Extracts from plants popular as essential oils have gained immense popularity over the years. Be it in aromatherapy, for stimulating circulation, aiding a night of restful sleep, mood improvement, or alleviating pain, or symptoms of sun-damaged skin, all concentrated plant extracts obtained through mechanical pressing or distillation methods boast bountiful wellness incentives.
These fragrant oils have been given the name essential oil because ‘essentially’ they retain the natural smell and flavor of the original herb. From a range of many such fabulous oils available on the planet, baobab oil is a hero ingredient in the skin and hair care realm.
Known as a natural source of health and beauty, Baobab plant extracts are widely available in the form of powder and as oil. The nutrient-dense baobab fruit is derived from one of the amazing wonders trees of the world Baobab tree. Predominantly, native to certain areas of Africa, Australia, and Arabia, India is home to only very few baobab trees. It is also referred to as the Tree of life because Baobab is replete with an array of components, vitamins, and minerals that can boost health, skin, and hair. The tree is about 20 meters in height and can go up to a whopping 40 meters in diameter. Interestingly, the baobab tree can live for more than 5,000 years!
Why Is Baobab Fruit Special?
The leaves, plants, and bark of baobab are edible and rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Baobab fruit (also called monkey bread) instead of falling upon ripening, stays on the branch and dries there transforming its velvety coating into a hard shell. The fruit is plucked deseeded and made into powder form or cosmetic oils. Baobab fruit is believed to have a shelf life of three years!
Here are some fabulous health and beauty incentives of this precious plant as a food and as a beauty product:
- Baobab fruit pulp is rich in magnesium, iron, potassium, and zinc that boosts immune function, and helps to protect against seasonal infections
- Baobab leaves are rich in B Vitamins and calcium whereas the seeds and kernel are great sources of fiber, fat, and essential minerals like zinc, phosphorus, and potassium. All these compounds help to reduce chronic fatigue and strengthen bones
- Baobab is a natural probiotic that helps to support gut health and aid a smooth digestion process
- Baobab extracts have a significant amount of Vitamin C which is known for enhancing collagen and is a vital actor in the synthesis Its cellular metabolism benefits help to augment a younger looking skin and fight the signs of aging
Also Read: Jojoba Oil Is Great For Indian Skin
Bounteous Baobab For Hair Health
Fresh baobab is hard to procure and thus is commonly available in powder and oil form. Besides consuming it for warding off diseases, it is known for its hair-befitting properties and is used in hair masks, hair serums, hair oils, shampoos, and conditioners. While there are no possible side effects, a health practitioner’s advice is always recommended before adding it to the diet.
Easy to apply topically, here are some simple ways to add this beauty potion to your hair care regime.
For Dry Hair
Baobab is best for manes that are super dry, dehydrated, frizz-prone, and damaged. Replete with Vitamin E, baobab oil helps in the management of a dry scalp. Apply it as standalone oil or to protect against excessive dryness and split ends add a few drops of jojoba oil. Warm both and massage into roots to get an abundance of hydration.
For Falling Hair
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in baobab oil are very effective against pattern hair loss. To use, blend baobab with a few drops of argan oil and a few drops of tea tree oil. This trio will deeply penetrate the roots and prevent drastic hair fall.
For Chemically Treated Hair
If your tresses have been color-treated or highlighted, mix baobab oil, argan oil, chia seed oil, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. This blend will have the presence of palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid besides omega-3 and 6 fatty acids which will repair chemically treated hair and bring them back to good health.
For dandruff-Prone hair And Itchy scalp
Vitamin A and E in baobab oil can cure dandruff by speeding cellular turnover and aiding blood flow to the follicles. A wonderful way to cure dandruff is by mixing jojoba oil, sea buckthorn oil, and baobab oil. Gently massage into damp skin and leave it overnight. Baobab oil will cleanse the itchy scalp. Jojoba and sea buckthorn oil help to get rid of dandruff by optimizing the delivery of oxygen and nutrition into hair follicles.
For Building Hair Collagen
Collagen is responsible for supporting the scalp’s thickness. Much like the skin, a collagen-deficient scalp cannot hold hair follicles and can increase the risk of hair loss. For best results, warm a few drops of baobab oil and gently massage into the scalp. Omega fatty acids in baobab oil will strengthen hair cuticles and build collagen.
What Are Its Additional Wellness Benefits?
Apart from hair health incentives, here is how this amazing oil can be beneficial for dermal health:
Moisturizing Dry Skin
Baobab oil is rich in omega fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and F, and deeply hydrates and nourishes dry, flaky skin. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly, leaving the skin soft and supple while restoring its natural moisture barrier.
Promoting Skin Elasticity
Baobab oil is packed with antioxidants and collagen-boosting properties and helps improve skin elasticity and firmness. Regular application reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks, making it an excellent choice for anti-aging and post-pregnancy skincare.
Healing And Soothing Irritated Skin
Baobab oil soothes irritated skin with its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, including eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn. It calms redness, reduces inflammation, and accelerates healing, making it ideal for sensitive or damaged skin.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile: Preeti Sharma
Preeti Sharma has a master’s in electronic media and mass communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
References:
Physicochemical Properties, Fatty Acid Composition, and the Effect of Heating on the Reduction of Cyclopropenoid Fatty Acids on Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Crude Seed Oil
Upendo L Msalilwa, Edna E Makule 2,3, Linus K Munishi, Patrick A Ndakidemi
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7822711/
https://irispublishers.com/ojcp/fulltext/extraction-and-characterization-of-baobab-tebaldi.ID.000506.php
