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Argan Oil

Argan Oil for a Moroccan Spa:

Hi from Apondia:

Garnier actually sells a hair product called Fructis. Walmart carries it. Interesting that I thought Argan Oil had something to do with coconuts. When I saw they were using it for the spa I decided to find out more about this oil.

Fructis contains more than one product. Argan oil is only a percentage of the ingredients within Fructis.

Argan oil actually comes from Argan Trees. Argan trees are grown in Morocco and Southwestern Algeria. The tree produces a small green fruit. The fruit is similar in shape and size to an olive. Inside the fruit is a kernel. The kernel is used to produce the oil.

Surprise! Moroccans have been eating Argan oil for years. They use it to flavor food or as dip for bread during a meal. The oil has health benefits. It gives the human immune system support, controls cholesterol, heals wounds, and has anti-aging affects. Who knew? Consumers might not know because Argan Oil is primarily promoted as a cosmetic in the USA.

Three primary places are a part of Argan Oil production, Agadir, Essaouira, and Taroudant where many of the Argan trees are grown. A cooperative named Amazigh which means sisters employ about 100 women to produce Argan Oil.The women receive a salary, free child care, health insurance, and literacy courses for their service.

First the Argan fruit is dried in the sun. The employees then peel and mash the fruit with stones. Using this process they are able to extract the kernel. The Kernel is then fed through a machine pressing the kernel to extract the oil. It takes about 3 days of grinding to produce one liter of oil.

The use of Argan oil in cosmetics has caused an upsurge of demand for the product since 2002 when the Amazigh Cooperative was first set up.

The women say they enjoy the work. They sing and enjoy fellowship while they work.

Amazon sells a 2 ounce bottle of 100% pure natural, cold pressed, unrefined Argan oil in an amber bottle for $15.99. There is also a picture of an Argan Tree and goats and a second picture of a women processing the fruit. Amber bottles protect the product from light. A label on the bottle advertises information about the product can be found at www.us-organic.com.

When we get Argan oil in a day at the spa we are well pampered. I need a Moroccan spa at my house.

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