Macadamia Oil: Not Just the Nuts!
Macadamia oil is probably more widely known as a delicious
cooking oil than as a massage oil. Alas, the macadamia oil used
for aromatherapy is not edible, but it nonetheless provides a
richly sensuous experience. Combined with another, more aromatic
oil, such as lemon myrtle, macadamia oil is at once calming and
revitalizing. In fact, it is better used as a base oil, than all
by itself.
Macadamia oil owes its success as a massage liniment to its
emollient properties, which is to say it softens and soothes the
skin. Since it enjoys a high affinity with the oil already
naturally produced by the human skin, it is more readily
absorbed by the body than a lot of other massage oils. This
particular oil also helps reduce fine lines when used on the
face.
The Origins of Macadamia Oil
Contrary to popular opinion, the macadamia tree is not native to
the island state of Hawaii. As a matter of fact, it was only
brought to Hawaii from southeast Queensland, which had been
filled with rain forests -- the perfect environment for this
tropical plant. The macadamia tree was introduced to Hawaii at
around 1881, where its fruit evolved to its current status of
being the world's most expensive nut.
Macadamia oil is 80 percent of a single macadamia nut, while
sugar makes up 4 percent. The creamy, light texture of the
macadamia nut makes it a popular component for confections like
chocolate bars. Macadamia oil is somewhat stronger-smelling than
other nut oils, such as almond, but its scent is rather sweet,
and not at all unpleasant.
Macadamia Oil -- the "Vanishing Oil"
There is a special property of macadamia oil which is not found
in every other massage oil. It has an unusually high level of
Palmitoloeic acid units, which makes it more compatible with
older skin compared to other oil brands. As the human skin ages,
it tends to dry up -- that is, to produce less oil -- and the
pores also tend to close. This same "aging" effect occurs when
the skin is exposed frequently to the sun.
Macadamia oil seeps into the pores more easily than other
massage oils, which makes it look like it is "vanishing" into
the skin. Perhaps it is also known as a "vanishing" oil since it
can play a role in the disappearance of wrinkles and lines. This
clear liquid with a slight yellow sheen aids in melting the fat
naturally stored by the skin, therefore giving the body a
healthy, youthful glow that not only feels good, but looks great
as well.