The oil of the castor bean is only part of the plant that is safe to use for health benefits. You can use caster oil on your skin or orally. The hull of the bean is not safe and so isn’t used for cooking purposes.
In fact, it often is an ingredient in beauty and health products. You can put it right on your skin with no adverse effects. Although, you should note that some people may have an allergy, so when using it for the first time, be cautious.
There is a lot to say about this type of oil because it has many uses and benefits. It has been around for quite some time, so it also has a rich history the world of natural remedies.
Castor oil is a pale yellow vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). Despite its numerous benefits, it is worth noting that castor oil has a slightly unpleasant odor.
Castor oil is a rich source of several vitamins and nutrients which each play their role in all the health benefits castor oil offers.
Firstly castor oil is often used for growing eye lashes or hair, or on skin problems, this is because it is rich in Vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin A is also quite present in castor oil promoting any type of cell regeneration.
Castor oil contains trace amounts of vitamin D, which is important for various bodily functions, including calcium absorption and bone health.
Castor oil is primarily composed of ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid that is responsible for many of its therapeutic properties. This fatty acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It also contains omega-6 fatty acids, which play a role in skin health and can help moisturize and nourish the skin.
Ancient Egyptians used castor oil for skin care, hair care, treating irritated eyes and much more. Castor oil benefits are used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as well.
Castor oil was the “go to” medicine at the first sign of illness and was believed to boost the immune system and speed up the healing process. Today, castor oil uses remain aplenty and is often used in beauty products and cosmetics. Whether you use castor oil for dry lips or to treat another skin ailment, it’s safe and effective. Let’s discover all the ways you can use castor oil for.
Castor oil can be taken orally in three different dosages. Each dosage has a different outcome and purpose, however it’s important to always consult your naturopath, homeopath or midwive before taking castor oil orally. Self-administration without proper knowledge and supervision can lead to adverse effects and potential risks.
A castor oil cleanse, also known as a castor oil pack or castor oil therapy, is a natural remedy that involves applying castor oil to the skin to promote detoxification, reduce inflammation, and offer your body the possibility to regenerate better and quicker. Note that this cleanse has nothing to do with taking castor oil orally, only on the skin. Here’s how to do a castor oil cleanse:
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This process of soaking your vital organs in castor oil will help your body detoxify and regenerate.
Another one of the many benefits of castor oil is to help your hair grow thicker and stronger. Is your hair looking dull, brittle, and full of split ends? Forget the expensive conditioning products and treatments from a salon or beauty supply shop. The ricinoleic acid in the castro oil helps balance your scalp’s pH level. A healthy scalp has healthier hair and less dandruff.
If your eyebrows and eyelashes are looking a little sparse, the oil may help with growth, too.
When your hair is unhealthy and damaged, it can look dull. Conditioning your hair with castor oil will not only make your hair healthier, but it will add shine back to your locks, revitalizing your beautiful natural color.
Women who buy mascara wear it to make their eyelashes appear longer, thicker, and as if they have more. A little castor oil can replace your need for mascara because it will help your eyelashes grow and become healthier. To add color, use castor oil, beeswax, and charcoal or cocoa powder to make a natural mascara.
Hundreds of dollars are spent each year on skin moisturizers and lotions, many of which are ineffective and not derived from natural ingredients.
Castor oil skin is supple, looks healthy, and feels smooth. You can also use castor oil on lips; castor oil lips stay soft and moisturized in the driest of atmospheres.
Inflamed skin is often caused by dermatitis or sunburn. The itchiness and redness can be so bothersome that it can be hard to get comfortable. Rather than having a medicine cabinet full of products to treat various skin issues, castor oil is a multi-use product.
People with skin pigmentation (uneven skin tone) are often self-conscious of their skin’s appearance. The same way it benefits other skin conditions, castor oil can eliminate spots, marks, and even out skin tone.
Stretch marks can happen to anyone, but they occur when the skin stretches quickly as with pregnancy or weight gain or loss. Castor oil can help reduce stretch marks from happening because it helps to retain moisture and elasticity.
