Moringa oil is derived from the seeds of Moringa oleifera, a small tree native to the Himalayan mountains. Virtually all parts of the moringa tree, including its seeds, roots, bark, flowers, and leaves, can be used for nutritional, industrial, or medicinal purposes.
For this reason, it’s sometimes referred to as “the miracle tree.” It’s also called the drumstick tree, in reference to the shape of its seed pods.
Moringa seeds have a high oil content and contain many nutritional compounds, including mono-unsaturated fats, protein, sterols, and tocopherols. Moringa oil is produced through a variety of industrial processes, including solvent extraction and cold-pressing.
It’s available as an essential oil and as a cooking oil. It’s also an ingredient in hair and skin products.
Moringa oil has been used as a medicinal folk cure and as a topical, cosmetic ingredient since ancient times. Today, moringa oil is manufactured for a wide range of personal and industrial uses.
Cooking oil. Moringa oil is high in protein and oleic acid, a monounsaturated, healthy fat. When used for cooking, it’s an economical, nutritious alternative to more expensive oils. It’s becoming a widespread nutritional staple in food-insecure areas where moringa trees are grown.
Topical cleanser and moisturizer. Moringa oil’s oleic acid makes it beneficial when used topically as a cleansing agent, and as a moisturizer for skin and hair.
Cholesterol management. Edible moringa oil contains sterols, which have been shown to be a trusted source to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
Antioxidant. Beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol found in moringa oil, may have antioxidant and anti-diabetic benefits, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Anti-inflammatory. Moringa oil contains several bioactive compounds which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, when both ingested and used topically. This may make moringa oil beneficial for acne breakouts. These compounds include tocopherols, catechins, quercetin, ferulic acid, and zeatin.
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
For hair and skin:
2 cups of a carrier oil, such as almond oil, that has moisturising properties
5 to 10 drops of moringa oil
5 to 10 drops of a beneficial essential oil, such as lavender or tea tree oil
Directions
Mix the oils together in a glass bowl or bottle. Apply to the hair, massaging into the roots. Cover hair, and leave on overnight. Shampoo and condition hair as usual.
OR
Massage gently into your skin on the face or the body. Tissue off any excess.
Moringa leaves vs. oil
The entire moringa tree is used for various purposes. Keep in mind that moringa oil comes solely from its seeds, not from its leaves or flowers.
Some purported benefits of moringa may not be derived from the oil, but from other forms, such as leaf powder.
For example, some evidence suggests moringa leaves may be beneficial for diabetes control. The leaves may also contain antibacterial properties.
