MORINGA OIL
1. Protecting and nourishing skin and hair
Research involving animals has suggested moringa seed oil may help heal skin wounds more quickly. One way it might do this is by reducing oxidative stress.
Moringa seed oil may also have benefits for hair health, according to some experts.
Treating edema: Edema is when fluid builds up in body tissues, for instance, because of inflammation. Ear edema can cause tissue swelling around the ear, usually because of an infection.
In one study, applying moringa seed oil reduced skin inflammation in mice with ear edema. This suggests the anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may help treat ear edema, although more research is needed.
Preventing and treating cancer
Moringa contains properties that might help prevent cancer. For example, it contains niazimicin, a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.
According to some scientistsTrusted Source, extracts of moringa leaf, bark, and other parts of the plant may have properties that can kill cancer cells.
Preventing rheumatoid arthritis
Moringa extract has anti-inflammatory properties that might help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, according to the authors of a rodent study.
Treating mood and nervous system disorders: The antioxidant activity of moringa may protect against disorders that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, neuropathic pain, and depression.
Protecting the cardiovascular system: Moringa containsTrusted Source a range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, such as quercetin, which may help protect cardiovascular health. Quercetin may help prevent lipid formation and inflammation, both of which can contribute to heart disease.
Treating diabetes: Extracts of moringa leaves may benefit people with diabetes, such as assisting with managing blood sugar and insulin levels and protecting against organ damage. Its properties could help prevent complications and slow disease progression.
Treating asthma: Moringa contains molecules that may help manage or prevent asthma, bronchial constrictions, and airway inflammation. One study found that the lung function of guinea pigs improved after researchers gave them a moringa extract.
Preventing kidney stones: Some traditional remedies recommend taking moringa to prevent kidney stones.
Laboratory tests have found evidence that moringa extracts may stop minerals from building up and causing stones in the kidneys.
Reducing high blood pressure: Moringa contains substances that may help manage blood pressure.
In one study, a group of healthy participants consumed 120 grams of cooked moringa leaves for a week, while another group did not.
Improving eye health: Moringa containsthe antioxidant beta carotene, which is essential for maintaining eye health and preventing eye diseases.
Treating anemia and sickle cell disease
People in some parts of the world have traditionally used moringa to treat and prevent anemia.
Results from laboratory tests have suggested that taking moringa as food or medication could also help manage sickle cell disease. This is due to its antioxidant properties, its chelating activity — which means it can help remove excess iron — and other factors.
2. Topical cleanser and moisturizer. Moringa oil’s oleic acid makes it beneficial when used topically as a cleansing agent, and as a moisturizer for skin and hair.
Cholesterol management. Edible moringa oil contains sterols, which have been shownTrusted Source to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
Antioxidant. Beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol found in moringa oil, may have antioxidant and antidiabetic benefits, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Anti-inflammatory. Moringa oil contains several bioactive compounds which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, both when ingested and used topically. This may make moringa oil beneficial for acne breakouts. These compounds include tocopherols, catechins, quercetin, ferulic acid, and zeatin.
OLIVE OIL
3. Antioxidant content: Olive oil may help prevent premature signs of aging on the skin.
Olive oil acts as an antioxidant, which is a substance that prevents oxidation. Oxidation is a process that can produce free radicals, which are chemicals that can potentially damage cells and may contribute to cancer development.
When applied to the skin, antioxidants may prevent premature aging. Also, some research suggests that putting olive oil on the skin after sun exposure may fight off cancer-causing cells.
In the study, scientists applied the oil to the skin of mice that had been exposed to potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Tumor growth was significantly lower in the mice that had olive oil on their skin compared with those who did not.
Vitamin content: Olive oil contains the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Some of these vitamins may be beneficial for the skin.
Antibacterial effects: Olive oil has been shownTrusted Source to have antibacterial properties. However, there are very few studies on olive oil’s ability to control bacteria on the skin.
One small study looked at the effects of using olive oil and coconut oil on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the skin. The results found that both oils exhibited antibacterial properties, but virgin coconut oil was more effective at eliminating the bacteria.