Acne, the pesky skin condition that affects a majority of people at least a few times in their lives, can be fought with castor oil. The oil pulls out the impurities that clog up the skin’s pores and also helps to kill bacteria.
From sitting in front of a computer all day to environmental factors, dry and inflamed eyes are caused by many things. Although common, dry eyes can be painful and can cause serious problems if you don’t keep them lubricated. While regular eye drops can be expensive and ineffective, castor oil used as eye drops can help you get relief quickly.
In addition to soothing dry and red eyes, castor oil uses include treating early cataracts.
Pain relief from arthritis is just one of the many castor oil uses and benefits. Anyone who suffers from arthritis knows that some days are better than others. One day you have no pain and the next, you can barely move. By massaging the swollen joints or making an “oil pack” with oil, it can help to reduce the inflammation.
Our bodies are hardworking machines, and muscle pain can be a result of exercise, injury, or even manual labor. What does castor oil do for muscles? Much like the effects it has on arthritis pain, the oil is a great substitute for massage oil. Skip the stinky topical ointments and reach for the oil.
Whether you have arthritis in your back or a strained muscle, back pain is very common and can be tricky to treat. Whether you use an oil pack or substitute castor oil as a massage oil, you can expect to get some long lasting pain relief.
Even though we’re supposed to get a solid seven to eight hours of sleep each night, it’s not uncommon to suffer from restlessness and insomnia. What is castor oil used for? Sleepness, of course! Simply rubbing some oil on your eyelids while help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling like you had a great night’s sleep.
Fungal infections can be difficult to treat, and many antifungal treatments are toxic and expensive. The undecylenic acid in castor oil makes it an effective treatment for common fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
Among the various uses of castor oil, treating colicky babies may be a helpful tip for new parents. When a baby has colic, he or she has severe pain in the abdomen. As a result, the baby is unable to get comfortable and can scream for hours on end. Massaging warm (not hot) castor oil on a baby’s stomach, in a circular motion, can help relieve symptoms of colic.
If you’re wondering how to use castor oil to benefit your pet, it can be particularly beneficial for skin ailments. Some dog breeds are prone to dry noses and various skin issues like dermatitis. Castor oil can be used topically or used in the bath to treat and relieve symptoms related to skin issues.
We’ve discussed different uses for castor oil and how it benefits the body, but did you know it can also be used in food preservation? Castor oil is commonly used in food additives and flavorings as a mold inhibitor. Food grains are also preserved in oil (in some countries) to prevent rotting.
We rely on our lymphatic systems to work properly so we can stay healthy, but sometimes our systems need a little TLC. By using an oil pack, the ricinoleic acid absorbs into the lymphatic system and helps to increase blood circulation. As a result, the immune system gets a healthy boost when the lymphatic system functions properly.
Like other common fungal infections, the antifungal properties in castor oil can help clear up and get rid of ringworm quickly. It can also heal and relieve irritated skin.
Castor oil is a natural remedy that some people use to alleviate the discomfort associated with shingles, a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). Shingles typically presents with a painful rash, and while castor oil cannot cure the condition, it may offer some relief from the symptoms.
Now that we’ve discussed some castrol oil uses, it’s important to know how to apply the oil. Before using the oil on your skin, it’s a good idea to put a small amount on your skin to rule out any allergic reactions.
As we mentioned earlier, there are many uses for castor oil and some methods of application are more effective than others. For many skin ailments, such as a fungal infection or dry skin, the oil can be massaged directly into the affected skin. You can also mix castor oil with equal parts coconut or sweet almond oil; you can also mix in some Vitamin E oil.
To make an “oil pack,” take a clean piece of cotton fabric, fold it into squares, and soak it in castor oil. Squeeze out any excess oil, place the cloth on an area of the body (swollen joint or backache). Cover the area with plastic wrap and place a hot water bottle or heating pad on the spot for an hour.
Castor oil is very useful as you’ve discovered. Its many uses mean it is something you should keep on hand. It makes for a great addition to your home medical kit.
Take note of the many uses and be sure to grab the caster oil the next time you need a preservative, want to treat muscle pain, or desire a boost to your hair’s shine.
