MARULA

Kernels, oil — Origin: South Africa

Sclerocarya birrea

THE KING OF TREES

The growth of the marula on the African continent followed the migratory movements of the Bantu peoples, who consider it a tree of life. This African plum tree stretches its branches heavenward in the savanna and bushveld. In the warmer months it’s covered in yellow fruit, which the elephants have a craving for. The fruit quickly ferments in their stomach, making the pachyderms “drunk!”

TEACHINGS FROM TIME IMMEMORIAL

In Zimbabwe, on the archaeological site of Pomongwe Cave, which dates back to the Middle Stone Age, marula fruits were already being consumed in abundance. A true treasure of African botany, the generous female tree is one of the continent’s most fructiferous. The fruit is eaten raw, cooked into a jelly, or fermented to make beer and other types of alcohol. Its therapeutic and practical properties are numerous: its bark, after decoction, is reputed to heal dysentery and to calm malarial symptoms; the gum that is extracted from its branches makes for a strong ink; the infusion of its fruit yields a potent natural insecticide.

ON COLLECTING MARULA OIL

Once picked, peeled, and dried in the sun, the fruit’s hardy stones are crushed in order to free the kernels they protect. These kernels are very rich and just as generous: after pressing, they yield an oil that is oxidation-resistant and therefore more stable, meaning that it keeps better than other oils. In Namibia, it is customarily women who produce marula oil, which they use both to hydrate their skin and to help preserve meats.

THE BENEFITS

The vitamin C content of a marula fruit is four times as high as that of an orange. This elevated concentration stimulates cell turnover and cutaneous microcirculation. The presence of vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidation. Oleic acid (omega-9) and palmitic acid maintain the skin’s elasticity and hydration.

A FEW DROPS

Regular application of marula oil to the face, after freshening up with some geranium hydrolate, will valiantly shield you from irritation and the whips and scorns of time. The oil evens out the epidermis and tightens the grain, leaving the skin smooth and firm. Experience has shown that while marula oil is suited to all skin types, it is particularly beneficial to combination skin.

MARULA-BASED RECIPES

from Officine Universelle

FACIAL BALANCING TREATMENT

Time passes, but some of the frustrations of adolescent skin continue to manifest themselves in stressful times. Breathe deeply and sleep soundly with the nightly application of this efficient treatment to freshly cleansed skin.

In a small two-ounce jar with a dropper, mix one part marula oil and one part nigella oil with three drops of tea tree essential oil and one drop of clove essential oil.

SUNNY DAY BODY TREATMENT

With the arrival of summer comes the joy of reuniting with your bathing suit! Stay calm—getting ready for it can be fun. Follow a daily vigorous brushing with application of this hair-growth-slowing, anti-cellulite treatment.

In a three-ounce jar with a dropper, mix one part marula oil and one part nut grass oil, enhancing this combination with ten drops of Atlas cedar essential oil and one or two drops of, for example, patchouli essential oil, to get that comforting scent.

“The heart is like a tree, it grows where it wishes.”

AFRICAN PROVERB