Protect yourself from winter ills with Essential Oils

Everything you need to know about argan oil

Argan oil, a treatment with a thousand facets If you are a fan of aromatherapy, you already know and appreciate argan. It is an oil that will pamper, repair and protect your skin and hair. On the occasion of this article, we take the opportunity to (re)discover some more technical information on the precious oil that is virgin and organic argan, resulting from the first cold pressing of Argania nut kernels. Spinosa, in Morocco... Argan in detail The organoleptic profile and composition of virgin and organic argan oil are worth a look: It is a pale yellow oil, which penetrates well. Its smell is discreet if of good quality. In most cases, it is reminiscent of roasted walnuts, or in some cases of earth or goat's cheese if the oil is more doubtful in terms of its manufacture. Average composition of virgin and organic argan oil A small half of monounsaturated fatty acids (omega 9); A good third of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 6); A little less than a fifth saturated fatty acids; Traces of Vitamin E. It is this composition that makes argan oil particularly moisturizing, protective and restorative at the same time. An anti-aging treasure! In terms of food, it is also very interesting as part of a balanced Mediterranean type diet. And gourmets appreciate its taste combined with vegetables, purees, poultry or goat cheeses. Most Common Uses of Argan Oil Argan is used in a host of preparations, pure or mixed with other oils, flavored with essential oils or not. We particularly appreciate it for anti-aging cosmetic treatments, well-being massages, the care of cracks and chapped skin, eczema, psoriasis... and of course in low doses on the plate for a gastronomic experience! Different qualities of argan oil For the record, it is good to know that only virgin and organic argan oil should be used in your therapeutic treatments. Because although claimed to be Natural or Organic, argan oil exists in different qualities. This is undoubtedly due to the fashion and media hype it has generated in recent years. A difference to be made between several oils is found in the nature of the almonds and in the way of extracting the oil So-called “farmhouse” argan oil The Argan tree of southern Morocco, a jewel in the desert to be preserved! Today rare, almost only found in Morocco on production sites, this oil is made by hand and traditionally. The sun-dried fruits are carefully shelled of their pulp. The roasted and crushed almonds are reduced to a paste then pressed in water by hand to extract the argan oil. This artisanal oil can be superb but is not bacteriologically controlled and is not biochemically analyzed to ensure its quality. Very fragile when stored, salt or pepper is sometimes added . This type of argan oil is intended for food consumption, it is darker in color, due to the roasting of the almonds. Argan oil known as “goat” oil Rather rare because today criticized for its poor quality, argan oil from nuts rejected by goats has a very bad smell, a bad taste and deteriorates quickly . It has been proven that the acidity and peroxide value are very high in this oil. In fact, the fruits are consumed by livestock and after digestion of the pericarp, the excreted stones are recovered . An inferior quality oil is produced in the same way as farm oil. “Industrial” argan oil It may happen that you find a cosmetic or food “argan oil” on the market that does not meet the quality criteria described below for virgin and organic oil. In some cases, an oil is sold as pure when it is not. It may be that it was mixed with another oil or other components before bottling, or that the plant was not respected before extraction (by heating it too hard or by adding solvents). In these cases, the oil does not carry the designation "virgin". Avoid such products. Organic and virgin argan oil, extreme quality An argan oil certified organic by a recognized organization (AB or Ecocert or Certisys logo, etc.) is an oil that has not undergone an extraction method that is harmful to the plant. Excessive heating and the addition of solvents is in fact prohibited by organic certifying bodies. Ideally, fruit collection is done directly from the trees. The shelling of the fruits and the crushing of the stones are carried out mechanically or by women's cooperatives. Argan oil extraction is carried out by cold mechanical pressing . This oil from unroasted almonds is mechanically cold pressed and immediately filtered through cotton or organic paper filters to maintain its natural and organic appearance. It thus retains all of its specific composition in active molecules which predestines it for dietary, nutritional and cosmetic uses. This argan oil, intended for cosmetology, pharmacy and drugstore laboratories , has little or no odor of roasted nuts . It is controlled by chemical and bacteriological analyses. 

Aromatherapy: Pranarôm innovates for our joints!

Certain Essential Oils are precious allies for our joints and muscles. Everyone wants to avoid the terrible cramps and aches after the squash session or after hitting the ski slopes on vacation. So you might as well prepare well and give your muscles and joints all the attention they deserve! To prevent and relieve muscle and joint stiffness, whether occasional (physical activity) or chronic (rheumatism, osteoarthritis or tendonitis), Pranarôm has imagined a natural, practical and effective solution: The AROMALGIC roller for joints and muscles . For rapid and targeted action, the Aromalgic massage roller contains a formula to apply to joints or muscles. The formula is highly concentrated in Essential Oils (around 8%), which guarantees rapid effectiveness. This does not prevent this non-greasy gel from being suitable for pregnant women from the sixth month of pregnancy (rather nice if you suffer from back or knee pain, for example). Aromalgic massage roller Pranarôm has selected 100% pure and natural essential oils renowned for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-spasmodic properties with muscular tropism, revulsive and relaxing properties. These are Wintergreen, Lemon Eucalyptus, Patagonian Pine, Super Lavandin, Katrafay and Savory Leaf Thyme. A combined “cold/hot” effect Applying a fresh gel highly concentrated in Essential Oils using 3 metal massage balls is a real relief for joints and muscles in pain or subjected to intensive training. In doing so, we stimulate local microcirculation and benefit from the mechanical action of the beads. The formula heats the tissues, but the massage tool also cools, for a feeling of comfort regained more quickly. This range is very effective for athletes and seniors alike! Usage tips Take a small amount of gel using the tip tube and make circular movements to maximize the effect of the massage beads until the gel is completely absorbed. Repeat 2 to 3 times a day, as needed. Suitable for pregnant women from the 6th month of pregnancy. The gel is really non-greasy and penetrates the skin quickly. A very complete range for joints! The AROMALGIC range now includes 3 products. A spray that can be used 360°, highly concentrated in essential oils (around 20%), to prepare tissues for exercise or warming up. An ORGANIC massage oil , formulated with the best essential oils known to be anti-inflammatory and active on the joint sphere, to massage after exercise or in case of persistent discomfort. Finally, the gel contained in the massage roller presented here which completes the assortment. It is possible to combine the use of several products from the range if necessary. Ask your physiotherapist or pharmacist for advice!