Jojoba oil has a lot of therapeutic and medical benefits.
The botanical name of jojoba is Simmondsia chinensis. Other names used for the plant are pignut, coffeeberry and deer nut. Jojoba is a native plant of the Sonoran Desert and is both an economically and medically valuable plant. The jojoba seeds are wind pollinated. When individuals who are hypersensitive to jojoba oil are exposed to an excessive jojoba seed population in the air, it can induce strong allergenic reaction in the individual.
Benefits of Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has been considered beneficial for the skin for centuries, especially by Native Americans. It possesses loads of antioxidants. It has valuable anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic properties. It has very good moisturizing properties. The extract from jojoba leaves and other parts of the plant are used in hair care and skin care products in processed form. It is also used for medicinal purposes such as wounds, sores, blisters and poison ivy. It is also used as carrier oil to dilute other essential oils used for massage and aromatherapy. Research has also shown its possible use in curing cancer and kidney related disorders.
Special Considerations
When individuals who are hypersensitive to jojoba oil use products containing jojoba oil, they experience allergic reactions. The allergies are primarily of two types. Using moisturizers or cosmetics containing jojoba oil may lead to contact dermatitis, while ingestion of edibles containing jojoba oil or its constituents may lead to steatorrhea. Cosmetics or edible substances containing jojoba oil are not recommended for use by pregnant women, nursing mothers or infants as it can cause toxicity and other adverse reactions.
Gastroenteritis
The extract taken from the seed is called jojoba oil, and is edible. However, the liquid wax esters present in the oil are not easily digestible. As a result, it causes steatorrhea in the individuals who consume jojoba oil, whether they have allergies or not. The disease is characterized by diarrhea-like symptoms. The stools are loose, smelly and oily in nature. This problem occurs in individuals who consume edible products containing jojoba oil, which contains metabolically indigestible wax esters.
Contact Dermatitis
Jojoba oil contains moisturizers. Hence, it is extensively used in manufacturing personal care products such as moisturizers, conditioners and cleansers. A typical allergy to jojoba is characterized by rapid onset of symptoms such as itching, redness, rashes and blisters. However, the skin generally returns to normal on its own and rarely requires medical attention.
Jojoba Sensitivity Test
An allergic reaction to jojoba can easily be avoided by taking certain precautions. It is best to test a skin care product containing jojoba on a small area, such as the back of the hand. For this, a drop of the product should be put on a cotton swab and gently applied to a small area. This area then must be covered with a bandage for 48 hours. If the skin appears swollen, red and has developed blisters, this is a sign of allergy, and the product must not be used for any part of the body. When testing for an allergic reaction, the essential oil must be directly applied on the skin for 48 hours. The oil is not recommended in any form if any of the signs and symptoms of allergy are seen.
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