Camelina oil is extracted from the seeds of the Camelina Sativa plant also known as Dutch flax, German sesame, Siberian oilseed, or Gold-of-pleasure. Not only is it nourishing for the skin and hair, it can also ease the pain of arthritis by lowering inflammation. Here are 10 things you may not know about camelina oil.
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Benefits of Camelina Oil
The camelina plant has been around for over 3,000 years, yet most people haven’t heard of it even though it’s been cultivated in European countries for centuries. It’s a versatile oil that’s not only good for skin and hair, its unique flavor and high smoke point (475° Fahrenheit) make it a food-lover’s favorite, as well.
Camelina oil is an annual found within the mustard family, the oil being extracted from the seeds. Its appearance is similar to flax oil, but its shelf life is much more stable, which prevents rancidity. The botanical name is Camelina Sativa Seed Oil.
Here are some interesting facts about camelina oil:
1. Is rich in antioxidants, monounsaturated fats, and omega 3 fatty acids, making it a highly nourishing oil for both internal and external use.
2. Has emollient, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties, and is used as an ingredient in face and body lotions. These properties make it a great choice for inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis and eczema.
3. Resembles flax oil, but is more stable. The vitamin E content prevents it from going rancid, with the shelf life being 18 months from press date.
4. Considered a dry oil, camelina oil makes an outstanding carrier oil and is used in conjunction with other oils in cosmetics and beauty care products. It’s often used as a massage oil due to its subtle, nutty aroma, and its superb ability to penetrate the skin.
5. Heating oils can cause them to oxidize, which creates free radicals. Camelina oil prevents free radical damage due to its high vitamin E content, which makes the oil heat-stable. This means it can be heated to high temperatures when cooking to maintain its beneficial properties.
6. Great for nourishing the scalp and reducing dandruff, while protecting the hair against free radical damage. Camelina oil is a favorite for hot oil scalp massages.
8. Can be used as an alternative to olive oil for making salad dressings and sauces or just drizzling over food. Unlike olive oil, however it has a high smoke point so won’t oxidize while heated. This smoke point rivals coconut oil, grapeseed oil and refined cooking oils.
9. Used topically, camelina oil reduces the pain, swelling, and inflammation of arthritis, while improving joint mobility. It quells inflammation when taken internally, as well due to its high omega fatty acid content.
10. Supports brain, nerve, and eye health. Fatty acids, including EPA, DHA, and alpha linoleic acid, protect against cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, nerve damage, and macular degeneration. The oil is being considered as a biofuel alternative to corn.
Key Points
Camelina oil is an under-appreciated, anti-inflammatory oil with an impressive fatty acid and antioxidant profile. The oil’s versatility makes it fantastic for both internal and external use. In fact, just one tablespoon provides the recommended daily allowance of omega 3s and vitamin E.
Not many oils can make that claim. Use it to nourish your skin, soften and protect your hair, as a raw ingredient in DIY skincare, enjoy it’s subtle goodness in the kitchen, and use as a nutritional supplement to boost your immune system.
Have you heard of camelina oil? Let me know in the comments:)
References:
(1) Bulkapothecary.com: Camelina Oil
(2) Mountainroseherbs.com: Camelina Oil
(3) BeautyGlimpse.com: amazing Beauty Benefits Of Camelina Oil You Should Not Ignore
(4) Threefarmers.ca: Camelina Oil
(5) Bioseedsaustralia.com.au: Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Camelina Oil
Hey, You are dead right! I have never heard of Camelina Oil. I have an issue with dry spots on my scalp and can see why this could possibly be the solution. I noticed the bottle featured in your article is a small dropper bottle. Does this mean it is concentrated and I would only use one drop at a time?
When cooking you mention a tablespoon in salads. Bit confusing for me. What other size bottles can you buy? Can you buy capsules (like Omega 3) to swallow? I love natural ways of treating these issues.
Look forward to hearing from you to help me make a clear decision. Cheers
Hi Jill,
You’re not alone, most people have never heard of camelina oil. It’s awesome for scalp issues. Try it on your dry spots.
The small bottle I recommended is a concentrate. You could add a small amount to your existing skincare. I make my own creams and lotions so add a little to my preparations. Try adding a drop or two to your scalp.
I mentioned taking a tablespoon of the oil as a nutritional supplement to get your recommended daily dose of Omega 3s and vitamin E. The other link I provided, underneath the link to the concentrate, is to camelina oil made by Three Farmers. That’s the product you would take a tablespoon of or use for salads.
Hope that clears things up. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
I am so pleased I stumbled across this post. I have never even heard of Camelina oil before. I suffer from osteoarthritis in my knees, and I also still get acne breakouts even though I’m an adult. Acne certainly isn’t just a teenager’s complaint. I found this article very interesting and informative, as I said I hadn’t heard of Camelina oil before, let alone tried it, but I’ll certainly be giving it a try now. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi Russ,
Thanks for reading my post. Most people haven’t heard of Camelina oil. You could apply it topically to your knees and see if you get some relief. It’s great for inflammation!
You’re are right, acne doesn’t just affect teenagers. Many adults suffer from it as well. I’m sorry you have to deal with it, I know it’s a frustrating condition. Give Camelina oil a try and see if it doesn’t calm the breakouts you’re experiencing…
I am also using camelina oil and which is also known as gold-of-pleasure or false flax oil. This oil has a light, nutty flavor and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy alternative to other cooking oils. It is also high in antioxidants and has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking methods such as frying. Camelina oil has a variety of uses in cooking and can be used as a replacement for other cooking oils, as well as in salad dressings and marinades. It is also used in the production of biodiesel.
I am investigating for healthy benefits for humans and how it can help canines (dogs).
What forms are available, gel cap, liquid or other form?
I’ve heard of it and I’ve had it. Lots of trippy dreaming when you first take this oil for sure.