Botanical Name: Carapa Guianensis. Family Name: Meliaceae. Common Name: Andiroba, Carapa, Male Cedar, Crabwood. INCI: Carapa Guianensis Seed (Andiroba) Oil. Extraction Method: Hand Pressed. Parts Used: Nuts. Appearance: Light Yellow. Country of Origin: Brazil.
The Andiroba tree (Carapa guianensis), belonging to the mahogany family Meliaceae, is a tall evergreen native to the Amazon rainforest and other humid tropical regions of South and Central America. It can grow up to 30–40 meters in height, with a straight cylindrical trunk and a wide crown. The tree produces large, woody capsules that split open when mature, releasing big brown oily seeds. These seeds are the main source of Andiroba oil, highly valued across the Amazon.
In the Amazonian tradition, Andiroba oil has been used for centuries:
-As a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic for joint pain, rheumatism, arthritis, and wounds.
-Insect repellent: Widely applied to protect against mosquito bites (including malaria vectors).
-Skin and hair care: Used as a moisturizer, to heal minor cuts, and to improve hair strength and shine.
-Cultural uses: Indigenous peoples apply the oil in rituals as a protective element for the body and spirit.
Traditional Oil Extraction:
The artisanal extraction of Andiroba oil is a time-intensive cultural practice in the Amazon:
1. Collection: Ripe fruits fall naturally and are gathered from the forest floor or riverbanks.
2. Seed preparation: Seeds are boiled or left to ferment for several days to soften the kernel.
3. Pulping: The softened seeds are crushed or pounded by hand or with wooden tools to obtain a thick paste.
4. Separation: The paste is placed in large wooden troughs or containers and left to rest. The oil naturally rises to the surface.
5. Filtration: The oil is skimmed, filtered, and stored in glass or clay containers.
Others in smaller amounts: Arachidic acid, Behenic acid, Lignoceric acid. This oil is unique in its chemical composition, due to its content of bioactive limonoids such as: andirobin, gedunin, methyllangolensate.
The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products.
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