 |
Argan oil.
So here is a page introducing you to the argan tree and the oil derived from it. I will also provide you with a simple recipe that will leave you with amazingly supple, healthy-looking hands. The recipe can also be used on the dry, ashy, neglected skin of your feet. Give this treatment a try, and you won't believe the results. The recipe can be found further down this page. Argan oil is increasingly used in skin care products, and still enjoys wide use in the culinary field.
The tree grows exclusively in the semi-arid region of southwestern Morocco. Outside that area, the only ther specimen you'll find is in the temperate house at Kew. This is an endangered tree, and it's under the protection of UNESCO, which created a biosphere reserve in Morocco back in 1998. The tree, with its gnarled and thorny trunk, can easily reach 25 feet in height, and live to the ripe old age of 150-200 years. It is a delicacy among the local goat population. The animals apparently cannot get enough of the fruit it produces. It's not unusual to catch several goats climbing the tree to get to the fruit! For this reason goats are kept out of the area where the tree grows until the fruits - called "drupes" - are harvested between July and September. The typical tree produces approximately 20 pounds of fruit per year, and the right to collect the fruit is controlled by local moroccan laws.
The oil is extracted from the seeds. It is a very labor-intensive operation that is carried out by women only. The soft pulp is removed and used as animal feed. The hard nut is cracked between two stones, by hand. The seeds are removed and roasted. Later, the roasted seeds are grounded to a paste using a little water, and the oil is extracted by squeezing the paste between the hands. Unroasted argan oil is used in the treatment of various skin disorders, including eczema.
In Morocco, the product is sold as a luxury item. It is rich in essential fatty acids, contains 80% unsaturated fatty acids, and resists oxidation better than olive oil. The beneficial properties of this oil have found favor in european countries where it's used not only for cooking, but also employed in the formulation of beauty products. At Je Me Souvien I sell one body butter containing argan oil. Very rich, to be used sparingly.
Here’s what you’ll need for the intensive hands/feet treatment: sugar or salt, lemon juice, argan butter or lotion, a pair of clean, snug-fitting cotton gloves. Wash your hands with warm water. Scrub them well with sugar or salt. If the skin is cracked, the salt may sting a little too much. Pay particular attention to the cuticle areas and between your fingers/toes. Spend a good minute or so gently scrubbing. Rinse well with warm water, then pat dry. Apply several drops of lemon juice and massage your hands with it until it is absorbed. You may feel a stinging sensation, but that’s normal.
Next, take the cotton gloves and warm them up. If you put them in the microwave, make sure they don’t catch fire!! Placing the cotton gloves over a heat register or towel warmer is a much better - and safer - idea. While the gloves get toasty warm, apply a liberal amount of argan oil body butter or creamy lotion. Again, pay special attention to the cuticle areas and between digits. If you skin absorbs the butter, apply some more. Put on your warm gloves and go to bed. In the morning, remove the gloves and wash your hands with warm water and a mild soap. Apply a thin layer of moisturizing lotion, and you’re ready to go! I personally would NOT use argan butter in the morning. It’s rather too thick. Excellent alternatives include the Argan creamy lotion. I hope you will give this recipe a try; you will love it! Thank you for visiting www.romancing-the-soap.com
JMS Argan oil products
|
