Apart from its culinary uses, tea seed oil or camellia oil is also popular for beauty care. This post provides a brief overview about its benefits.
Camellia oil is used extensively in countries, like China and Japan. In these regions, this oil is used for both culinary and cosmetic purposes. Camellia oil is said to be healthy in many ways. It is different from tea tree oil, which is inedible, and is derived from the plant, Melaleuca alternifolia.
Camellia oil, which is otherwise known as tea seed oil, is derived from the seeds of the plant Camellia oleifera. Even the seeds of Camellia sinensis or Camellia japonica are sometimes used for extracting this oil. The camellia plant has shiny green leaves, and flowers that resemble roses. The seeds of the plant are cold pressed to extract camellia oil. This pale greenish yellow oil has a slight herbal aroma.
Uses of Camellia Oil
Camellia oil has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for cooking purposes. As it has a neutral taste, and lacks strong smell, camellia oil is also perfect for preparing sauces, marinades, and salad dressings.
It is said that the oil has high levels of omega fatty acids, polyphenols, and vitamin E. Traditionally, this oil is used for healing wounds and preventing infections. It is also said to be useful as a remedy for heartburn, acid reflux, ulcers, etc.
According to a study conducted in Japan, this oil may prove effective in preventing progression of skin cancer. It is also used in paints and lubricants. For a very long time, camellia oil has been used to protect woodworking hand tools from rusting.
Skin and Hair Care
Camellia oil is used as an ingredient in cosmetic preparations, like hair oil, soaps, and other skin care products. It is used for preventing hair breakage. Being light in nature, this oil is quickly absorbed into the hair, without making it greasy.
It acts as a good moisturizer, that can soothe dry scalp conditions. It can also be used for scalp massage. The dry ends of the hair can be moisturized with a few drops of camellia oil, applied twice a week. It can also be used as a carrier oil for essential oils. Camellia oil is not found to cause allergic reactions or acne.
As in case of hair, camellia oil is a good moisturizer for skin. This oil is easily absorbed by the skin, without making it too oily. Apart from moisturizing the skin, it forms a coating that seals in moisture. Applying camellia oil is good for preventing damage from sun.
It is also said to be good for reducing signs of aging, like wrinkles and age spots. This oil is used for healing wounds and soothing skin irritation. Long-term use of camellia oil is said to be effective in fading scars.
Make sure to buy pure organic camellia oil from authentic and trusted manufacturers. Even though the oil has a good shelf life, it is better to store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
Disclaimer: This story is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert advice.