BUHLE MANKETTI SEED OIL (unrefined)

Application, Properties & Efficacy

Buhle Manketti Oil provides skin with a barrier protection as well as stimulating recovery from severe dryness. The very high concentration of linoleic acid and γ-tocopherol, coupled with relatively low oleic acid content supports high quality skin barrier recovery.

The presence of eleostearic acid, a conjugated form of linolenic acid, provides a light coating on the hair cuticle, allowing for coarse hair management and leading to smoother, more manageable tresses. Similarly, the presence of eleostearic acid and relatively low concentration of oleic acid leads to a binding effect for skin tightening/firming applications.

Buhle Manketti Oil also acts in an anti-oxidant to due to robust levels of β-sitosterol

Botanical and Traditional Context

The Manketti tree (also known as the ‘mongongo tree’) is scattered around southern Africa, usually distributed in large clusters that span a width of several kilometres. Taking a minimum of 25 years to bear fruit, the tree grows up to 20 meters in height.

Manketti trees commence flowering from October, bearing fruits from February – April. The Manketti fruit, broadly the size and shape of a common plum, emits a pleasant aromatic fragrance. The prized, creamy-yellow kernels, which are rich in oil and nutrients, are encased in a protective shell.

Communities have reported using the oil in the form of a lotion, to detangle and strengthen hair, and as body oil, especially during winter months.

The word ‘buhle’ means beauty in the African language of Ndebele, which is spoken in the north-western regions of Zimbabwe – one of our sourcing zones.