Camelina oil is produced from one of the oldest oil-bearing plants cultivated in Central Europe — Camelina sativa, known in Polish as "lnicznik siewny" or "rydz." Its health-supporting properties were recognised long before modern nutritional science, and it has been a staple of traditional Central European diets for centuries. Today, camelina oil is experiencing a well-deserved revival — valued in the kitchen, in cosmetics, and increasingly as a dietary supplement. What makes it stand out?
What Is Camelina Oil Made From?
Camelina sativa is a member of the Brassicaceae family, related to rapeseed and mustard. Its small seeds yield an oil with an exceptional fatty acid composition: rich in omega-3 (ALA), omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, alongside a high content of vitamin E (tocopherols) and vitamin K. In this respect it shares similarities with cold-pressed rapeseed oil, but camelina oil typically contains a higher proportion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA omega-3) — making it one of the richest plant-based sources of this essential fatty acid, comparable to flaxseed oil but with a longer shelf life and more stable structure.
As with all cold-pressed plant oils, the production method is critical. Unrefined, cold-pressed camelina oil is extracted at temperatures below 38°C, preserving its active compounds intact. It has a characteristic earthy, slightly peppery aroma and a golden-green colour from its natural carotenoids and chlorophyll content. It should not be used for frying — heat rapidly degrades its polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Camelina Oil: Key Health Benefits
The nutritional profile of camelina oil translates into a wide range of potential health benefits:
- Eye health — vitamin A precursors (carotenoids) contribute to the maintenance of normal vision
- Nervous system support — vitamin B complex and lecithin content may support cognitive function, concentration, and memory; particularly relevant for older adults experiencing age-related cognitive changes
- Antioxidant protection — high vitamin E levels help neutralise free radicals, contributing to slower cellular ageing and healthier skin, hair, and nails
- Immune and anti-inflammatory action — the omega-3 fatty acids, particularly ALA, are associated with supporting the body's natural inflammatory response
- Cardiovascular support — oleic acid (omega-9) and the balanced omega-3/6 ratio contribute to maintaining normal blood lipid profiles
- Wound healing — vitamin K plays a role in normal blood clotting and skin repair
- Digestive comfort — small daily amounts of cold-pressed plant oils, including camelina, are traditionally used to support digestive function and ease symptoms associated with acid reflux
Camelina Oil vs Rapeseed and Flaxseed Oil
Camelina oil occupies an interesting position between rapeseed and flaxseed oil. Like rapeseed oil, it has a relatively balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio and performs well as a raw culinary oil. Like flaxseed oil, it is rich in ALA omega-3 — but it is more oxidatively stable, meaning it keeps longer without going rancid and tolerates slightly higher temperatures without immediate degradation. It is therefore a practical everyday oil for those who want the omega-3 benefits of flaxseed oil with more flexibility in storage and use.
All three belong to the category of cold-pressed plant oils worth rotating in a health-conscious diet, each with a slightly different fatty acid emphasis and flavour profile.
[products: bilovit-camelina-oil-cold-pressed-500-ml, bilovit-camelina-oil-cold-pressed-1000-ml, wellbear-camelina-oil-cold-pressed-250-ml, olvita-camelina-oil-cold-pressed-250-ml]Camelina Oil for Hair
Beyond the kitchen, camelina oil is well suited to hair oiling — particularly for high- and medium-porosity hair, where its polyunsaturated fatty acid content allows it to penetrate the hair shaft and help reduce moisture loss. It can be used as part of a full oiling treatment (applied before washing and left for 30–60 minutes) or in smaller amounts as a protective finish applied to dry ends. The oil leaves a lightweight, non-greasy feel compared to heavier oils like castor or coconut, making it suitable for finer hair types that can be easily weighed down.
Its vitamin E content additionally supports scalp health and may help calm minor irritation or dryness at the roots. Explore our hair oils, serums and sprays collection alongside cold-pressed culinary oils for a complete range of oiling options.
Camelina Oil During Pregnancy
Pregnancy significantly increases the body's demand for essential fatty acids — particularly omega-3 — which are transferred to the foetus via the placenta and support normal neurological development. The requirement for fat may increase by up to 50% during this period. Cold-pressed camelina oil, as a plant-based source of ALA omega-3, can contribute to meeting this increased need as part of a varied diet. However, it is worth noting that ALA must be converted by the body into the longer-chain forms (EPA and DHA) that are most directly beneficial for foetal brain development — a conversion that is often inefficient. Dedicated prenatal omega-3 supplements providing direct EPA and DHA remain the more reliable option during pregnancy; camelina oil is best understood as a useful dietary complement rather than a substitute.
[warning:As with any dietary oil, camelina oil should be used in recommended amounts — approximately one teaspoon per day as a dietary supplement. Those taking anticoagulant medications or blood-thinning drugs should consult a doctor before adding it to their routine, as high vitamin K intake may interact with such treatments. It is not suitable for frying or high-heat cooking.]Exploring Cold-Pressed Plant Oils
Camelina oil sits within a broader family of cold-pressed plant oils — each with a distinct nutritional profile and culinary character. Linseed (flaxseed) oil provides the highest ALA omega-3 content of all common culinary oils. Hemp oil offers a similar omega-6/omega-3 balance to camelina with an earthy flavour. Cold-pressed canola oil provides oleic acid and vitamin K with a milder taste. Rotating between these oils provides broader nutritional coverage than relying on a single source. Explore our full healthy food and nutrition collection for the complete range.
[products: bilovit-golden-flaxseed-oil-cold-pressed-500-ml, bilovit-hemp-oil-cold-pressed-250-ml, bilovit-canola-oil-cold-pressed-500-ml, olvita-cold-pressed-linseed-oil-for-the-dr-budwig-diet-unpurified-500-ml] [note:All Medpak orders ship from within the EU — no customs fees, no long wait times. Fast, reliable delivery across Europe.]
