Camelina oil is obtained from the seeds of Camelina Sativa. Solvent extraction, superficial fluid extraction, and cold-pressed oil are the three main means of extracting the oil from the seeds. The solvent extraction methods guarantee a lot of oil but the oil contains harmful solvents that could harm you while on the other hand, cold-pressed oil is the surest way of getting original oil nutrients which are very beneficial to the health of the body. Considered by many as a weed, the camelina plant is largely underappreciated nowadays. Camelina oil has a delicious nutty flavor and a delightful floral aroma. It is packed with heart-healthy Omega-3 and powerful antioxidants. It is also more stable than flax oil and purer than fish oil (which can contain mercury.)
| Camelina Oil Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Camelina Oil |
| Scientific Name: | Camelina Sativa |
| Origin | Europe and Central Asia |
| Colors | Golden, somewhat olive oil like color |
| Taste | Tastes like almond oil |
| Health benefits | Good for Skin, Helps Control Cholesterol, Good for Hair, Heart Health, Arthritis, Good for the Brain, Eyes and Nerves, Preventing inflammation, Helping immunity, Preventing general aging, High in Vitamin E, High in Omega-3 |
Camelina sativa, also known as camelina, gold-of-pleasure, false flax, wild fax, German sesame, and Dutch flax, is an ancient oilseed crop and flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Other members of the Brassicaceae family include oilseeds like mustard, rapes, and canola, as well as vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. It is native to Northern and Central Europe and to Central Asian areas but cultivated mainly as an oil-seed crop commercially in Europe and Canada. Camelina oil pressed from the seeds of this traditional crop has a unique aroma attributed to its unique chemical makeup. Archeological excavations in Europe have revealed the existence of Camelina sativa as far back as1500 B.C. and archaeologists believe that its seeds were consumed along with flaxseeds and cereals primarily in the form of porridge and bread.
Camelina oil Facts
Camelina oil is extracted from the Camelina sativa oilseed. Camelina sativa is an ancient oilseed crop that is a member of the Brassicaceae family and is native to Northern Europe and Central Asia. Camelina was grown and consumed in Europe until the 1940s when higher-yielding crops became more available. Currently, it is cultivated in Canada, the United States, Slovenia, and Italy. However, there are only a small number of acres being grown worldwide. Camelina oil can be used as cooking oil, in salad dressings, and in spreads and margarine. While it is able to withstand frying temperatures, is it not recommended that camelina oil be heated for prolonged periods of time. The oil is high in omega-3 and omega-6 fats, as well as vitamin E. Thus, it is ideal for salad and margarine oils.
| Name | Camelina oil |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Camelina Sativa |
| Native | Europe and Central Asia |
| Common Names of Plant | False flax, gold of pleasure, and Leindotter also occasionally wild flax, linseed dodder, German sesame, and Siberian oilseed |
| Plant Growth Habit | Small annual shrub |
| Growing Climate | Grows well in the cold and arid climates, even in very cold environments like in Canada. |
| Plant Size | 30–120 cm (12–47 in) |
| Leaf | Alternate on the stem, lanceolate with a length from 2–8 cm (0.79–3.15 in) and a width of 2–10 mm (0.079–0.394 in). |
| Flower | Four-petaled small pale yellow or greenish-yellow flowers |
| Oil Color | Golden, somewhat olive oil like color |
| Flavor/Aroma | Mild and nutty almond-like flavor and a green herbaceous aroma |
| Taste | Tastes like almond oil |
| Plant Parts Used | Seeds of Camelina sativa |
| Methods of Extractions | Solvent extraction, superficial fluid extraction, and the cold-pressed oil |
| Shelf life | 12-24 months |
| Health Benefits |
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| Traditional Medicinal Use |
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| How to Eat |
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| Other Facts |
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Plant
Camelina sativa is an annual in the mustard family and attains heights of 1 to 3 feet. It has branched stems that become woody at maturity. Stems are generally smooth or only sparsely hairy near their base. Leaves are arrow-shaped, sharp-pointed, 2 to 3.5 inches long with smooth edges. It produces prolific small, pale yellow or greenish-yellow flowers with 4 petals. Fruits are pear-shaped pods known as silicles and have a squared-off tip. Seed pods are ¼ to slightly more than ½ inches long. Seeds are small (< 1/16 inch long and about half as wide) pale yellow-brown, oblong, rough, with a ridged surface. There are approximately 400,000 seeds of camelina per pound.
