The Benefits of Moroccan Argan Oil are amazing. Almost all of us have heard of this oil lately, since in recent years it has become fashionable in its use for cosmetics due to its number of beneficial effects for the body.
Argan Oil has become so famous for its cosmetic use because, among many other benefits, it nourishes the skin and hair and slows down the aging process. Due to this and many other reasons, the famous New York Times editorial called it “liquid gold” .
Where are the Argan Trees found?
Argan oil (Argania spinosa) is extracted from the fruit of the Argan tree. It takes 35 kilos of its peculiar fruits to obtain a single liter of the precious oil. This is why this oil is the most expensive in the world (50-100 euros per liter).
Argan trees are found in the southwest of Morocco, especially in the area between Marrakech and Essaouira. They are very well adapted even to extremely harsh and dry environmental conditions. The roots of the Argan tree grow deeply even under arid and semi-arid soils.
If you are going to travel through this area of the country, you can take the opportunity to visit the Argan trees that are found especially on the route that connects Marrakech with Essaouira , there you will see these trees and the picturesque picture of the goats climbing the trees . Keep in mind that many goats are climbed into the trees so that the tourist stops to see them and gives the caretaker a few coins.
You can also take advantage and stop for a few minutes at a cooperative in the area to see the extraction and production process of this beneficial oil .
How is the extraction of Argan Oil carried out?
For its extraction is necessary a slow and laborious process developed exclusively by women, who are in charge of both its collection and the impeccable extraction of the inner kernel after breaking its hard inner stone. They crush them by hand, using only two stones, sitting on a mat on the ground, lulled by the hypnotizing murmur of the constant pounding.
Apart from its aesthetic and nutritional value, the pure oil extracted from the Argan seed also possesses excellent homeopathic properties. Even before modern humans discovered the usefulness of oil derived from the Argan tree, an ancient Moroccan tribe called Berbers were already aware of its benefits. The edible fruit of the tree was part of their diet. Over time, some members of the tribe would discover that the oil extracted from the seed could also be used for cosmetic and culinary purposes.
The proven benefits of Argan oil, a honey-colored substance with a hazelnut-like taste are quite impressive and has been the subject of numerous scientific studies.
It is one of the rarest and most unique oils in the world.
The Argan tree is known to the Berber people as the “Tree of Life.” Pure Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the nuts of the Argan trees.
Today, Argan trees grow exclusively in the semi-desert soils of the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve. In 1999, UNESCO declared the Argan forests a World Heritage Site to protect the World Biosphere Reserve from extinction due to deforestation and desertification. Marrakech is famous for Argan oil in Jamaa L’afna, also you can find a travel agency that offers the 3 days desert tour Marrakech where you can pass by an Argan oil feminine cooperative.
The pure Argan oil industry is almost as unique as the oil itself. All Argan oil sold today comes from cooperatives run by Moroccan women and the profits are shared among the women of the Berber tribes. The money earned from its sale finances literacy projects in the area and, most importantly, provides a livelihood for women, especially widows and divorcees. And even more incredible is that income from the sale of pure Argan oil is reported to feed 10% of the Moroccan population.
Cosmetic use of Argan Oil
The cosmetic use of this oil is one of the big Benefits of Moroccan Argan Oil, thanks to its natural ingredients that are rich in elements that help cell renewal and regeneration, offers exceptional benefits in the largest organ of the body, the skin. This oil is also rich in various fatty acids and contains vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. The combination of fatty acids and antioxidants make this Moroccan oil very beneficial not only for the skin, but also for use on the hair or in cooking.
Berber women since ancient times have used this oil to rejuvenate their skin, combat the effects of the weather, and nourish their hair and nails. In recent years, this product has gained fame and has become one of the important ingredients in modern anti-aging products.
There are two main modalities for Argan oil: the cosmetic oil, with a lighter color, and the culinary oil widely used in traditional Moroccan cooking, which is darker and has a stronger flavor and aroma.
Here we show you 20 Benefits of Moroccan Argan Oil
Here we are going to see how to use pure Argan oil from Morocco and how to benefit from all its beneficial properties and also learn about its contraindications. We will also show you where you can buy argan oil while having your tours in Morocco, being the purest and highest quality on the market.
Pure Moroccan Argan oil used internally has been shown to have positive effects on cancer, cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory disorders. When applied externally, it heals everything from scars to infections to split ends to stretch marks.
Treats wrinkles:
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants that help fight wrinkles and other skin changes.
2. For brighter skin:
Mix Argan oil with a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of rose water to create in 30-minutes perfect mask.
3. Fight against oily skin:
Apply Argan oil on the face – it acts as a regulator of sebum production, reducing the skin’s production of natural oils.
4. Fight dry skin:
If you have dry skin, argan oil will help to achieve a balance in its moisture thanks to its rich content of fatty acids.
5. Fight against dandruff:
If you suffer from dandruff, apply Argan oil on your hair and massage your scalp, wrap your hair in a warm towel and leave on for 20 minutes before washing as usual.Then you can see the difference: the oil will soothe, moisturize and nourish your scalp.
6. Prevents hair loss:
Following the same process as if treating dandruff, this will strengthen the hair. Just remember to distribute the oil evenly throughout the scalp.
7. Enhance your products:
You can even use Argan oil to enhance your shampoo and conditioner. Just add a few drops to your regular products for an ultra-moisturizing experience.
8. Repair damaged skin:
Cracked skin on the feet can be unsightly. Nourish cracked heels with Argan oil and then cover your feet with socks. This performs a deep hydration that penetrates the skin cells.
9. Soften your hands:
Massage your hands with Argan oil every night to rehydrate and strengthen, saving your nails from brittleness and cracking.
10. Eradicate stretch marks:
Reduce the visibility of stretch marks by massaging Argan oil into your tummy, chest, hips and thighs.
11. Treat skin conditions:
Eczema and psoriasis can be relieved thanks to its soothing power.
12. Moisturize your skin:
If you are prone to dry skin, you can be sure that through the application of Argan oil on the affected area, you can enjoy soft and moisturized skin.
13. Soothes sunburn:
Sunburns can be painful, but you can heal and soothe those hot spots with a touch of Argan oil.
14. Treat bites and stings:
Attenuate redness and soothe itching from insect bites by applying Argan oil.
15. Fight infection:
Argan oil is also known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, providing natural and organic care for your skin.
16. Helps your joints:
Relieve arthritis and rheumatic problems by massaging your body daily with Argan oil. This helps reduce pain and helps improve your quality of life.
17. Use as a baby product:
Your baby can show off a moisturized and healthy skin. Use Argan oil to moisturize without having to use potentially harmful chemicals and additives found in many baby products.
18. Combat the effects of the sun:
Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to flaky skin. Applying Argan oil helps to make these areas disappear.
19. Clarify the skin is one of the Benefits of Moroccan Argan Oil:
If you are prone to acne, Argan oil can regulate your oil production. It moisturizes your face without making it oily, and also softens the feel of the skin.
20. Soothing effect:
Relax in a warm bath with argan oil. Add a few drops to the bath water and enjoy the natural goodness.
Buy pure Argan Oil from Morocco
Pure Argan oil can be bought or purchased in natural product stores in Morocco and in cooperatives, most of these can be found on the way up the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech, or on the road from Marrakech to Essaouira. However, you should be careful with oils that contain Argan oil as one of their ingredients, and be especially selective when buying Argan oil for internal use as it can even be dangerous as you do not know the real ingredients in this product. There are camps that cook with Argan oil when needed as an example Merzouga luxury desert camp in the Erg Chebbi Sahara.