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One of the oldest crops to be cultivated, castor oil derived from the castor plant (Ricinus Communis) has been in use, for a variety of purposes since ages. The benefits of castor oil for skin, hair and health are well-known and have been documented for centuries. For example, in ancient Egypt, castor oil was drunk by pregnant women to facilitate their labour. It the has also been used for many beauty procedures. Here is everything you need to know about this fantastic oil!
Facts About Castor Oil
Castor is extracted by pressing the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant and is loaded with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and nutrients like Vitamin E and Omega 6 and 9. In its unprocessed form, it contains a toxic substance called ricin, but the substance is easily destroyed when exposed to a high degree of heat during the production of the oil. What results is a pale yellow to an amber coloured liquid that is widely used in medicines, beauty products, and food and so on. The benefits of castor oil for hair are unparalleled, and it has been in tested and verified since the ancient times!
Nutritional Value Of Castor Oil
The nutritional value of castor oil is unique in that 90% of its fatty acid content is made up of a substance called ricinoleic acid, which is quite rare. This substance absorbs into the skin well and is beneficial for the treatment of skin conditions such as dermatosis, psoriasis and acne. This acid is also formed in the small intestine when castor oil is broken down, aiding in digestion. Other acids include Oleic acid (6%-2%), Linoleic acid (5%-2%), Dihydroxystearic acid (.5%-.30%) etc.
Besides this, it has high quantities of Vitamin E, and Omega 6 and 9. According to the National Institute of Health, Vitamin E enhances the life of cells and helps to replenish old ones, thus fighting the signs of ageing. Omega 6 is an essential nutrient, meaning that it needs to be procured through your diet. It helps in proving energy, reducing signs of rheumatoid arthritis, and even lessening body fats when consumed in right amounts. Omega 9 is important because it fights bad cholesterol and lowers inflammations. It also helps control insulin sensitivity.
Also Read : 15 Proven Benefits of Vitamin E for Skin, Hair and Health
Top 15 Benefits Of Castor Oil
There are several ways in which castor oil can be used. Some may call for external use, while others may require oral intake. Now that we have underlined the castor oil benefits in general, we have also broken down for you the benefits in its particularity, and how to go on with its application for the same.
Why don't you check out Anveya Jamaican Black Castor Oil? It is an age-old secret for hair health and growth. In addition to its skin benefits, this oil has its reputation for tackling hair loss, improving hair growth and fullness and is used widely for eyebrows and eyelashes too.
ANVEYA JAMAICAN BLACK CASTOR OIL,COLD-PRESSED ORGANIC,100ML
- Jamaican Black Castor oil is a popular and natural oil for HAIR HEALTH & GROWTH
- Antioxidant properties of Jamaican Black Castor Oil helps FIGHT THE SIGNS OF AGEING SKIN
- Omega-9-rich Jamaican Black Castor Oil is popular for BEARD GROWTH & CARE.
- PROMOTING THICKNESS, LENGTH & GROWTH of eyebrows & eyelashes
Benefits Of Castor Oil For Skin
Castor Oil is a natural cleanser and also has rich antioxidant properties that make it one of the best remedy for skin related issues.
1. Prevent Wrinkles Or Fine Lines
Wrinkles are one of the signs of ageing. Wrinkles appear when our skin loses it natural elasticity and skin thins. Since castor oil helps replenish the old cells and increases cell longevity, by enhancing the production of collagen, it is one of the go-to home remedies to remove wrinkles.
Ingredients
Castor oil - few drops
How To Use
- Apply castor oil gently over your face and neck in circular motions.
- Leave it overnight and wash it off in the morning.
- Repeat this regularly to witness its effectiveness.
2. Remove Stretch Mark
About benefits of castor oil for skin, removing stretch marks is perhaps the most sought-after treatment. It contains fatty acids that enhance the elasticity of the skin, reducing the probability of stretch marks.