Types
Depending on the production technology distinguish refined, unrefined camelina oil. The first type is obtained by extraction, the second – by hot pressing or cold pressing. What is the difference between these production methods?
Cold-pressed is produced on special equipment, where unrefined useful oil is extracted from raw materials under pressure. A more aromatic product is obtained by hot pressing, followed by partial purification: filtration, neutralization, hydration. However, in such unrefined oil there are fewer nutrients and proteins. It is less healthy than raw.
The essence of the extraction method is the ability of the oil to dissolve in hexane or gasoline. When mixing raw materials with these substances, the oil goes into a petrochemical solvent, is subjected to further distillation. After cleaning, there is no guarantee that toxic hexane is completely removed from the product.
Distinctive features of refined camelina oil from unrefined:
- Smell. Unlike refined, unrefined retains the natural flavor, slightly pungent taste. The first is used in cooking for frying meat, fish, baking confectionery, because it has a neutral smell. The second is used for making sauces, gravies, dressing boiled vegetables, salads and salad, when the dish should retain the characteristic vegetable flavor.
Ginger oil is not recommended to be subjected to heat treatment, because under the influence of high temperatures it destroys beneficial substances (vitamins, polyunsaturated acids).
- Consistency. Unrefined product is richer, fatter than refined.
- Shelf life. Refined pomace, sealed in bottles, placed in a dark room with an ambient temperature of 8 to 20 degrees, is valid for two years. After opening the container, the shelf life is reduced to 14 days at room temperature and to 30 days if the product is stored in the refrigerator. It is interesting that in the cold the oil does not turn into ice, but only thickens. However, cold treatment does not preserve vitamins and nutrients, therefore, it is not recommended to freeze the unrefined products.
After uncorking a plastic bottle, the contents are poured into a tinted glass container with a narrow neck. If unrefined camelina oil was made by hot pressing, its shelf life is 10 months, cold-pressed – no more than 4 months.
Thus, the value of vegetable oil depends on the number of processing steps. The more of them, the longer you can store the product and fewer nutrients, antioxidants, and PUFA remain in it.
Unrefined oil is more useful than refined oil.
To preserve the nutritional value and healing properties of its stored in a dark, warm place without access of light and air. When the refined camelina oil is reheated, carcinogens (aldehyde) are formed in it – toxic substances for the human body, which can accumulate in the tissues, adversely affect the respiratory tract, the mucous membrane of the eyes, which ultimately threatens the development of cancer.
Health Benefits of Camelina Oil
Camelina oil offers brilliant nutrition. Along with this, its healing properties make it useful for a number of conditions
1. Helps Control Cholesterol
Camelina oil is abundant in sterols, which are shown to inhibit cholesterol absorption. In one research, it was shown that adding camelina oil to the participants’ diet reduced blood cholesterol levels. Camelina was twice as effective when compared to olive or canola oil.
Also, most of the fats in camelina oil are polyunsaturated. These types of fats are essential for healthy cell function in your body. Whereas, camelina is very low in saturated fats that can lead to increased blood cholesterol and heart disease.(1), (2), (3)
2. Good for Skin
Camelina oil can be used as a massage oil for the skin. Due to it having a nice mild aroma, it feels good during the massage. It offers an ample amount of Vitamin E and omega fatty acids directly to the skin. These moisturize the skin and prevent it from free radical damage. One can massage regularly to get healthier, smooth, and well-moisturized skin.
3. Good for Hair
Camelina oil can be used just like olive oil for a hot oil scalp massage. This provides nutrition to the scalp and gets rid of dry skin, dandruff and flakiness. It helps to keep the hair looking soft and moisturized. Its antioxidants protect the hair shafts from free radical damage.
