My girlfriend recently told me a hilarious story from her childhood. She was 7 years old and in agony, because for some reason, she hadn’t stooled for days. After taking medication without respite, her mother had worriedly taken her to a neighbour whose old mother had just come for the traditional ‘omugwo’. This woman nodded her head sagely and proceeded to bring out some palm kernel oil which she rubbed in her anal region. After a couple of hours, my friend stooled with ease.
Now, modernization and advanced medical technology has made it possible for us to pop a pill every now and then, but do we ever stop to wonder what the side effects of its chemical components are? Herbal remedies are being highly sought for a reason. So I decided to go learn more about this often ignored oil.
PALM KERNEL OIL (called ‘Udeaki’ in Igbo, ‘Adin Ekuro’in Yoruba and ‘Mmayanya’ in Efik) is an extract from the palm fruit, whose botanical name is Elaies Guineensis. It is obtained traditionally by roasting the palm kernel nuts in a pot until the oil is extracted. Since pre-historic times till present day, it has been seen as indispensable for nursing mothers in the southern and eastern part of Nigeria. It is dark in colour, has a nutty earthy smell and is 100% natural. The original palm kernel is also highly valued because of its durability, as it does not congeal in room temperature.
Uses of Palm Kernel Oil
Convulsion: The palm kernel oil is used to rub the face and head of the convulsing child. He is given a spoonful to drink which helps to calm down the child. It is also used to bring down the temperature of a feverish child.
Constipation: When a child is constipated, this wonder oil is applied to the anal region. It relaxes the muscles and results in easy bowel movement.
Cold: In this rainy season and with the threat of cold, rub the palm kernel oil all over and feel the heat work its way through your body. It is used by mothers to rub the face, hands and feet and of children, especially the bridge of the nose for instant warmth. For infants that are born underweight, the palm kernel oil is also applied on the fontanel of their head (the soft spot of the skull). This helps to ensure that warmth is circulated, because the child is more susceptible and vulnerable to cold.
Hair and Skin: The palm kernel is applied to the hair for deep conditioning. It is also a very good skin moisturizer, especially for dry skin. It is equally more effective when mixed with a little honey, as it gradually adds a glowing sheen to the body. The palm kernel oil is also reputed for helping the healing process of wounds and bruises.
Cooking: In some parts of Nigeria, palm kernel oil is usually used as cooking oil. For instance, it is used by people in the middle belt to fry Akara balls.
Anti-Rust: Apply some palm kernel oil on the surface of metal objects to prevent rust. Oil is water resistant, so the palm kernel oil fights off every effect that water may have on it.
Stretch Marks: Most pregnant women dread the resulting stretch marks that are usually evident after pregnancy. Well, worry no more. Apply the palm kernel oil generously on your stomach every day during pregnancy. As the pregnancy advances, the palm kernel oil aids in the elasticity of the skin and prevents the cracks that usually lead to stretch marks.
These are few researched local uses of the palm kernel oil that I have shared with you. I hope that you find information enlightening and beneficial. Do feel free to tell us what your palm kernel oil has done for you, please share with us by sending a mail to info@effectualmag.com.
*Omugwo -Time spent with daughters to help care for their newborns.