We support local communities and producers to contribute to the social development of Angola and Portugal.

Projeto 2020
Mopane Essential Oil: An African Treasure for the Essential Oils Market

Discover the effects and properties of the marvellous Mopane Essential Oil and learn where and how to use it.

Mopane Essential Oil has many properties and uses. Mopane is one of the main trees present in the dry regions of southern Africa, from which this fantastic oil is extracted.

This essential oil is known for its earthy tones, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, Mopane essential oil has a characteristic odor, the turpentine from the pods, which comes from alpha-pinene and limonene.

 

The Origin of Mopane Essential Oil

Mopane Essential Oil originates from a tree found in the semi-arid regions of Southern Africa, particularly in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, and South Africa.

This resilient tree thrives in dry environments and is famous for its butterfly-shaped leaves and as a food source for some local communities.

The roots, leaves, and bark of the Mopane tree are utilized. When boiled or steeped for 10 minutes, these parts help treat various health issues, such as stomach pain, headaches, toothaches, menstrual pain, diarrhea, and coughs.

For these reasons, Mopane Essential Oil is widely used in traditional medicine, especially for treating wounds and infections, due to its antimicrobial properties.

Additionally, it is popular in aromatherapy, where its scent promotes relaxation and tranquillity. The oil is also used in cosmetics and skincare because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Unique Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of Mopane essential oil helps explain its benefits for the health and well-being of those who use it. It has several therapeutic properties, particularly due to substances such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

For this reason, it is very popular, as it helps treat respiratory and skin complications. Among the best-known compounds in Mopane essential oil are:

Limonene

A fresh, citrusy aroma; a potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Pinene

Woody, pine-like scent with antimicrobial and bronchodilatory properties, aiding respiratory treatments.

1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol)

Derived from eucalyptus, it improves breathing and acts as an antimicrobial, expectorant, and decongestant.

Caryophyllene

Adds a mildly spicy note with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial benefits.

Terpinen-4-ol

Supports skin health and boasts strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Sabinene

Offers a fresh, citrusy scent and robust antioxidant and antimicrobial capabilities.

Germacrene D

Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, contributing to the oil's relaxing and calming properties.

Mopane Essential Oil

Commercial Advantages of Mopane Essential Oil for Your Business

Mopane essential oil can have several commercial advantages, adding value to your company and the products and services it sells.

This is especially significant for businesses related to health, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and natural products.

One of the main commercial advantages of integrating Mopane essential oil into your business is that it is a lesser-known oil than the others, being a way of presenting a differentiated and distinct product from those most used by the competition and even as an alternative to others.

This way, he can better attract the attention of a more demanding customer who is looking for new and exclusive things. Furthermore, the use of Mopane essential oil is an example of sustainability and relevant social impact.

This is because by using Mopane essential oil we are supporting local African communities who provide the raw materials to extract Mopane essential oil. This can have a huge impact on the success of your company, as the demand for natural and organic products has increased exponentially, particularly the demand for natural, additive-free oils.

The acquisition of products with African roots is also increasingly valued, not only for supporting local commerce but also for preserving the traditional products and habits of those cultures.

Considering that Mopane essential oil is a more exclusive and, so to speak, rarer product, it is possible to charge higher prices for it or for products that contain it, which can contribute to increasing the margins of your company's profit.

The fact that it is a product associated with a specific region can also help you capitalize on the use of Mopane essential oil, establishing partnerships with local companies, particularly those linked to tourism and crafts, which can open up other niches of market and profit.

In short, the use of Mopane essential oil can be promoted in terms of marketing in different ways since, in addition to being an ally for health and well-being, it is an ecological product that represents the culture of a community.

Therefore, by integrating it into your company's products and services, you are simultaneously positioning your business in the fields of beauty and health, as well as you are taking on an ethical and innovative role.

How to Incorporate Mopane Essential Oil into Your Products

There are several ways to incorporate Mopane essential oil into products that can be sold by your company, depending on the use of Mopane essential oil you intend to explore.

One of the possibilities is to take advantage of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and apply it in the cosmetics sector, namely in facial and body creams, anti-aging serums, lotions, and products to treat acne.

Thanks to their chemical composition, cosmetics with Mopane essential oil are capable of reducing skin inflammation, promoting cell regeneration, and putting an end to the problem of irritated skin and redness.

Mopane essential oil is also beneficial for hair, helping to combat dandruff and soften the scalp.

Therefore, Mopane essential oil can be incorporated into anti-dandruff shampoos, conditioners, masks, and serums that aim to strengthen hair and prevent hair loss and weakening.

In addition to fighting fungi and bacteria present on the scalp, it hydrates the hair, leaving it softer and shinier.

Another option is to apply Mopane essential oil to aromatherapy and other wellness products, such as massage oils, diffusers, candles, and air fresheners.

The woody, citrus scent of Mopane essential oil helps improve breathing and lower stress levels. Therefore, in the context of a massage, it can induce relaxation, just as it happens when placed in a diffuser. 

Those who have respiratory problems or simply have a cold can also benefit from Mopane essential oil as it alleviates nasal congestion and is a great expectorant.

In this case, Mopane essential oil can be added to decongestant balms, inhalers or, simply, to baths, in the form of salts, for example.
Mopane essential oil can also be used to clean the house, as it has important antimicrobial and antifungal properties. In this way, Mopane essential oil can be part of the composition of multipurpose cleaning sprays, as well as liquid detergents used for washing dishes or clothes.

Thus, in addition to ensuring the elimination of bacteria and fungi, the homes will have a very fresh and pleasant aroma.

Due to its citrus odor, much appreciated by most people, Mopane essential oil is still an excellent option for the manufacture of more natural perfumes and fragrances, being an exotic and distinct ingredient that adapts to both men's and women's colognes.

Finally, Mopane essential oil can also be a great additive to gels and creams designed to relieve muscle and joint pain, as it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help reduce swelling.