily harm). This article is for information purposes only. All Ezzential Oils products are for external use only unless otherwise indicated. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and it should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or under the care of a medical practitioner. Please refer to our policies for further details, and our disclaimer below. |
