Jujube oil is extracted from the seeds of the jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba). For centuries, jujube fruit has been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, and recent research suggests that it may have potential health benefits too. Rich in fatty acids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals, it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. Discover how to make jujube oil, the potential health benefits, and how to use it safely and effectively.
What You'll Learn Today
Can You Make Jujube Oil At Home?
Making Jujube oil, also known as Chinese date oil, at home is easy to do, provided you have sufficient seeds and some easily sourced utensils.
The oil is commonly used in traditional medicine and promotes healthy skin and hair, and boosts the immune system.
Follow this detailed guide to make jujube oil or jujube-infused oil at home:
Materials Needed:
- Jujube seeds
- Oil press or a carrier oil (such as jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or sweet almond oil for hair and skin, or virgin olive oil or coconut oil for cooking)
- Airtight glass jar or bottle
- Fine mesh strainer
- Cheesecloth
- Funnel
Instructions:
- Start by collecting a sufficient amount of jujube seeds. The seeds can be obtained from fresh jujube fruits you have grown yourself or purchased from an Asian grocery store or alternatively, you can use dried jujube seeds, which are readily available at health food stores or online.
- Clean the jujube seeds by rinsing them well under running water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the jujube seeds evenly on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
TIP: Roasting the seeds helps to enhance the flavor of the oil and also aids in the extraction process.
- Remove the roasted jujube seeds from the oven and let them cool to room temperature.
- Once the jujube seeds are cool, use an oil press, add the jujube seeds to the press, and operate to remove the oil (jump to step 10)
TIP: If you don’t have a press, transfer the seeds to a mortar and crush them with a pestle. Or use a coffee grinder, blender, or food processor to reduce the seeds into a fine powder.
- Add the ground jujube seeds to an airtight glass jar or bottle.
- Pour enough carrier oil into the jar or bottle to cover the ground jujube seeds. The amount of oil you use will depend on how many jujube seeds you have, but a good rule of thumb is to use a 1:4 ratio of seeds to oil.
- Close the jar or bottle tightly and shake it vigorously to mix the seeds and oil together.
- Store the jar or bottle in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. This will allow the oil to absorb the nutrients and flavors from the jujube seeds.
- Strain the oil using a fine mesh strainer and a cheesecloth to remove any solid particles or debris.
- Transfer it into a sterilized glass jar or bottle using a funnel.
- Store the jujube oil in a cool, dark place until ready to use. The oil should be good for up to 6 months.
It’s also possible to infuse the oil with other herbs or spices to enhance its flavor and health benefits. Simply add the desired herbs or spices along with the jujube seeds and carrier oil. Some good options include ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom.
What Do You Use Jujube Oil For?
Jujube oil, either homemade or commercially produced, has a range of potential uses for health and beauty purposes. These include:
Skincare
Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It is also high in vitamin E, which moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Add some Jujube oil to a facial moisturizer to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and promote a healthy, glowing complexion.
Haircare
It has moisturizing properties that help to nourish and hydrate the hair and scalp. It can be used as a hair oil or added to a hair mask to reduce frizz, improve texture, and promote healthy growth.
Massage
Used as a massage oil it helps relieve muscle tension and promotes relaxation. It has a pleasant, nutty aroma that can also help to create a soothing and calming atmosphere.
Aromatherapy
With its sweet, natural aroma, the oil helps reduce stress and anxiety. It can be added to a diffuser or used in a massage oil to promote relaxation and serenity.
Cooking
Jujube oil has a mild, nutty flavor and a high smoke point, making it a great oil for cooking. It can be used in stir-fries, salads, and baked goods or as a replacement for other cooking oils.
Medicinal uses
Long used in traditional Chinese medicine for its various health benefits, it is believed to have immune-boosting properties and can be used to help alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders, insomnia, and anxiety.
Jujube oil is versatile and effective with a variety of health and beauty uses. Whether you’re looking to improve your skin and hair, reduce stress and anxiety, or enhance the flavor of your favorite recipes, it is a great choice.
In this video, you can see how to grow your own jujube plants from seeds, so you can make even more amazing jujube oil and of course, enjoy eating the delicious fruits!
What Health Benefits Does Jujube Oil Have?
These are some of the potential health benefits of jujube oil when ingested, based on the limited available research and traditional use:
Digestive health
It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion.
Immune system support
Rich in antioxidants, it can help to boost the immune system and protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Sleep and anxiety
It has been traditionally used as a natural remedy for sleep disorders and anxiety.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine on the effect of jujube seed on sleep quality in postmenopausal women showed that jujube seed was an effective natural treatment to aid restful sleep.
Vitamin C has proven to be beneficial for helping people deal with stress. Jujube fruit has high levels of vitamin C with 69 mg per 100 grams, compared to blueberries with 9.7 mg per 100 grams, or oranges with 53 mg per 100 grams.
Cardiovascular health
The oil may have potential benefits for cardiovascular health due to its high antioxidant content, which may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Key Vitamins, Minerals, And Other Compounds Found In Jujube Oil
- Fatty acids: The oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid.
- Triterpenoids: Several triterpenoid compounds, including betulinic acid, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid are found in jujube oil. These compounds have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties.
- Flavonoids: It contains several flavonoid compounds, including rutin and quercetin. Flavonoids have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vitamins: The oil is a good source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. It also contains vitamin A, which is important for eye health and immune function.
- Minerals: There are several important minerals, including iron, magnesium, and potassium found in the oil.
Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, while magnesium and potassium are important for nerve and muscle function.
Even though it is a rich source of several important vitamins, minerals, and other compounds with potential health benefits, more research is needed.
It is advised that ingesting jujube oil should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as there is limited scientific research on the safety and efficacy of this oil when taken internally and the oil may interact with some medications.
Much of the available research on the health benefits of jujube oil has been conducted in animals. Further human studies are needed to confirm the potential benefits.
It should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or prescription medication without the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Are There Any Negative Effects Of Jujube Oil?
Yes, there are some precautions and potential side effects to be aware of when using or taking jujube oil:
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to jujube or other members of the Rhamnaceae family, which includes buckthorn and cascara. If you have a known allergy to any of these plants, you should avoid using jujube oil.
- Skin irritation: It may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people when applied topically. It is recommended to perform a patch test before using the oil on your skin.
- Drug interactions: It has been found that jujube oil may interact with certain medications, including sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs, and blood thinners.
If you are taking any prescription medications, consult with a healthcare professional before using jujube oil.
- Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited research on the safety of jujube oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is therefore advisable not to use it during these times.
- Dosage and frequency: There is no established recommended dosage or frequency of use for jujube oil. Follow the instructions on product labels, or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.
While it is generally considered safe when used in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, it is important to be aware of these potential side effects and precautions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, jujube oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the jujube fruit and can be made at home or purchased commercially.
The oil-making process involves roasting the jujube seeds, grinding them into a powder, and then using a cold-pressing method to extract the oil. A similar method can be used at home by infusing the ground jujube powder in carrier oil for several weeks.
It is rich in fatty acids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals, which have been found to have potential health benefits.
While more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of jujube oil, its long history of use in traditional medicine suggests that it may be a safe and effective natural remedy for a range of conditions.
It’s important to use it safely and to be aware of any potential side effects or interactions with medications.
Overall, jujube oil represents an intriguing natural remedy with a rich history and promising potential for improving health and wellness, and its making process provides an accessible way for people to harness the potential benefits of this ancient ingredient.
To find out more about jujube fruits and trees or to learn about a wide variety of other related topics read more on our website.
