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Plant oils as complete natural remedies are complex mixtures of natural substances made by plants. Different plant oils such as lemon, orange, mustard, and anise give fruits and seeds their characteristic odor and taste.
Several research studies done in the past have come to the conclusion that Native Americans have used jojoba for hundreds of years. They were using the oil and the seeds for many different purposes long before contact with the Western world:
- for treating sores, cuts, bruises, and burns
- as a dietary supplement
- as an appetite suppressant when food was not available
- as a skin conditioner
- for soothing windburn and sunburn
- as a cooking oil
- as a hair or scalp treatment and hair restorative
- as a coffee-like beverage by roasting the seeds
The chemical structure of jojoba oil
It is important to point out that the chemical structure of jojoba oil is different from that of other vegetable oils. How come? Well, it’s easy — rather than being an oil, Jojoba "oil" is actually a polyunsaturated liquid wax.
Some people say that Jojoba oil is similar to sperm whale oil, though without the fishy odor. The fact is also that the oil is made of fatty acids as well as esters composed entirely of straight chain alcohols. As a wax, jojoba oil is especially useful for applications that require moisture control, protection, and emolliency.
One important thing to know is that Jojoba oil is liquid at room temperature because of its unsaturated fatty acids. An interesting thing about this oil is that it does not oxidize or become rancid and does not break down under high temperatures and pressures, which means that it has an indefinite lifespan. Jojoba oil can be heated to 188°C for 96 hours without exhibiting degradation in general composition and carbon chain length.
General use of jojoba oil
Well, almost everyone knows that Jojoba oil has many uses in a wide variety of industries. It could be very difficult to mention all the possible uses but it is being used as a cosmetic, it is an effective cleanser, conditioner, moisturizer, and softener for the skin and hair. In most cases, Jojoba oil is applied directly to the skin to soften the skin, to reduce wrinkles and stretch marks, to lighten and help heal scars, and to promote a healthy scalp and healthy hair.
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