The Oil
Marula Oil
Marula nut kernels come from the marula fruit. The fruit has been harvested wild in the north of Namibia for centuries, for multiple uses.
Marula oil has a fragrant floral, nutty aroma along with powerful properties, including protective antioxidants – in fact, while it is similar to the much more famous Moroccan Argan oil, it actually contains 60 percent more antioxidants.
Marula oil is traditionally used as a cooking oil among the Ovambo tribes in Namibia.
The oil is easily absorbed and contains high proportions of oleic acid and linoleic fatty acid, making it ideal for topical application. It is high in natural antioxidants and one of the most stable oils available, being ten times more resistant to oxidation than olive oil.
- Prevents stretch marks & scar reduction
- Heals & prevent skin disorders like eczema
- Promotes flawless smooth, soft skin
- Improves skin elasticity
- Anti-aging
- Fights acne
- Protects hair from the elements
The Tradition
Collecting wild marula fruit is a tradition in Northern Namibia. Many households have one or two Marula trees in their fields.
Marula is regarded as one of the most important natural resources in northern Namibia. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that there are so many uses of the tree and its fruits. From the shade of the tree to the burning of the empty nuts as a source of fuel, people use all its products. The importance of marula culture stretches from the social, to the cultural, the economic, and the nutritional aspects of people’s lives.
How your business helps
The rural population of North-Central Namibia is involved in subsistence farming, but because of the relatively poor soils and the unpredictability of the rainfall, one cannot survive on subsistence farming alone.
Rural, and mostly female headed households in northern Namibia will gain some highly needed income from harvesting Marula nuts and extracting the oil. The proceeds from selling marula kernels go into paying for school fees, buying extra food and other household costs to keep families further away from poverty.
