Mango oil

The bark, leaves, skin, flesh, and kernel of the mango have been used in folk remedies for centuries. In Indian Ayurvedic treatments, mango leaves have been used for thousands of years. Inhaling the vapors of burned leaves is used to treat hiccups and sore throats, and the collected ashes are used to cover wounds.

The mango tree is considered sacred in India, and its leaves are hung over doorways as they are a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The paisley pattern developed in India is based on the shape of the mango.

The species name of the mango is Mangifera Indica, which simply means “Indian mango-bearing plant.”

Origin and characteristics of mango

The mango tree is long-lived, with some specimens known to be 300 years old and still bearing fruit. It is an evergreen, upright tree growing to about 10-30 m tall, with a broad, rounded canopy that can reach 30-38 m in width with age, or with a thinner, upright crown. The leaves hang like ribbons on thin petioles, held mainly in rosettes at the tips of branches and numerous twigs. New leaves appear periodically and irregularly on several branches at a time. At first they are yellowish, pink, deep pink or wine-red, and with age they become dark green and glossy. Mature leaves can be 10-32 cm long. Hundreds, perhaps as many as 4,000, of small, yellowish or reddish flowers are borne in erect, pyramidal, branched clusters. Between 25 and 98% are male, the rest hermaphrodite.

Mango fruits come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Their fairly thick rind is leathery, waxy, and smooth, and ranges in color from light or dark green to bright yellow, yellow-orange, and reddish-pink, often with a deep red to purple-red blush. Some have a “turpentine” odor and taste, while others have a pleasant aroma. The peach-like flesh is fibrous (excessively “fibrous” in some seedlings), extremely juicy, and the flavor ranges from very sweet to sour.

An interesting fact about the mango tree is that its growth causes a process called carbon sequestration, a process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the environment and use it to grow trunks, branches, leaves, and fruits. During this process, oxygen is produced and released into the atmosphere. In the Mexican state of Chiapas, it has been found that the average mango tree can absorb seven times more carbon than it releases.

Because of this unique ability to absorb excess carbon dioxide, in Hindu cultures, mango leaves (combined with marigold flowers) are used as garlands to decorate the doors of houses at all major Hindu festivals and during large religious gatherings and celebrations.

Traditionally, mango leaves have been used for medicinal purposes such as treating diarrhea, dysentery, gastrointestinal disorders, scurvy, typhoid fever, sore throat and as an antipyretic.

Research has shown the antibacterial and antiseptic properties of mango leaves and concluded that the use of mango leaves is a good home remedy for maintaining oral hygiene.

Mango leaves also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antiulcer and antihypertensive properties. In folk remedies, a decoction of the leaves is used as a stomach remedy against diarrhea and inflammation of the genitourinary system, bronchitis and asthma, and for external use, when bathing or washing against scabies and syphilis.

Mango Butter and Its Benefits

Mango leaves are rich in various nutrients. They contain tannins, antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins A, B, and C, and phenolic compounds that can help control diabetes and lower blood pressure. They have powerful antioxidant properties due to their high flavonoid and phenolic content. Additionally, mango leaves have been shown to have strong antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. When crushed, the leaves emit a turpentine smell and taste. Mango leaves can also be dried and used to make tea.

Mango butter, obtained by steam distillation of the leaves, is white or yellowish in color and viscous at room temperature. This natural oil does not dry out, as it contains less than 20% polyunsaturated fatty acids – the higher the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g. linoleic or linolenic acid), the faster the oil dries in the air (paraffinization). This makes mango butter more suitable for dry, cracked skin and / or mature skin. For oilier skin, the oil should be more drying.

Mango butter for skin care

Mango butter is used as a natural protection and nourishment for the skin. It is quickly absorbed and does not leave an oily shine on the skin.

As an important part of overall skin care, mango butter provides optimal protection for dry and sensitive skin. Mango butter is pure and chemically untreated and is therefore suitable even for hypersensitive skin. The use of mango butter is also very beneficial for conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. The oil nourishes, protects and repairs affected skin and is generally very suitable for daily care and moisturizing of dry skin, as well as for protective care of more sensitive areas such as the lips.

Inhibits acne – Regular use of mango essential oil as a scrub can effectively suppress acne. As the oil is absorbed into the skin, it moisturizes it without clogging the pores.

Soothes insect bites – Insect bites can be effectively treated with mango essential oil. It helps to relieve inflammation and stop itching of the skin. In addition, it is also a good remedy for sunburn and minor wounds or injuries.

Anti-aging effect – Another benefit of the antioxidant effect of mango essential oil is that it stimulates the production of healthy cells, moisturizes and smoothes the skin, and gives it a youthful appearance.

Mango oil for hair care

Fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, C and E, have the ability to nourish, moisturize and even strengthen the hair. For centuries, the oil has been used to strengthen hair follicles, increase volume and reduce hair loss. It protects against harmful UV rays and damage to the hair and scalp. Mango essential oil is recommended for maintaining healthy hair and scalp.