Castor Oil: A MUST-HAVE Oil
Castor oil is considered a vegetable oil that is pale yellow in color and is produced by crushing the seeds of the castor oil plant.
Castor oil is a particular type of triglyceride fatty acid, with nearly 90 percent of its fatty acid substance is ricinoleic acid, which is an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Castor oil has traditionally been used as a remedy for treating various skin conditions and infections, relieving constipation, and increasing the health of hair. However, recent studies have shown that castor oil can be used to support the immune system, and an anti-inflammatory agent, antimicrobial agent, and lymphatic stimulant.
But let’s go to the benefits of it, and why it’s such a magical oil!
Natural Arthritis Remedy
Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent massage oil for arthritic joints, sore muscles, and inflammation of your nerves.
Getting Rid of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are often caused by pregnancy and rapid weight gain, but can also be a result of aging, hormonal imbalance, sudden weight loss, and swelling. Castor oil is known as one of the best treatments for a variety of skin conditions.
Castor Oil for Treating Acne
The common skin condition, acne, is a result of impurities accumulating in your pores, causing the skin to become irritated and inflamed. Many of the acne remedies on the market today contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which tend to dry out the skin. Castor oil is a natural resource that draws out dirt, dead skin cells, excess oils, and bacteria without drying out your skin.
Deep Facial Cleanser
Along with treating acne, you can use castor oil as a deep facial cleanser. There are harsh chemicals in over-the-counter and prescription facial cleansers that dry out your skin. Using castor oil as a deep cleanser will get rid of pimples, deep-clean your skin of dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells, and excess oils and keep your skin soft, supple, and flawless.
Eliminating Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Castor oil is great for reducing fine lines and wrinkles because it penetrates deep into your skin, which stimulates the production of elastin and collagen. These two components in the skin are responsible for its elasticity and tautness.
Castor Oil for Hair Growth
Castor oil has become a popular treatment for growing healthier, thicker hair. When regularly used on your roots, it can increase hair growth, reduce hair damage from products and styling, hydrate hair, make hair shinier and fuller, prevent dry scalp, and improve the overall health of your hair.
Relieving Constipation
Castor oil is a popular way to relieve constipation. The various components in the natural constipation remedy act as a powerful laxative, stimulating both the small and large intestines and purging the colon walls, allowing impacted fecal matter to move through the colon.
Improving Immune Function
Using castor oil regularly is believed to improve various immune system functions, including lymphatic drainage, thymus gland health, and blood flow. The lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell found in the body’s immune system, attack perceived threats to the body and outside invaders like bacteria and toxins.
Minimize the Appearance of Scars
Castor oil is great for reducing and preventing the appearance of scars. The many fatty acids found in the oil help stimulate the lymphatic system in the body, which is essential for preventing scars. While it can’t eliminate scars that you already have, it can reduce their appearance.
Heal Dry, Cracked Heels
Castor oil’s miraculous ability to hydrate the skin makes it a perfect remedy for treating cracked heels. It is rich in vitamins, and essential nutrients help to hydrate dry, cracked skin. Simply rub castor oil on your feet, put on a pair of socks, and leave on overnight. You’ll notice a dramatic difference.
Relieve Sunburn
With the same cooling sensation as aloe, castor oil is great for alleviating painful sunburns. The ricinoleic acid will protect any blisters that pop up from becoming infected and reduce the inflammation associated with sunburns.
Castor Oil for Thicker Eyebrows
Castor oil has been proven to be an effective way to grow and strengthen your hair. But did you know that it can also work to thicken your eyebrows? The antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, fatty acids, and nutrients it contains all work to nurture the hair follicles and fight against bacteria that may be a factor that hinders growth.
Lengthen Eyelashes with Castor Oil
The vitamin E, proteins, minerals, and antibacterial properties of castor oil can help strengthen and lengthen your eyelashes when applied on a regular basis. It penetrates deep into the skin when applied to the area, moisturizing and refreshing the area to help the eyelashes grow quicker and prevent them from breaking.
Support the Lymphatic System
Your lymphatic system is responsible for expelling metabolic waste from your body. When you have drainage problems or flow disruptions, castor oil can help to get things moving again. Applying castor oil packs to your lymph nodes allows your body to absorb the oil quickly.
Reduces Menstrual Cramps
Massaging warm castor oil over your abdomen can be an excellent way to relieve the symptoms of menstrual cramps and period pain. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil works as an anti-inflammatory and is an analgesic agent that helps relieve pain. Castor oil packs are perfect for relieving menstrual cramps.
Hydrates Chapped Lips
The fatty acids found in castor oil help to hydrate and moisten dry, chapped lips. Apply castor oil to your lips several times a day to hydrate and moisturize.
…and the list goes on and on. Trust me, castor oil is a MUST have! Also, as a little curiosity, SeaShell uses castor oil in some products. Check it out and let me know if you have any questions!
with love,
Rafaella.
(References: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/castor-oil-uses-and-benefits/)