The 5 oils that will improve your skin, hair & overall health:
Updated: Jul 19
On this quick guide we're taking a look at five different types of oils that are often overlooked, but that can provide enormous health and aesthetic benefits.
We're talking about rosemary oil, marula oil, black seed oil, magnesium oil & black seed oil.
+ our top recommendations for each will be linked at the bottom of each description.
This quick guide has the purpose of bringing awareness to five different types of oils that have not only been thoroughly researched and proven to be effective but have also been put to the test by us - we're practitioners of what we preach (!!). And as always, in the interest of bringing you only the most up to date and thorough information, we sought out a diverse array of research and only used information from reputable sources that you can trust (which will be linked at the very end of this blog post).
#1: ROSEMARY OIL
hair + skin health
With an antioxidant ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value of 11,070, rosemary has some incredible free radical-fighting powers. Free - radicals, simply put are unstable atoms that can damage cells, cause certain illnesses and accelerate aging.
Rosemary is traditionally native to the Mediterranean and has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years as a memory aid, helping with indigestion, boosting the immune system and yes, cooking.
Most notably, is rosemary oil's ability to stimulate hair growth. A randomized comparative trial published in 2015 looked at the effectiveness of rosemary oil on hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia (AGA) compared to a common conventional form of treatment (minoxidil 2%). For six months, 50 subjects with AGA used rosemary oil while another 50 used minoxidil. After six months, both groups saw equally significant increases in hair count. The study was able to conclude that natural rosemary oil performed as a hair loss remedy just as effectively as the conventional form of treatment - without the common side effects like frequent scalp itching.
suggested use: you can mix in a couple drops of rosemary oil into your shampoo or use the oil by itself as a hair mask.
We recommend: HIQILI Rosemary Oil
#2: MARULA OIL
skincare + scarring & stretch marks
Marula oil is high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. It's widely used as an ingredient in skin care products, and has been proven to be beneficial for oily, acne-prone, dry, and aging skin. It's also effective at keeping hair soft, supple, and moisturized.
It is also rich in essential fatty acids that mimic those that exist naturally in the outer layer of the skin. It contains antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and flavonoids. It is a non-oily oil that absorbs quickly without a greasy feeling post-application. It is also really useful in the treatment of dry skin as well as reducing redness caused by eczema and rosacea. Its high levels of fatty acids and antioxidants, can help increase skin hydration and elasticity, possibly preventing and treating stretch marks. Similar to the way it helps with stretch marks, this oil can also help to prevent scarring. Not only that, but if you struggle with dry, frizzy or brittle hair, adding marula oil to your shampoo or natural haircare regimen can help decrease dryness and damage due to coloring and hair treatments.
suggested use: use regularly as facial moisturizer for best results - you can also mix in a couple drops of oil into your shampoo or use the oil by itself as a hair mask.
We recommend: Cliganic Marula Oil
#3: BLACK SEED OIL
antibacterial + anti-inflammatory
Black seed oil is made from the seeds of the black cumin (Nigella sativa) plant.
The most promising research on Nigella sativa is on its fighting abilities against multi-drug-resistant bacteria. This is a really big deal because these so-called “superbugs” are becoming a significant public health risk. Strains of bacteria and viruses that are antimicrobial-resistant are becoming virtually impossible to treat, including HIV, staphylococcal, tuberculosis, influenza, gonorrhea, candida and malaria.
In a study conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in India, researchers determined just how potent black seed oil is against some of these superbugs and paired it against several antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin, Gatifloxacin and Tetracycline. According to the study, out of 144 strains tested, most of which were resistant to a number of antibiotics, 97 were inhibited by the oil of black cumin.
The key to understanding the health benefits of black seed oil lies in the presence of three key natural phytonutrients: thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ) and thymol. A 2021 updated study published in the NIH says the following about black seed oil from nigella sativa:
"In addition to its historical and religious significance, it is also mentioned in ancient medicine. It is widely used in traditional systems of medicine for a number of diseases including asthma, fever, bronchitis, cough, chest congestion, dizziness, paralysis, chronic headache, back pain and inflammation.
The importance of this plant led the scientific community to carry out extensive phytochemical and biological investigations on N. sativa. Pharmacological studies on N. sativa have confirmed its antidiabetic, antitussive, anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuro-protective, gastroprotective, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, and bronchodilator activity."
