Page 73 - Natural Health (February 2020)

SELF

GIVE YOURSELF A

MORINGA

makeover

This natural secret ingredient is anti-ageing, good for

your hair and helps you sleep, and the best news?
You’re possibly already using it...
WORDS: Amanda Bown

If you’re looking for an anti-ageing stripping the skin or leaving it feeling dry, such as vitamin A which helps to build
powerhouse, bursting with vitamins and uncomfortable or tight.” And moringa’s collagen in the skin, vitamin C which
minerals, you could already have such a powerful vitamin C content is worth its helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and
miracle in your bathroom cabinet. Say hello weight in gold. Jane adds, “The moringa vitamin E, known for its anti-inflammatory
to the humble moringa oil. Both the seeds seed is packed with seven times more vitamin and healing benefits.”
and leaves of this hero plant have been used C than your average orange. Its antioxidant
in herbal balms and medicines for centuries. properties calm inflamed skin and promote A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Now, you’re likely to find moringa oil in even skin tone.” Surprisingly, moringa leaves could
anything from face creams and cleansers, lend a helping hand when it comes to
to lipsticks and hair masks. REJUVENATE AND REVITALISE our sleep; due to its rich amino acid
There’s nothing like a healthy glow to raise content – specifically the amino acid
MIRACLE PLANT your beauty game. Clare Hopkins, brand tryptophan. Moringa is naturally high in
Culturally, the moringa tree is known as founder of (balanceme.com) says, “When tryptophan – a known major influence
the ‘miracle plant’ or ‘tree of life’ due to its it comes to skincare, moringa has plenty to when it comes to healthy sleep, along with
reputation for bringing soil fertility back to offer: it is renowned for its antioxidant, anti- melatonin which is produced in the brain.
barren land. Originally native to India, it’s bacterial and skin rejuvenating properties, Euan MacLennan, herbal director at
also grown in Africa and is officially known it contains an impressive 72 percent fatty (pukkaherbs.com) explains, “Tryptophan
as Moringa Oleifera. This tree is a true hero acid content and it penetrates the skin helps to regulate our bodies’ natural
and pioneer; it’s fast-growing and highly deeply, delivering valuable nutrients.” circadian rhythms and melatonin
drought-resistant, managing to survive in is synthesised from tryptophan. (Melatonin
harsh environments. WIND BACK THE CLOCK is the hormone that regulates the sleep-
Moringa oil is rich in omega 9. Omega fatty wake cycle). Its melatonin that influences
CLEANSE AND TONE acids have a wonderfully natural affinity you to feel sleepy; however, its release
The moringa oil in the skincare products for skin; serving as essential building blocks can be inhibited by the mere presence
that we use and love is primarily extracted of the skin’s surface layers. In short, they of artificial lights.” Essentially, our
from the highly prized seeds. But how does promote fresh, younger-looking skin, they internal body clocks take their cue from
it benefit our skin? Jane Foulston, director help calm any redness and sensitivity; they environmental factors such as lightness,
of skincare brand (emmahardie.com) says, also work hard to rehydrate and eliminate darkness and temperature. Artificial lights,
“Moringa oil is a natural cleanser and signs of flakiness. Rebecca Hopkins co-brand the television and even smart phones can
when massaged into the skin, it can help founder of (balanceme.com) says, “Moringa disrupt this cycle, causing insomnia and
lift any build-up of grime and dirt without oil is also packed with skin-healthy nutrients potentially leave us with a sleep deficit.

NATURAL HEALTH 73