4. Heart Health
Camelina oil lowers blood triglyceride levels. This is good for cardiovascular health as it reduces the risk of heart diseases.
5. Arthritis
Camelina oil can be applied topically to reduce inflammation in arthritis. When taken internally, it provides large amounts of omega – 3 fatty acids. Regular intake of omega- reduces overall inflammation. One can experience a reduction in pain, inflammation, and swelling over the joint. It also boosts mobility in the joint. Camelina oil can be used as a carrier oil. It goes well with rosemary essential oil and this combination can be massaged on the inflamed joint.
6. Good for the Brain, Eyes, and Nerves
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like alpha-linolenic acid, EPA and DHA are helpful in keeping the brain, eyes, and nerves healthy. As a result, camelina oil may protect against cognitive diseases, like dementia, Alzheimer’s, eye diseases like macular degeneration, and nerve damage due to inflammation.
7. Preventing inflammation
If you suffer from chronic pain or from an injury, camelina oil can be taken internally as well as used on the skin to work as an anti-inflammatory. This can also work on arthritis pain, something omega-3s are great for!
8. Helping immunity
Camelina oil’s antioxidant content makes it perfect for helping out your immune system.
9. Preventing general aging
Omega 3s and antioxidants are perfect to combat aging in any form, not just the skin. Keeping your brain healthy with essential fatty acids such as omega 3s is so important. This could decrease your risk of getting Alzheimer’s or dementia in addition to cognitive decline.
10. High in Vitamin E
Camelina oil is loaded with vitamin E which is an antioxidant. This helps to make sure that the oil doesn’t easily go rancid/oxidize. When this happens to oil it creates free radicals which can harm the body. This often happens when oils are heated. The high amount of vitamin E in camelina oil helps to make it more heat stable than some other oils on the market. Vitamin E when consumed is also very beneficial for our health because it helps to prevent many illnesses like heart disease and cancer.
11. High in Omega-3
It has a fantastic fat profile. Camelina oil is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. This is great news because most people are deficient in omega-3. In the Standard American Diet, we are consuming high amounts of omega-6. It’s important to have a good balance between the two. Consuming enough omega-3 in our diet helps fight inflammation, prevent heart disease, improve brain health, etc.
Useful Properties
The high value of the product is primarily due to a record amount of omega-3 acids (35% by weight), which normalize lipid, cholesterol metabolism, support normal heart function.
Other useful properties:
- Relieves from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, prevents the appearance of ulcers, gastritis, colitis, enterocolitis. It improves the condition of people suffering from fatty degeneration, cirrhosis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, stones in the bile ducts. Ryzhikovoe oil kills harmful microorganisms, has anthelmintic properties, heals erosions on the mucous membranes of the digestive organs.
- Strengthens blood vessels, protects walls from sticking of harmful cholesterol, neutralizes free radicals, normalizes blood pressure. Polyunsaturated acids, phytosterols, magnesium, vitamins A, E, which are part of camelina oil, help regulate blood coagulation, maintain normal hemoglobin.
- Normalizes hormones in lactating mothers and pregnant women, improves the well-being of girls experiencing premenstrual syndrome. Reduces pain during menstruation.
- Strengthens immunity.
- It prevents the appearance of diabetes, osteoporosis, prostatitis, atherosclerosis, diseases of the digestive and urinary systems.
- Interferes with the growth of a malignant tumor, reduces the likelihood of developing a heart attack, stroke, arthritis, osteoporosis.
- It excretes heavy metal salts, toxins and radionuclides.
- It helps strengthen cells.
- Increases the overall tone of the body.
- Stimulates the work of the liver.
- Improves eyesight.
Due to its rich biochemical composition, camelina oil prolongs the youthfulness of skin cells, maintains natural beauty, and protects against early aging.
Indications:
- atherosclerosis;
- varicosity;
- thrombophlebitis;
- ischemia;
- angina pectoris;
- hypertension;
- anemia;
- eye inflammation;
- irritation of the gastric mucosa (gastritis);
- seborrhea;
- psoriasis.
According to clinical trials, camelina oil is recommended for the diet of people suffering from heart and vascular diseases.