Ingredients
- Castor oil - few drops
- Coconut/Argan oil - equal amount with castor oil.
How To Use
- Rub some castor oil topically (that is on the spots only) over the pregnancy-related stretch marks.
- For other stretch marks, you can make the solution of equal part coconut or argan oil and apply it over the affected area.
Also Read : Tips to Use Castor Oil for Stretch Marks
3. Moisturize Skin
Benefits of castor oil on skin also encompass its moisturising and anti-oxidant properties. It can also help in replenishing skin cells, owing to its ricinoleic acid content.
Ingredients
Castor oil - few drops
How To Use
- Take a few drops of the oil.
- Gently rub in on your face in circular motion.
- Do not overdo it. Castor oil is heavy and may leave you looking greasy.
4. Treat Acne
Oil on acne may sound counterproductive, but benefits of castor oil on the face are unquestionable. It penetrates deep into the skin and tackles the bacteria that cause acne.
Ingredients
Castor oil - few drops
How To Use
- Wash your face with warm water to open the pores on your face.
- Take a few drops of castor oil on your palms and spread it around your palms evenly.
- Slowly and gently rub it on your face in circular motion.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Wash your face with cold water the next morning.
- To prevent a breakout, you can combine few drops of apple cider vinegar and frankincense with castor oil, and dab it around your face with a cotton ball.
5. Reduce Pigmentation
Castor oil is recommended by dermatologist to even out skin tones, and remove spots and blemishes, through its Omega 3s, which hydrate the skin. It helps in the growth of healthy tissues. Check here to know about the causes and home remedies for skin pigmentation.
Ingredients
Castor oil - few drops
How To Use
- Rub some castor oil gently on the face.
- Leave it overnight and wash it off.
- After a few usages, the spots start reducing.
- To reduce redness from sunburn, mix equal amount of coconut oil with this oil and follow the same procedure as above.
Castor Oil Benefits For Hair
Benefits of castor oil for hair are as expansive as for skin, making this oil as the go-to beauty product not just for households, but also for various cosmetic companies. It stimulates the hair follicles and increases blood circulation at the surface of the scalp. Omega 6 and 9, and Vitamin E are some nutrients that contribute to this benefit.
1. Thicken Eye Brow Hair
A lot of people prefer thicker eyebrows, and castor oil will help in getting them. Its anti-oxidants, proteins, fatty acids and other nutrients will help stimulate the growth of eyebrows.
Ingredients
- Castor oil - few drops
- Cotton ball - 1
How To Use
- Take some oil and soak the cotton ball in it.
- Dab it gently on your eyebrows.
2. Improve Hair Growth
We have all heard about the benefits of castor oil for hair growth. Here is how you can go about achieving it.
Ingredients
Castor oil - few drops (preferably, Jamaican Black Castor oil)
How To Use
- Damp (not wet) your hair.
- Massage the oil into your scalp for 5-10 minutes.
- Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, or preferably overnight.
- Wash it off with warm water. Castor oil is heavy. So you may have to use shampoo twice or thrice. The warm water helps in removing it.
- You can also lighten it by mixing equal parts of almond or coconut oil.
- You can add in 2-3 drops of rosemary or tea tree essential oil in the mixture for greater benefits.
- Apply this 1-2 times for 6-8 weeks for best results.
Also Read : Castor Oil for Hair Growth - 10 Benefits with Homemade Mask Recipes
3. Enhance Hair Colour
One can always take advantage of the benefits of castor oil for grey hair, by following the simple rules.
Ingredients
Warm castor oil - as needed
How To Use
- When the first signs of greying hair appear, start massaging warm castor oil 2-3 times a week.
- It stimulates hair follicles and prevents greying.
4. Remove Split Ends
Split ends are one of the most cumbersome problems to have. However, due to castor oil's ability at remedying split ends come quite handy. Here is what you can do!
