Traditional Uses of Argan Oil
In the dry desert of south Morocco exists an amazing tree that has been the subject of worship amongst the Moroccan people for ages. The prickly stem and wide branches of the argan tree bear a small fruit—the argan nut—from which argan oil is derived.
This substance that Berber people have been using traditionally as a food ingredient for many years also has many other uses: as a medicine and cosmetic product. That is why it is called “liquid gold.” To this end, this article will take you on a discovery tour about argan oil by providing you with an insight into its history and how the people of Morocco and other northern African regions have used this particular oil in the past.
A Brief History of Argan Oil
Argan oil extraction is methodical and time-consuming, and the traditional techniques have not been changed a lot throughout the years. It was done by Berber women who would pick up the drops, and the dried fruits were dessicated; the nuts were then expelled, crushed between two stones, and then ground and pressed to extract the oil. This traditional method not only brought bright results in terms of oil quality but was also an important component in the social and economic lives of Berber people.
Uses of Argan Oil in Classic Cooking
One of the most important spices is in Moroccan food. Due to its healthy value-added benefits and tasty, peanut-like taste, it has turned out to be a common delicacy in most homes. Here are some of the ways argan oil has been used in traditional Moroccan cooking:
Tagine enhancement
For instance, in the preparations of Moroccan tagines—slow-cooked stews—a final touch of argan oil is added directly to the stews before being served. Not only does it make the dish delicious, but it also gives a rich look to the food item in question.
Salad dressing
Because argan oil has a special taste, it is perfect for use in salad dressings. Conventional wisdom is to streamline it with lemon juice and a pinch of salt for a basic vinaigrette.
Couscous topping
Most Moroccans complete the couscous meals through the addition of argan oil to the couscous, giving both the tasteful and nutritive value of this basic food stuff.
Classical Uses of Argan Oil in the Cosmetic Industry
Apart from its uses in the kitchen as a cooking oil, people have for many years used Argan oil for body beauty. The traditional uses of argan oil in cosmetics are numerous and varied.
Hair care
The Berber women of North Africa have been using the argan oil in order to condition, not to mention shield the hair from the harsh weather that is prevalent in the deserts. It has been used, particularly in the scalp or on wet hair, whereby it is allowed to seep into the hair and sculp before being washed off with water, which will make the hair easier to detangle and shiny and healthy-looking.
Skin moisturizer
One of the most frequent uses of the term traditional uses of argan oil is when used as a skin lotion. It has a high quantity of vitamin E and fatty acids, for which the canola solution is utilized in opposition to parched skin and wrinkle lines.
Nail and cuticle care
For the brittle nails and to soften the cuticles, argan oil has been popular in making lotions. In the past, it was applied to nails and the surrounding skin as a measure of enhancing nail health.
Lip treatment
Natural solution to chapped lips You should note to use a little amount of argan oil on your lips. Moroccan women, for instance, did use argan oil by rubbing it on their lips when in the deserts.
Other Pharmacological Uses and Medicinal Benefits of Argan Oil
The traditional uses of argan oil extend into the realm of folk medicine, where it has been employed to treat a variety of ailments:
Joint pain relief
Argan oil has been used in the treatment of pain and stiffness around the joints in the traditional market. It is usually applied on the skin over the painful area, especially in cases such as arthritis.
Skin healing
Argan oil has been used in an attempt to heal minor skin irritations, burns, and even eczema as a result of its anti-inflammatory properties. This is used on the skin to help it heal and to give relief to areas where there is pain.
Digestive aid
According to other traditional methods of Moroccan medical use, a small quantity of culinary argan oil is normally served to relieve stomach ache discomforts and also help in digestion.
Cardiovascular health
Although it cannot be considered a modern medicine, the consumption of argan oil has been attributed with heart benefits, and this is probably attributed to the high amounts of beneficial fatty acids.
Traditionally Used Pregnancy and Postnatal Care of Argan Oil
In Berber culture, argan oil plays a significant role in the care of expectant and new mothers.
Stretch mark prevention
Argan oil, especially, is rubbed on the belly of expectant mothers, for they believe that it prevents stretch marks and keeps skin elastic.
Postpartum healing
Postnatal bath mixture contains Moringa oil that is normally used to massage and heal such sensitive parts as breasts after birth as well as to moisturize and firm up the skin during the healing process.
Traditional Berber Ceremonial Uses of Argan Oil
To the people of Morocco beyond its utility value, this oil is culturally relevant. It often plays a role in traditional Berber ceremonies:
Wedding rituals
During the wedding ceremony of some Berber tribes, the bride is traditionally rubbed with argan oil as a sign of health for the new life.
Coming of age ceremonies
Berber women may be introduced to the first bottle of Extra Virgin Organic Argan Oil when they are young ladies, perhaps when they are in their teenage years having undergone rites of passage.
Conclusion
The outdated uses of argan oil are as varied as they are stimulating and encompass culinary, cosmetic, as well as medicinal uses. This special oil resulting from the argan fruits of Morocco has been an important commodity of the Berber tribes for generations now. However, as most of them will agree, it transcends the use and is deemed part of their culture.
FAQs
For as long as people have been using it, how long has it been in tradition?
The traditional uses of argan oil existed several centuries ago. People of Berber civilization in Morocco have been using this precious liquid oil for not less than 3,500 years, and trivia indicates that it is one of the oldest known natural cosmetics and cooking products well in use up to this time.
Are the traditional uses of argan oil actually factual scientifically?
Despite the fact that most of the traditional uses of argan oil have been employed for years based on observed effectiveness, recent scientific research has backed many of such claims. It has also been established that argan oil does contain moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, as well as antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, as with every other traditional remedy, it is again advisative to seek medical advice when using it for medical purposes.
