Camellia oil which is also referred to as tea seed oil or Tsubaki oil is extracted from the seeds of camellia oleifera, a plant known to produce “pure” green tea. Women in Japan have been using camellia oil for years to nourish their hair and skin.
The oil can be extracted using the solvent extraction method or cold press method. Solvent extraction uses heat and produces a refined version of the oil which has fewer nutrients and chemical composition. On the other hand, the cold press method produces unrefined oil, considered high quality and the best to use.
Camellia oil contains oleic acid, linoleic acid, antioxidants, vitamins, calcium, potassium and monounsaturated fatty acids. Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in the skin, hair or health. Here is all you need to know about the oil.
1. Good Moisturizer
The fatty acids in camellia oil help nourish and moisturize the skin by preventing your skin from losing water. The oil also works wonders on rough patches of the skin like the knees, elbows and heels. The best part about using camellia oil as a moisturizer is that it gets easily absorbed into the skin and doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy. Regular oil use will make your skin feel smooth and soft over time. 6 Benefits Of Incorporating A Moisturizer Into Your Skincare Routine
2. Anti-ageing
Camellia oil has four properties that are generally good for the skin: oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin A and vitamin E. These properties protect the skin from the damaging effects of UV rays that cause signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines and blemishes. They also contribute to skin elasticity, firming and lifting. Applying the oil daily will help to retain a youthful appearance.
3. Deals with Acne and Other Inflammatory Skin Issues
Camellia oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog your pores, making it a good oil for acne-prone skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve inflammation caused by acne and other skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. If you are struggling with irritation, redness or swelling, apply the oil to the affected areas to soothe the skin. Beauty: How To Take Care Of Acne Prone Skin
4. Nourishes and Strengthens Hair
Aside from being good for the skin, camellia oil also has nutritional value to your hair. Using the oil frequently can help to prevent dandruff and constant itching. The oil also strengthens damaged hair and keeps your hair from breaking and splitting. Additionally, every time you apply the oil to your hair, it forms a protective barrier against ultraviolet rays. This preserves the protein structure of your hair, reduces any ultraviolet damage and prevents water evaporation. Hair Care: Simple Home Remedies For Dandruff
5. Wound Healing
Camellia oil works fast when it comes to healing bruises, wounds and scrapes. The oil contains vitamin E, which initiates blood flow and promotes the growth of new cells to rebuild the skin affected by wounds.
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6. Arthritis
If you struggle with painful joints, you can apply and massage camellia oil to help relieve the pain. The oil is rich in many minerals that promote good bone health and has anti-inflammatory nutrients that help to soothe swelling. Health And Fitness: Arthritis And Ways Of Managing It
7. Regulates Blood Pressure
Camellia oil contains potassium and monounsaturated fats. These two properties regulate blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and strokes. The oil also helps in the circulation of blood throughout the body. What You Need To Know About Hypertension And High Blood Pressure
How to Use Camellia Oil
Camellia oil can either be used as it is, or you can choose to mix it with your favourite moisturizer or hair oil. It is good to use the oil in its pure form for medicinal purposes. In terms of cooking, you can substitute saturated fat with camellia oil to make your favourite dishes or use it to add flavour to meals that are already cooked. The oil has a very high smoke point, so you do not have to worry about it going bad if you are using it for cooking purposes. Refined oil is the best when cooking, while unrefined oil is better as a flavour enhancer.
Side Effects and Precautions
In as much as camellia oil has many benefits, no product is ever perfect. Doing a patch test before adding the oil to your daily skincare or cooking routine is essential. Apply the oil to a small section of your skin and leave it for a few hours; if you experience nausea, headache or dizziness, consult your doctor.
If you are on medication for blood pressure, it may not be advisable to use the oil since you may experience side effects due to the high potassium levels. Combining the oil and the medication could lead to extremely low blood pressure levels, which could endanger your health. If you are sceptical about whether camellia oil could cause any side effects to your body, seek advice from a health specialist before purchasing the oil.
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