Jojoba – More Than Skin Deep
Chances are, if you've bought any moisturizers lately, they probably contain jojoba oil. Manufacturers are beginning to get away from using petroleum in cosmetics and are opting for this ingredient, instead. So, while there are not many food applications for this plant, there are a bunch of uses for the oil that comes from the seeds. Let's take a look at this new beauty basic.
What is it?
Jojoba grows to about six feet tall, with a broad, dense crown. Each plant is what is known as single-sex, either male or female, which makes natural pollination difficult. The fruit is acorn-shaped, about an inch long, and partly enclosed at the base by the sepals. The mature seed is a hard oval, dark brown in color and contains a liquid wax which is harvested and processed into the oil that is highly sought after. Grown commercially just for the oil, this is the stuff you'll find more and more now in beauty products. However, the plant is also commonly used to combat and prevent desertification, as well as other uses.
History
Jojoba, is a shrub you'll find in desert climates such as the southwest United States as well as the Mojave desert and Mexico. Locally, the jojoba shrub may be referred to by other names such as deer nut, pig nut, goat nut, or even quinine nut. Most often, though, the shrub is referred to as jojoba or wild hazel. Centuries ago, Native Americans used the oil from the seeds to treat wounds. Commercial plantings in the United States started during the 1970s, expanding rapidly until now almost 50000 acres of jojoba can be found in production throughout the American southwest. The major producers of jojoba for commercial use are the United States and Mexico, with exports of large amounts going to Europe and Japan.
The interest in jojoba production intensified for several reasons. Because of the plant's ability to survive in a harsh desert environment, many regions that will not support other agricultural crops are able to support this plant. Thus, jojoba has become a major asset to the economy of these desert regions. Also, the ban on the importation of sperm whale products in 1971 led to the necessity to find a substitute for the whale oil used, particularly in cosmetics. Since necessity is the mother of invention, it was soon discovered that jojoba oil not only could replace the oil from whales, but was in fact superior to it in applications in cosmetics and other industries.
Health Benefits
In large quantities, the seed is toxic to many mammals, and ingesting the wax acts as a rather undesirable laxative in humans. Only one small species of mouse is known to be able to digest the wax found inside the jojoba seed. So, as far as health benefits for humans is concerned, we look to the oil as a curative when applied topically. And, considering scientists have found that jojoba oil is similar in biological structure to the oil manufactured in the human body, this is a natural oil we can appreciate for moisturizing and healing purposes. Many people who suffer from skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne can appreciate the properties of jojoba oil for health.
Fun Fact
Botanist Johann Link, originally named the species buxus chinensis, after misreading the original packing label which read "Calif" as "China." Other interesting things to know about jojoba is that, as we mentioned, scientists believe the oil is similar to the oil produced by human skin, but can also be used to control insects on crops, being approved in the US as a pesticide in 1996. However, when used as a pesticide, farmers should be careful not to allow jojoba products to be released into the waterways as the oils are generally dangerous to aquatic life. Jojoba oil can also be used as a lubricant in industry. It's safe to use on a variety of electronic parts. We may even be filling our vehicles with it some day since it also has potential as a biodiesel fuel. Yes, it's a 'natural' beauty oil, but also has industrial uses.
How to Use
The jojoba shrub offers food for grazing animals of the desert regions. Whether wild or ranched, this food source is very important to a wide variety of large and small animals and birds. However, as we mentioned, when ingested by humans, there are serious health consequences.
So, how do we humans use jojoba most often? Just look at your lip gloss, body lotion, and hair products. Jojoba oil is easily refined to be odorless, colorless, and stable, making it perfect for use in cosmetics, fragrances, and topical treatments for skin disorders. Jojoba is fascinating in the wide range of characteristics and uses it has, but most of us are just thankful to this plant for our smooth skin and silky hair.
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