A lot of us may remember taking castor oil as a child due to its extremely unpleasant taste. We used to cringe when our mothers made us take a spoonful for “tummy troubles.” However, despite the not-so-pleasant taste, this oil has a great many benefits. It is full of vitamin E as well as many proteins and minerals and has a lot of medicinal properties for skin, hair and health in general.
As it is the main ingredient in many cosmetic products, this oil has plenty of amazing benefits such as reducing acne and promoting hair growth. In this article, we will take a look at the many benefits of castor oil.
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- What Exactly Is A Castor Oil?
- Benefits for Hair Health
- Benefits for Skin Care
- Benefits for Health
- Benefits for Eyelashes and Eyebrows
- Precautions and Potential Side Effects Of Using Castor Oil
- FAQ
What Exactly Is A Castor Oil?
Castor oil is nothing more than another vegetable oil that comes with a load of health benefits. People around the globe have been using it for various purposes since the dawn of the day. The oil comes from the seeds of the plant called Ricinus communis.
Castor oil is widely recognized because of its medicinal, industrial, and pharmaceutical uses. You can find it as an active ingredient in different meds, foods, and skincare products. Aside from that, oil is a common industrial lubricant as well as a biodiesel fuel part.
Cold-Pressed Castor Oil
There are different types of castor oil, and the cold-pressed variant is the easiest to acquire. Not to mention that it is the most beneficial type. Castor seeds are pressed without any heat or chemicals, which is why they are called cold-pressed, and most of their healing powers are preserved.
Since it is the purest solution, cold-pressed oil does not contain any suspended additives and is of great use in beauty and health-related spheres.
Organic Castor Oil
Organic castor oil usually comes from India, which has been the most prominent produced for decades. Organic oil possesses incredible cleansing features and is thus widely applied throughout the skin and hair care industries.
One of the most prominent castor oil benefits is preserved moisture. At the same time, the fatty acids nourish the skin. Organic castor oil works well when combined with less viscous oil. Especially if you want to use it as your daily moisturizer without leaving the skin feeling heavy.
Traditional Yellow Castor Oil
Castor oil is yellow; the lighter the color, the purer the formula. Fresh castor beans are pressed to achieve the solution. No heat is applied in the process, so there’s no degradation to worry about.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
We’ve mentioned that originally castor oil is of yellow tint. However, Jamaican black oil is derived differently than freshly-pressed. Castor seeds are roasted and then crushed in a mortar during the process. After that, water is added to the powder and boiled until proper consistency is acquired. Such castor oil type comes with a set of different advantages and remains widely used.
Benefits for Hair Health
The Glaminati.com team cares about hair health deeply. So, we present to your attention impressive castor oil benefits when applied to your mane. Ready to discover the hidden potential of this amazing vegetable oil?
Nourishment And Strength
The oil is packed with a potent mix of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Thus, castor oil is great for scalp nurturing and hair follicle rejuvenation and strengthening. Besides, faster hair growth comes as a great side benefit.
Hair Loss Treatment
In some cases of hair loss, the application can prevent extensive hair loss. However, there’s no scientific proof of how the formula works and in which cases it is the most effective.
Antimicrobial Treatment
When fighting a serious bacterial or fungal overgrowth, you may want to add castor oil to the routine. The solution deals well with scalp inflammation along the way.
Anti-Flaking Aid
Castor oil will come of use if you deal with severe scalp dryness. As the formula cleanses the skin, it moisturizes it as well, so that flaking is temporarily eliminated and permanently banned.
Hair Breakage Protection
Ricinolein acid is believed to positively affect blood circulation, which consequently nourishes hair follicles, leading to stronger strands and less hair breakage.
Improved Product Absorption
Castor oil improves the absorption of other hair care products you use in the routine so that you get the best result no matter the treatment.
Promotes Hair Growth
If you want thicker and fuller hair, massage some warm castor oil onto your scalp to stimulate the follicles. It contains a great deal of omega-9 fatty acids which can reduce split ends and also promote hair growth. Plus, it’s an excellent way to condition your hair.
Boosts Hair Color
If you want to enhance your natural color or maintain your salon color, warm a tablespoon of castor oil and coat your hair, making sure it covers every single strand. Your color will be richer and more vibrant.
Benefits for Skin Care
Castor oil is a prominent ingredient in skin care products. All because of its powerful hydration stats. Castor oil is added to various lotions, makeup products, and cleansers. The oil moisturizes the skin well and seals moisture, granting long-term effects. It is possible to use castor oil instead of any other store-bought product, but you must dilute it with other, less viscous oil so that your skin does not feel heavy after the application.
Acts as a Moisturizer
As it contains fatty acids, it can both moisturize and nourish your skin when penetrating into the tissues. Simply apply a small amount to your skin and rub in gently.
Reduces the Appearance Of Stretch Marks
Again, being rich in fatty acids, castor oil can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. During the final two months of your pregnancy and after delivery, apply this oil topically to your skin to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. This can also work for those who have stretch marks due to the weight gain or loss.
Helps Fight Acne and Other Skin Issues
Due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, it acts as one of the most effective acne remedies and also helps reduce the appearance of blemishes, skin tags and even warts. Studies have indicated that it may also help fight dermatitis. Apply to the affected area and dab gently. You might not notice effects overnight but with continued use, it can not only cure skin issues, but also prevent them.
