How to Make Moringa Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Moringa seeds (also known as drumstick seeds)
• 2 cups water
• Cheesecloth or fine strainer
• A mortar and pestle or a blender
• A pot
• A clean glass jar or bottle for storage

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Moringa Seeds:
   • Start by removing the outer shells of the Moringa seeds. You can do this by hand or using a mortar and pestle. If using a mortar and pestle, lightly crush the seeds to help remove the shells.
2. Crush the Seeds:
   • Once the seeds are shelled, crush them into a fine paste using the mortar and pestle. Alternatively, you can use a blender to grind the seeds into a fine consistency.
3. Boil the Seeds:
   • Transfer the crushed seeds into a pot and add 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
   • Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This process helps to extract the oil from the seeds.
4. Strain the Mixture:
   • After simmering, remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Use a cheesecloth or a fine strainer to strain the mixture into a clean container. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
5. Separate the Oil:
   • Allow the strained liquid to sit undisturbed for a few hours or overnight. The oil will naturally separate and rise to the top.
   • Carefully skim off the oil layer with a spoon and transfer it into a clean glass jar or bottle.
6. Storage:
   • Store the Moringa oil in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last for several months.

Tips:

• Ensure the seeds are fully dried before starting the process for better oil extraction.
• If you prefer, you can use a cold-press method to extract the oil, which involves pressing the seeds without heating them. This method preserves more nutrients but may yield less oil.

Uses:

• Moringa oil is highly valued for its nutritional and cosmetic benefits. It can be used for cooking, as a salad dressing, or applied topically for skin and hair care.