‘Chekku’, ‘Ghani’ and ‘Kolhu’!!

If you think these are some weird nicknames of my future kids, then well, you are wrong. These are some other words used in India to describe cold pressed oils.

In Maharashtra, it is most commonly known as “Lakadi ghanyacha tel”

So, what is “Lakdi Ghana”?

Lakdi means “Wooden” and Ghana means “Pressed”. It’s a mortar and pestle device made of stone or wood that are used to extract oil from seeds.

If you ask me to describe cold pressed oils in one line, I would say, NATURAL, HEALTHIER, EFFECTIVE AND EXPENSIVE!!
Yes, expensive. Why? Let’s find out.

What are Cold pressed oils?

– obtained naturally by crushing oil seeds at room temperature
– there is no extra heat and chemicals required to extract the oil

How do you extract oil in Lakdi Ghana?

This process involves Six simple steps:

1. Cleaning: First, the seeds are sorted and cleaned from their impurities.
2. Milling: Next, the cleaned seeds are ground into a paste using wooden rotor.
3. Pressing: This is the most crucial step of the extraction process. First, this paste is slowly churned. Soon the oil starts separating from the solids. Then, a wood press is used to press the oil out, ensuring that the heat does not exceed the room temperature.
4. Clarification: Once the oil is pressed out of the seeds, the extract is passed through a clean muslin cloth to separate the solid material and to remove the impurities, if any.
5. Decantation: In this step, the remaining solids are separated from the oil by
allowing it to settle by force of gravity.
6. Filtration: In this last step, oil is again filtered through a muslin cloth to remove
any solid particles.

This is a more tedious method of making oil. There is no supply of external heat, and the quantity produced is also less. This oil retains natural nutrients, antioxidants, aroma, texture, and flavour better.

Now let’s talk about Refined or hot-pressed oils and what are they.

Iss story ke Villain hai – Hot pressed oils! Exactly opposite to cold pressed oils, these oils are extracted by using high heat (200°C) and chemical solvents. It may mean the oil was treated with acid or purified with an alkali, or bleached. It can also be neutralized, filtered, or deodorized. All of which require chemicals like Hexane! Due to chemicals and heat, most of the nutrients and flavours are lost.

While Cold pressed method is “Bahubali”, Hot pressed is “Bhallaladeva”. Cold-pressed oils are fighting their way back into market despite being beaten up by the cheaper refined oils over and over again.

Cold pressed Oils for Skin and Hair

If you are looking for an all-in-one saviour like “Bahubali” for your beauty regimen, say hello to the following Cold-pressed oils. Let’s check out what makes these oils so fame-worthy. While there are many in the market, these are some oils I can swear by.

Coconut Oil – Don’t underestimate the power of a common “Coconut”. The way good nutritious diet can transform your body, coconut oil does the same for your hair and skin. Loaded with vitamins and minerals it promotes hair growth, improves skin texture, and stimulates blood circulation. Pro tip- Put 2 to 3 drops of warm coconut oil in belly button before sleeping and say bye-bye dry chapped lips.

Castor Oil – Whatever it touches, is turned into gold! This sticky potion makes everything better. Be it your skin, hair, or nails, it nourishes all. Pro tip: Apply it to sole of the foot before bedtime. It removes excessive heat from the body.

Almond Oil – One oil that can play any role you want. Being an excellent cleanser & moisturizer, it can improve both complexion and skin tone. It contains Vit A and E which also reduce puffiness and under-eye circles.

Moringa Oil – Referred as “The Miracle Tree”, Moringa seeds have a high oil content and contain many nutritional compounds, including monounsaturated fats, protein, sterols, and tocopherols. If Acne breakout is your problem, then this oil may be your solution.

Walnut Oil – No one likes seeing innumerable hairs falling each time he/she combs. A great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, Walnut oil will help you fight hair loss. Also, works great for wrinkles.

Apricot Kernel Oil – This light, non-sticky, gentle oil has Vit C and E working in partnership. Its easily absorbed because it resembles the skin’s naturally-produced oil sebum. It nourishes the skin and lowers the appearance of face wrinkles, fine lines, and blemishes.

Things to keep in mind while choosing a cold-pressed oil

• Understand the ingredients and their properties.
• Understand your skin first then make a choice.
• Make sure you do a patch test before using these highly concentrated oils.
• Try different alternatives before settling on a choice.
• Big brands need not be the best choice.
If hot-pressed is Hulk, then cold-pressed is Dr. Banner. Better to choose a brand that specializes in Ayurvedic products and cold-pressed oils.

Prajakta Fadnavis
Cosmetologist