Although Morocco has an environmentally harsh climate and experiences several droughts, it is perfect for the growth of the Argan tree. The Argan tree produces small, nut-sized fruits that are shaped like an oval. Inside these nuts are one to three Argan oil-rich kernels, this is where Argan oils are extracted. Extracting these oils is not a process that can be performed by machines, so the labor-intensive, time-consuming work is performed largely by Moroccan women.
The Berber people have lived in Northern Africa for thousands of years, (dating back to 3000 B.C.). They were the first to cultivate and use Argan oil for culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal benefits.
Argan oil is one of the few surviving species from the tertiary period, (sixty-five million to two million years ago). This is probably due to the Argan tree's life span. An Argan tree can live up to two hundred years withstanding long periods of drought.
Argan oil's medicinal benefits are vast. Since the oil is high in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants it helps to trap moisture into the skin and can be used as a treatment for eczema, chicken pox, scars, acne, and psoriasis.
What Argan oil is most commonly known for is its benefits for hair. The oil captures moisture and forms a non-evaporating seal around it making your hair smoother and stronger, and preventing brittle, dull hair. Argan oil also increases the amount of keratin you produce, which prolongs hair life and promotes hair growth. Argan oil is often found in shampoos and conditioners, but can be purchased in its pure form, which many say is the best way to use the oil.
Some popular shampoos that contain Argan oil are Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo (for 8.5 ounces the cost is $21.50), Organix shampoo renewing Moroccan Argan Oil, (for 13 ounces the cost is $7.99), and Agadir Argan Oil Daily Moisturizing Shampoo,($40.80 for 33.8 ounces). All of these have great reviews, and provide several price options. However, buying pure Argan oil is a lot more expensive than the shampoos with Argan oil. Pura D'or Pure & Organic Argan Oil is a highly-recommended product that costs $31.00 and is 1 fluid ounce. Arganic Argan Oil is less expensive, 1.7 ounces and costs $37.00 which means that one fluid ounce would only cost $21.77, almost a $10 difference between the two products. Out of all the options for Argan oil, almost all of them come with glowing reviews. When you're using Argan oil a little really does go a long way. Since these pure Argan oil bottles are small, most reviews say to put a little on the ends of your damp hair, some on your nail beds, and smooth a few drops onto your face in order to get the best out of your oil.
The Argan tree was once seen all over Northern Africa, but due to over grazing and deforestation because of fuel. In the last fifty years the tree has suffered a fifty percent reduction. Because of its popularity and decline, an organization called UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) have designated an area of twenty-five thousand square miles between the Atlantic and Atlas Mountains as a reserve for the tree.
Because of its limited quantity and traditional production methods Argan oil is referred to as liquid gold from Morocco.
I ordered Argan Oil from Piping Rock for 48% off, for $7.49 and will post about it sometime next week!
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