Other Uses of Camelina Oil
Camelina oil has some more interesting uses.
As a cooking oil
There is growing interest in camelina oil as cooking oil, especially for deep frying. It has the highest smoke point of 475 ° F which is much higher than olive, coconut, canola, grape seed, and most other cooking oils. That is why one can use it for stir-frying, deep-frying, and sautéing. Camelina oil has a nutty flavor, which makes it excellent for fried food and other delicacies. Camelina oil is a popular ingredient in paleo recipes.
As biofuel
Camelina oil is also a source of fuel. It is being studied for its viability as an alternate fuel. It has been used as jet fuel on a number of occasions. In Japan, it is being studied for its potential to generate electricity.
Camelina oil is also used as a nutritional supplement for dogs.
Application rules
Ginger oil is recommended to be used on a regular basis to all people who do not have contraindications to receive the product. The main condition is not to subject it to heat treatment, since high temperature reduces the nutritional value of the product, kills biologically active substances. After 3 months of continuous oil consumption, it is recommended to take a break for 1 – 2 months, then resume therapy.
Ways of using:
- In the morning 30 minutes before breakfast. After 3 months of regular use of camelina oil, an improvement in the state of blood vessels and the heart is observed, the nervous system is strengthened, lipid metabolism returns to normal.
- During the day, as a dressing for chilled second courses, salads. Replenishes the reserves of PUFA, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants in the body. It prevents the development of diseases of the digestive tract, endocrine, cardiovascular and excretory systems. Cleans from toxins, toxins, regulates metabolism, protects blood vessels from the formation of blood clots.
- Outwardly in the form of lotions. Improves the condition of the skin: accelerates the healing of burns, eczema, dermatitis, damage to the dermis, relieves diaper rash in infants. For the preparation of lotions cotton cloth soaked with camelina oil, applied to the desired area. The procedure is repeated 3 once a day.
A tablespoon (15 milliliters) of camelina oil on an empty stomach is a natural ally in the fight for health.
For hair
For cosmetic purposes, it is recommended to use a cold-pressed product.
Effect of saffron oil on hair:
- regulates the activity of the sebaceous glands, eliminates fat;
- fights dry hair, resists split ends (due to moisturizing effect);
- nourishes the scalp by deep penetration into the root zone;
- protects curls from hair dryers, pleyoks, exposure to dyes;
- strengthens the hair fiber, gives volume to the hair;
- prevents alopecia;
- protects hair follicles from allergic reactions, irritations;
- eliminates dandruff.
Camelina oil is used in pure form or in combination with shampoo, balm, masks. It has anti-allergic, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory properties.
Beauty Recipes:
- To strengthen the hair. Ingredients: 50 ml of baby shampoo without additives, 15 ml of vodka, 5 ml of camelina oil. Apply to previously washed strands with massage movements, rinse with water.
- To stimulate hair growth. Ingredients: burdock, olive, camelina oil. Combine in equal proportions, rub into the root zone, distribute along the length of the hair. Wrap the head with a plastic bag, a towel. Withstand the mask 0,5-1 for an hour, then rinse with water.
- For hair density. Components: 75 ml of camelina oil, 1 egg yolk. Mix the ingredients, apply on the hair, leave the mask for 30 minutes. After that, rinse your hair with shampoo.
- For moisturizing and nourishing dry hair. Heat the camelina oil in a water bath to 40 degrees, apply to the strands. Warm wrapping improves the condition of the hair, saturates the follicles with biologically active compounds, restores the damaged hair structure. Leave the agent for half an hour, then rinse.
- To combat split ends. 2 hours before bedtime, lubricate the damaged areas with camelina oil, leave until morning, then rinse the strands with shampoo.
To maintain healthy hair, add camelina oil to finished store balms and masks in the ratio of 1: 2. Then use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remember, natural remedies act slowly and gently. Do not expect quick results. Regularly use camelina oil for cosmetic purposes and your hair will thank you for its beautiful appearance.
