All BOM oils are cold-pressed, guaranteeing that the nutritive qualities inherent to our specially selected local oils are never compromised. Community harvesters receive extensive training in seed quality control and sustainable harvesting techniques. Strict quality procedures guide the selection of oilseeds to ensure that only the freshest and cleanest seeds are used. Our principal oils are the following:
BAOBAB, Adansonia digitata
Pressed from the seeds of the baobab fruit, this rich golden oil has a high content of vitamins A, D, E and F. Baobab oil is said to provide rich moisturizing benefits to skin and hair, particularly due to its essential fatty acid content. The quick-absorbing oil improves elasticity, encourages regeneration of skin cells and does not clog the pores. It is considered an excellent component to the holistic treatment of sunspots, stretchmarks, scarring, eczema and psoriasis, dermatitis, and scaly skin disorder. Wild-harvested. (Photo copyright PhytoTrade)
COCONUT, Cocos nucifera
Within hours of cleaning and cracking the fresh fruit, our virgin coconut oil is cold-pressed by hand to best preserve its nutritive qualities. An ideal natural lotion, virgin coconut oil is easily absorbed by the skin and underlying cellular tissues, helping skin regain a smooth texture and healthy shine. Often used for treating common skin ailments, the oil also helps prevent destructive free-radical formation that contributes to skin damage associated with aging and sun overexposure. Organically certified.
MAFURA, "Natal Mahogany", Trichilia emetica
When the fruit of the Mafura tree matures, the silver-green skin parts to show shiny red and white flesh covering soft black seeds. In southern Mozambique, the buttery fruit is eaten with sugar or slowly heated to extract a rich oil prized for its medicinal properties, particularly for the restructuring of the epidermis and as a remedy for certain skin ailments. Rich in essential fatty acids, the oil has also been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects due to the presence of limonoids such as Trichilin A. Wild-harvested. (Photo copyright PhytoTrade)
MARULA, Sclerocarya birrea
One of Southern Africa's great indigenous trees, the Marula tree is found in bushveld to woodlands and is a favorite elephant and primate food. The fruits and nut oil have many traditional uses. Easily absorbed, virgin Marula oil has shown to improve skin hydration, skin smoothness and reduce redness. High levels of oleic acid and natural antioxidants combine to make the oil ideal for topical skin care. Wild-harvested. (Photo copyright PhytoTrade)
SESAME, Sesamum indicum
Distinctively sweet and nutty in aroma, virgin sesame oil is rich in Vitamin E and B complex. A wonderful skin moisturizer, the oil helps prevent skin damage from sun over-exposure and can assist in treating skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, and blemishes. Sesame oil also has a high content of beneficial minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and phosphwidorus. Sesamol and sesamin, natural antioxidants found in sesame seeds, make unrefined virgin sesame oil especially nourishing and act as natural preservatives. Produced without pesticides by local farmers in our area.
essential oils
MARIGOLD, Tagetes minuta/glandulifera (Khakibos)
The flowers and leaves of the marigold plant are a excellent natural insect repellent. The therapeutic properties of marigold oil are anti-infectious, anti-microbial, sedative and insecticidal.
PEPPERMINT, Mentha peperita
Considered one of the world's oldest medicines, peppermint oil contains numerous minerals and nutrients and is a natural antiseptic. The oil relieves stress, depression and mental exhaustion. Helps relax muscles and improve circulation. Cools and nourishes skin.
TEA TREE, Melaleuca alternifolia
Excellent for general skin care, the fragrant light yellow tea tree oil is steam distilled from leaves and bark. Traditionally used by Australian Aborigine populations to treat respiratory infections, pains and sores, the oil is prized for its unique capacity to act against all three varieties of infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi and viruses. Produced by our partner business Africa Naturally. Organically certified.
SANDALWOOD, Santalum Spicatum
Celebrated in many civilizations and religions around the world for use in medicines, skin and beauty treatments. Relieves nervous and circulatory system inflammations. Relaxes nerves, muscles, and blood vessels, contributing to effective treatment of cramps, aches, coughs. Sandalwood oil is known for soothing the skin and helping to fade scars, spots, stretch marks and wrinkles. In aromatherapy, sandalwood is used to improve memory and concentration, and induce relaxation.
GRAPEFRUIT, Citrus Paradisi
An excellent anti-oxidant, particularly due to high vitamin C content. Protects the body from the oxidant-triggered symptoms of aging, degeneration of tissues, and mental and physical sluggishness. Eliminates and protects against skin infections and treats oily skin. Ensures good health of the lymphatic system, freeing body from toxins that contribute to problems such as cellulite, arthritis, gout, etc. Beneficial for treating muscle stiffness and cramps. Also known as a stimulant of the endocrinal glands and nervous system, which contribute to its uplifting and relaxing effects.
LAVENDER, Lavandula angustifolia
Extracted by steam distillations of flowers. Used by many cultures for the purification of body and spirit. Used as a remedy for ailments including migraines, insomnia, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Disinfects skin and scalp; treats fungal infections of the skin, wounds, eczema and acne. Aids in the formation of scar tissues, thus accelerating healing of wounds, cuts, burns and sunburns.
LEMONGRASS, Cymbopogon citratus
An amber oil with a sweet, lemony smell, extracted from fresh or partly dried leaves by steam distillation. Renowned for its anti-depressant, astringent, deodorant, insecticidal and antimicrobial qualities. Also used for clearing oily skin, acne and athlete's foot. Great benefits as a muscle and skin toner. Helps alleviate excessive perspiration. Also celebrated for relieving depression and anxiety.
LIME, Citrus Aurantifolia
Extracted by cold compression of fresh peels or steam distillation of dried peels. Full of anti-oxidants and other beneficial nutrients. Lime oil is a renowned disinfectant, anti viral and a restorative tonic, excellent for toning muscles, tissues and skin. Also known as an antidepressant and pain reducer for muscles.