Helps Fight Signs of Aging
As it penetrates the skin deeply and hydrates thoroughly, it also stimulates the production of both elastin and collagen, which helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles. When applied regularly, it can make your skin softer and smoother and years younger.
Helps Repair Dry or Cracked Heels
Many people suffer from cracked heels during the colder months. Rub some warm oil directly to your heels and let it stay overnight to help moisturize the skin. Within weeks, your heels will feel smoother and softer.
How do I choose castor oil?
Does castor oil go rancid?
Benefits for Health
Healthcare experts claim that healers worldwide have been using castor oil to battle different conditions and diseases. Let’s discuss a few conditions that the oil can help with.
Helps Treat Ringworm and Other Fungal Infections
As it contains an active compound known as undecylenic acid, it can help treat fungal ailments such as ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot. Apply warm oil to the affected area before going to bed and let it stay overnight. Repeat it for 7 days or until the infection has fully cleared.
Acts as a Natural Laxative
Since it contains ricinoleic acid, it also helps cure constipation. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons as an adult, and 1 to 2 teaspoons for children under 12. For children under 2 years old, use no more than one teaspoon. You will see the effects in two to five hours.
Helps Relieve Muscle and Joint Pain
If you massage this oil onto your muscles or joints, it can help reduce the pain and inflammation due to the presence of ricinoleic acid. If you mix it with a little peppermint or chamomile oil, it will provide an extra soothing effect.
Helps Promote Sleep
If you rub a dab of this oil onto your eyelids, it can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. However, it does tend to make you very groggy the next morning as it helps you sleep for the extended periods of time. So, do not use this sleep remedy if you have no opportunity to get 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Helps Fight Menstrual Cramps
If you rub a bit of warmed oil on your belly, back or legs, it can help prevent menstrual cramps in women. It has also been known to help reduce symptoms of PMS and PMDD when taken orally, as well as help to heal yeast infections. Consult your physician before taking orally for menstrual issues.
May Help Induce Labor
If you are past your due date, you might be able to induce labor by taking no more than 60ml (4 tablespoons) of this oil mixed with orange juice. However, you should always consult your physician before taking any home remedies to induce labor as every case is different.
Helps Boost Your Immune System
Taking a few drops of this oil daily can help boost your immune system. Mix it with juice to help sweeten the taste. Also, you can use it as a lotion daily to help increase the production of white blood cells which can help fight diseases.
Helps Fight Allergies
Taken orally, it can help fight allergy symptoms as it is naturally anti-allergenic. As always, consult your doctor before using this oil to treat your allergy symptoms.
As you can see, there are many wonderful benefits of castor oil. Castor oil even can help you to get rid of moles! Follow the directions according to your age, etc. before taking orally or topically. And as always, consult your physician before using this oil for any of the above. If you experience any allergic response, stop the use and seek immediate medical care.
When Applied Topically
- Arthritis treatment
- Hair growth promotion
- Acne treatment
- Skin moisturizer
- Anti-wrinkle treatment
- Anti-inflammatory treatment
- Wound-healing treatment
When Used Orally:
- Constipation relief
- Intestine cleansing before surgery
- Labor induction
Benefits For Eyelashes and Eyebrows
Since castor oil benefits widely apply to the beauty sphere, it is no wonder that it has magical eyelash and eyebrow growth properties. If applied regularly, you can grow thicker and longer lashes and brows.
Stimulating Eyelash and Eyebrow Growth
It’s been mentioned that castor oil can help you grow more beautiful eyelashes and brows. However, due to the fatty acids, vitamins, and nutrients the formula is packed with, it is also effective when it comes to regrowing torn and stunted lashes. Both men and women can benefit from it.
Strengthening and Conditioning Effects
If you aim to strengthen your lashes, we suggest mixing castor oil with Vitamin E oil. The blend will help you succeed with the task effectively as long as you stick to the routine without breaking it.
Tips For Applying Castor Oil To Lashes and Brows Effectively
Before you rush to put castor oil over your brows and lashes, you may want to learn a few tips and tricks to complete the task successfully:
- Pick a time for the application that you will stick to on a daily basis. If you apply the solution before going to bed, it will stay put throughout the night, improving the outcome. Use a towel to protect your pillow.
- Remove all the makeup before application.
- Use a clean mascara wand to apply the precise amount of the solution.
- Massage the oil in so that it starts working faster. Make sure that castor oil does not get into your eyes.
- Wash the oil off with a mild cleanser in the morning.
Precautions and Potential Side Effects Of Using Castor Oil
There are a few side effects to be aware of when working with castor oil:
- Don’t let the oil get into your eyes. Should the inevitable happen, wash your eyes with water thoroughly.
- Test castor oil on a small skin patch to check if you may be allergic to it.
FAQ: Castor Oil Benefits
What Are The Side Effects Of Castor Oil?
There are not many side effects to castor oil, but at times you may experience the following symptoms: dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, abdominal cramps, pelvic congestion.
Why Rub Castor Oil On Belly?
If you want to burn extra fat, massage warm castor oil on your stomach. The result will be even better if you take on some physical activity after the application. The procedure comes in use when dealing with saggy skin and stretch marks.
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