For the skin
Effect on the dermis:
- relieves cellulite, dermatitis, acne, scars;
- prevents the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy;
- strengthens and nourishes the skin (used for massage);
- protects the dermis from the UV rays of the sun;
- activates cell regeneration;
- regulates the glands of the dermis;
- normalizes water-fat balance;
- heals capillaries.
Recipes for derma health:
- Body scrub, face. Exfoliating dead cells cleanses the dermis from dirt and excess sebum. To prepare a pilling at home, 15 ml of camelina oil is mixed with 5-10 g of ground coffee. For owners of dry skin, an additional ingredient is introduced into the resulting composition – fat cream (15 ml). All components are thoroughly mixed, gently applied to the skin in a circular motion. Massage 15-30 seconds for each section. To avoid damage to the dermis, do not rub one zone for more than a minute. Then the face is rinsed with water.
- Mask for the face. Nourishes soften the skin, smoothes shallow wrinkles. Ingredients: mashed 1/3 avocado and 15 ml of camelina oil. Mix the components, apply the mass on cleansed face for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
To moisturize the dermis, a mask is prepared from the following ingredients: whole milk (15 ml), blue clay (15 g), camelina oil (5 ml). The cooking procedure is similar.
- From cellulite and stretch marks. The active ingredients of camelina oil penetrate deep into the skin, have a regenerating, rejuvenating action, revitalize and tone it. Strengthens the blood flow of tissues, heals a dry, fading derma, struggling with the “orange peel”.
Remember, oil mixtures have a healing effect only when used regularly.
To combat stretch marks and cellulite, after each shower, rub the following composition into problematic areas of the body: camelina oil (30 ml), orange oil (1 ml), neroli essential oils, and lavender (2 ml). The result will appear after a month of regular use of 2.
Before applying a mask to your face, make sure that you are not allergic to the product. To this end, the agent is distributed on the crook of the elbow, 20 minutes are waiting. In the absence of adverse reactions (redness, itching, burning) on the part of the body, it can be applied to the face.
For nails
Strengthening nail plate prevents its delamination, brittleness, stimulates growth. The procedure is not recommended in the presence of fresh wounds, scratches (in particular, from a manicure).
Ingredients: lemon juice (4 drops), warm camelina oil (45 ml), iodine (2 drops). The components are mixed. The nails are dipped in a warm mixture, kept for a quarter of an hour, washed off with water or wiped with a napkin. The course is 10 days.
Buying and Storage
Camelina oil is very resistant to both rancidity and oxidation. It has an amazing shelf life of about 18 months and even up to 24 months. So, it really goes for a long time. One can easily get cold-pressed camelina oil which is purely organic, although it is slightly pricey.
From Where To Buy
- Botanical Name: Camellia sinensis
- Extraction Method: Cold Pressed
- Obtained From: Seeds
- Usage Rate: 1-100%
- County of Origin: Japan
or
- PREMIUM QUALITY CAMELLIA CARRIER OIL: SVA Camellia Oil is obtained by cold-pressed extraction of Camellia Oleifera seeds. Our Camellia seed oil is free of preservatives and comes with a dropper for easy application. It is not tested on Animals. We care for you!
- HOW TO USE: SVA Camellia Oil is easy to use. Put a few drops on your palm and gently massage on your scalp and body for a few minutes. You may use Camellia oil for your face and hair and leave the oil overnight for better results. You can also use the oil for nail care. Camellia oil is also suitable for use in soap-making and cosmetic formulations.
- SKIN NOURISHMENT: Camellia oil is suitable for massage and can be used as a moisturizer. The oil is gentle on the skin and gets absorbed quickly. It is a highly nourishing oil for skin, hair, and body. Add a few drops to your creams, lotions, or bath products for goodness of Camellia oil for skin.
- HAIR CARE: Camellia Seed Oil is used for hair and scalp massage. Simply mix a few drops of Camellia oil with your shampoo, conditioner, and mask for hair care. Warm the oil and apply on hair and scalp. Wrap a towel or shower cap for deep penetration.
- CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: SVA is committed to providing customers with high-quality products that deliver an extraordinary experience. Customer Satisfaction is our prime focus, and we continue to offer the genuine quality we are known for.
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