Maracuja Oil ~ Organic Cold Pressed ~ 4 oz Bottle

Maracuja oil unique to Brazil and the Amazon --- It is a relatively expensive oil that comes from the various varieties of Passionflower plant. 
The oil is light and is considered to be a good emollient. It acts as a nice moisturizer by penetrating readily into the skin and preventing moisture from leaking out.
 
There are many other health benefits of maracuja oil.
 
Maracuja word comes from the Amazon, where it refers to the Passion fruit. Its biological name is Passiflora edulis. The seeds of this fruit are rich in oil, and when extracted, this is termed as maracuja oil. However, this is not the major source of Maracuja oil. Most commercial Maracuja oil comes from the Passion flower. Its biological name is Passiflora incarnata. So, we see that both the sources are from the same genus. Passion flower is an exotic, breathtaking flower which has many health benefits too. Most common application of passion flower is to induce sleep and promote relaxation in people with anxiety.
There may be differences in the properties of Maracuja oil derived from passion fruit and the passion flower. Maracuja and its oil have been used in Aztec civilization and in the heart of the Amazon rainforest for a variety of uses.
 
These are some of the therapeutic properties of Maracuja oil. Since it is not a well researched oil, we still only know little about it.
Emollient – It is considered to be an excellent moisturizer for skin.
Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation.
Anti-insomnia – may induce sleep, but not validated.
Antioxidant – scavenges free radicals, thus preventing our tissues from damage by these entities.
Anti-itching – relieves itching on the skin.
Other potential properties which might be present in this oil based on the properties of the source plants.
Anti-stress – this oil may have a profound stress  relieving effect.
Anti-asthmatic – reduce bronchial spasms and asthma. 
Anti-tussive – cough suppressant
Anxiolytic – relieve anxiety
There really needs to be more research in this oil which can have powerful health benefits.
 
1. Maracuja oil for Dry Skin
Maracuja oil is a nice emollient. So, it can be applied on the skin to keep it hydrated. Before applying this oil, one should do a patch test on a small spot on the skin. If there is no irritation, then it is safe to apply this oil directly in undiluted form. For small dry regions on the skin, take few drops of oil on your palm and rub it gently into the skin. It moistens the skin and feels quite light. So, there is no greasy feeling after applying.
For large areas of skin, one can dilute it with carrier oil, like coconut oil, or olive oil in any dilution ratio that you prefer. Massage with this combination will provide the skin with the benefits of maracuja oil.
 
2. Maracuja oil for Itching
This oil curbs itching. So, if you are experiencing itching, apply this oil. Only a few drops should be enough. One should however avoid this if itching is because of a skin disorder, like eczema or psoriasis. This works great for insect bites and many other insect bites.
 
3. Treat sun damaged sun
Prolonged exposure to bright sunlight also exposes us to harmful UV radiation. UV rays are harmful for the skin, especially the UV-B rays. Over time, these rays lead to skin damage which is characteristic of accelerated ageing. The signs of this ageing on skin are wrinkles, sun spots and blemishes. Apply maracuja oil directly to these regions. The nutrients in maracuja oil, especially if it contains lycopene [1] can aid the skin in recovering from sun induced damage. Lycopene is a red colored carotenoid which is found in many foods, like tomato.
 
4. Massage for soothing painful aches 
Sore and tired muscles can be soothed by incorporating maracuja oil in a massage formulation. Add maracuja oil to olive oil and massage it into sore muscles. Perform some basic stretching for that muscle group. Stretching also provides additional relief from cramping in muscles. Maracuja oil is anti-inflammatory, therefore it reduces inflammation in the muscles. Maracuja oil obtained from seeds of passion fruit are rich in omega- 6 fatty acids ( linoleic acid ). When an oil which is rich in this nutrient is massaged into the skin, inflammation is lowered.
 
5. Relieves anxiety
Maracuja oil may possess anxiolytic ( anxiety reducing ) effects. This may be more pronounced in the oil that comes from passion flower seeds. For reducing feelings of anxiety, open the vial containing maracuja oil and inhale deeply for 20 minutes. The oil possesses an earthy, woody smell. If it is not to your liking, then avoid this oil. There are many more oils which are good at relieving anxiety, like lemon oil, lavender oil, geranium oil and rose oil. They all smell exquisite. 
 
6. For Insomnia
Maracuja oil can help one get sleepy. Pour a few drops of maracuja oil over the pillow. Its aroma is faint, but should be enough for the person to fall asleep. If this is not enough, there  is another way to inhale maracuja oil in order to get sleepy.
Before going to sleep, prepare a warm water bath. When water is filled in the bathtub, add 10 – 20 drops of maracuja oil. Lay in this water. Hot water in an enclosed space will release steam which contains VOCs ( volatile organic compounds ) from maracuja oil. Switch off the exhaust and the aroma should become more and more strong with time. Spend ample time in this relaxing bath. When you are finished, the synergistic effect of a warm water bath and the sleep inducing effect of maracuja oil helps one fall sleep like a baby.
Inhaling the aroma of maracuja oil can also calm cough.