Ingredients
- Castor oil - 1 tablespoon
- Coconut oil - 1 tablespoon
- Egg - 1
How To Use
- Combine the egg and coconut oil and then add in the castor oil.
- Massage this onto the scalp, gently working to the roots.
- Keep it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it with warm water and shampoo.
- Follow this once a week.
5. Make Hair Shiny
We all want to have that perfect shiny hair. However, Often the hair gets dry or damaged by dirt and dust. Castor oil comes handy to reverse this effect.
Ingredients
- Castor oil - 1 tablespoon
- Coconut oil - 1 tablespoon
How To Use
- Combine both the oil and warm it a little. Do not overheat it.
- Massage it onto your scalp for 10-15 minutes.
- Let it sit for at least 1 hour before washing it off.
Health Benefits Of Castor Oil
Now that we have checked onto the benefits of castor oil for skin and hair let’s look at its uses for health.
1. Treat Constipation
Castor oil benefits also include its use as a laxative. Pharmaceutical companies would have you believe that it is harmful to your health, owing to its ricin content. But as established above, this substance is removed through heat, making the oil fit for consumptions. Castor oil enhances stimulation of the small and large intestine and the colon walls, helping in expulsion.
Ingredients
- Castor oil - 30-60mL
- Warm milk/Water - 1 glass
- Ginger
How To Use
- Add the castor oil into the mil or water.
- Because the oil has a strong smell, ginger needs to be added. But it is completely optional.
- Drink this and wait for an hour for its effects to show.
2. Remove Cracked Heels
Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, castor oil could be used to remove cracks from the heels
Ingredients
Castor oil - as needed.
How To Use
- Warm the castor oil.
- Apply a thick layer over the ankle and put on your socks.
- Leave it on overnight.
- For faster results, follow this procedure regularly.
3. Treat Backache
Want a safe and fool-proof remedy for a backache? Benefits of castor oil massage have the answers.
Ingredients
- Castor oil - as needed.
- Clean and soft cloth
- Hot water bag
(You may need a helping hand for this)
How To Use
- Apply the castor oil topically over the back.
- Place the cloth over this spot and place the hot water bag.
- If the water in the bag is too hot, you may wrap it with a towel.
- Leave it on for an hour. Allow the oil to percolate.
- Massage the area.
4. Castor Oil Remedy For Stomach Ache
Moving on from benefits of castor oil on the face to its other benefits, here we have a treatment for stomach ache. It can take various forms.
Ingredients
- Castor oil - 1 teaspoon
- Cold milk - 1 glass
Preparation Method
- Stir in well the castor oil with the milk.
- Drink this on an empty stomach every morning for a full cleansing.
- This recipe takes care of acidity, stomach toxicity, bloating, constipation and irritated bowels.
- Alternatively, you may also mix the oil with orange juice or water for tackling acidity, constipation and bloating. But drink it with milk to yield best results.
5. Soothe Menstrual Cramp
This is a welcome home-remedy for many women. Castor oil relieves a lot of muscle pain, including menstrual cramps. Follow the procedure below to relieve the agony.
Ingredients
- Castor oil - as needed
- Clean and soft cloth
- Covering cloth
- Hot water bag
How To Use
- Warm the castor oil and soak the clean cloth. Do not make it dripping wet.
- Place it over your lower abdomen.
- Cover it with the other cloth, before placing the hot water bag over it.
- Leave it on and get some refreshing sleep!
Finally, few words of caution while reaping the benefits of castor oil. While it has been certified as ‘generally safe’, do not overuse it. Usage must be by the ailment and direction. As for any ailment, one should consult a doctor if the problem is severe. For external use, conduct a patch test, before going ahead with it. Try out the mixtures on a small patch of skin and wait for 5-10 minutes. If it irritates the skin, refrain from using it. If it does not, you are good to go!
Disclaimer: All the content on anveya.com/blogs is solely for information. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health care provider. The information, suggestion or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.