The following is a summary list of some of the most common benefits that have been observed from incorporating black seed oil into your diet and/or utilizing it as a supplement:
May help fight some types of cancer (specifically leukemia)
Promotes liver health
Combats diabetes
Aids weight loss
Helps with skin conditions
Treats difficult conditions
Balances cholesterol
Improves fertility
There are so many black seed oil uses. For starters, black cumin oil can be used topically, but always make sure to dilute it with a a few teaspoons of a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil.
Once diluted, it can help with common skin concerns like acne and eczema thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some people also find it helpful for psoriasis and rosacea. To boost hair and scalp health, a few drops of oil can be added to hair products like shampoo and conditioner.
- For diabetes: 1 gram of black seed powder taken twice a day for up to 12 months.
- For high blood pressure: 0.5–2 grams of black seed powder daily for up to 12 weeks or 100–200 milligrams black seed oil twice daily for eight weeks.
- For asthma: 2 grams of ground black seed taken daily for 12 weeks. Also, 15 mL/kg of black seed extract has been used daily for three months. A single dose of 50–100 mg/kg has also been used.
We recommend: Prime Natural Black Seed Oil
#4: FISH OIL
brain health + anti-inflammatory
Fish Oil is one of nature's richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have incredible anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest that the benefits of including fish oil into your diet range from decreasing the risk of not only cardiovascular diseases, but also symptoms of depression, hypertension, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), joint pain, arthritis to chronic skin ailments like eczema.
Fish oil intake has also been associated with aiding the body in weight loss, fertility, pregnancy and increased energy. More recently, prescription fish oil has even been approved by the FDA to lower unhealthy high triglyceride levels.
However, it is important to know that not all fish oil is created equal. The best sources of omega-3 oils are cold-water, fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, white fish, sardines and anchovies. Finding a quality fish oil that contains high levels of EPA and DHA is crucial to obtaining the aforementioned benefits. Most fish oil capsules found in the "pills aisles" found in major retail stores, with exception of more specialized and health-directed stores like Sprouts or Whole Foods, tend to be of very low quality given that they were sourced from farm-raised fish that are typically fed their own waste, have high levels of mercury and don't have the same amount of fatty acids.
suggested use: 1 spoonful before brushing your teeth at night (to eliminate the smell or taste to fish, however, most fish oils tend to have a lemon scent that takes away the strong fishy taste).
We recommend: nordic naturals omega 3
#5: MAGNESIUM OIL
pain relief + relaxation + improved sleep + skin healing
Magnesium has many muscle relaxing qualities. By helping regulate neuromuscular signals, muscle contractions and balancing calcium levels within the body, magnesium can help muscles relax and contract, easing pain and reducing cramps which may also contribute to problems including constipation, premenstrual syndrome etc as well as pain in overworked muscles.
Magnesium is essential for regulating certain hormones that help calm the brain and promote relaxation. This includes gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that helps to reduce anxiety.
Magnesium is also known to have laxative properties, having water-absorbent properties which soften stool and help bowel movements to pass more easily. In addition, magnesium relaxes the intestinal muscles which assist in establishing a smoother rhythm for passing bowels and eases constipation
Magnesium can be particularly helpful for people who suffer from severe migraines, helping to reduce their severity and how frequently they affect the individual. This is because magnesium affects neurotransmitter function and blood circulation, and thus helps to relieve migraines by releasing pain-reducing hormones and reducing the constriction of blood vessels (vasoconstriction) that causes an increase in blood pressure.
suggested use: use a couple drops of this oil to massage joints and muscles while sore, in pain or while experiencing any type of inflammation. You can also use to massage on your side head temple when experiencing a migraine or just want to relax before sleep.
We recommend: ancient minerals magnesium oil
And as always, we encourage you to be your own advocate and take what works best for your body and your specific needs. Our purpose is to bring informed opinion articles as well as awareness to products and practices that might enhance your daily life. Please feel free to reach out to our team with questions or just to let us know if you have tried and seen any benefits from our recommendations. We always love to hear from our community!
bibliography:
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A Beauty Oil You’ve Neither Tried Nor Even Heard Of? (2022, October 6). Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/beauty/marula-oil/
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The Powerful Medicinal Oil with Virtually No Side Effects. (2022, December 12). Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/nutrition/black-seed-oil-benefits/
Magnesium Oil: Benefits, Side Effects, & How To Make It | mindbodygreen. (n.d.). https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/magnesium-oil-benefits-how-to-make
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Fish Oil Benefits for Cancer, ADHD, Heart Disease & More. (2022, November 16). Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/nutrition/fish-oil-benefits-health/