Moisturizing effects: Olive oil is a popular natural moisturizer that is often used to soften both skin and hair. However, there is very little research on its effectiveness.
FRANKINCENSE
4. Frankincense may help reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Researchers believe that frankincense can preventthe release of leukotrienes, compounds that can cause inflammation. Terpenes, including boswellic acid, appear to be the strongest anti-inflammatory compounds in frankincense.
Osteoarthritis: In one 2014 study, oral and topical boswellic acid reduced cartilage loss and joint lining inflammation in osteoarthritis in mice. In humans, frankincense extract may help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
In one 2018 review, frankincense was consistently more effective than a placebo at reducing osteoarthritis pain and improving mobility.
Another study found that oliban oil, another name for frankincense, reduced osteoarthritis pain when applied to the skin for 6 weeks.
Frankincense may help improve gut function: One 2017 study found that frankincense, in combination with other herbal medicines, reduced abdominal pain, bloating, and even associated depression and anxiety in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Frankincense may help improve the symptoms of asthma
Traditional medicine has used frankincense to treat bronchitis and asthma for centuries. Its compounds may prevent the production of leukotrienes, which cause the bronchial muscles to constrict in asthma.
Frankincense may help improve oral health: Frankincense may help improve oral hygiene and prevent gum disease. The boswellic acids it provides appear to have strong antibacterial properties, which may help prevent and treat oral infections.
Frankincense may have anticancer properties
Test-tube studies suggest that the boswellic acids it contains might prevent cancer cells from spreading.
A research review notes that boswellic acids may also prevent DNA formation in cancerous cells, which could help limit cancer growth.
MYRRH
5. The findings of this investigation support the valuable anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity of myrrh; in addition, the wound healing properties could be attributed to its ability to modulate macrophage function. Using in vitro testing, our results revealed that myrrh had an anti-cancer effect against several cancer cell lines and an immunomodulatory effect with acceptable ADME properties.
HIBISCUS
6. Although we cannot stop the aging process, interventional studies indicate that the use of appropriate nutritional supplements can delay skin aging and enhance skin condition. Two main types of compounds are used as ingredients in anti-aging reagents. The first is antioxidants, such as flavonoids, polyphenols and vitamins. The second is cell regulators, such as vitamin A derivatives, peptides and botanicals, which directly affect skin collagen metabolism or regulate the secretion and synthesis of collagen.
CASSIA
7. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from Cassia angustifolia, Rheum palmatum, Coptis chinensis, Phellodendron amurense and Scutellaria baicalensis, plants used in traditional East Asian medicine against different skin disorders, was studied. Though in different degree, all the extracts significantly inhibited the edema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), in both single or multiple application, oxazolone, and arachidonic acid (AA). None of the extracts inhibited in vitro the activity of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) from Naja naja.
FECO OIL (CBD)
8. Acne: Acne is the most common skin conditionTrusted Source in humans. CBD contains many compounds with oil-reducing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that may help improve acne.
A 2014 study explored the effects of CBD on human sebocytes. These are the cells that create sebum, which is a waxy, oily substance the skin produces.
While sebum helps protect our skin, excessive sebum can also result in acne. The study indicates that CBD can prevent sebocytes from creating too much sebum.
A 2016 review notes the potential antibacterial and antifungal properties of the cannabis plant. This could help prevent acne due to infections on the skin.
A 2019 study suggests that CBD may also be beneficial for treating the appearance of acne scars.
Dryness and itching: A 2019 study notes that CBD may be useful for treating some common symptoms of skin conditions, such as dryness and itching. The anti-inflammatory propertiesTrusted Source of CBD may be particularly useful for reducing potential triggers of eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
As CBD oil can help soothe skin and reduce the appearance of irritation, it may be useful for people with sensitive skin.
Aging and wrinkles: A 2017 study highlights the antioxidant properties of CBD. Oxidative stress can contribute toward the aging process. Therefore, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may help prevent the appearance of aging in the skin.
Infection: As the cannabis plant may contain antibacterial and antifungal properties, it may be useful for treating infections on the skin.
