Castor oil is not a very popular product in households. Ironically, it addresses most of the ailments that commonly occur in every household. It’s the unawareness about the benefits of the oil that can be blamed. Made from pressing seeds of castor, castor oil is a very beneficial vegetable oil. The factor or ingredient that distinguishes and provides it with its superpowers is Ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid makes up 95 percent of Castor oil’s composition.
Many of you would wonder on knowing the benefits of castor oil exceeds further than beauty and health. It is used in certain countries for the purpose of preventing food from rotting by applying it to rice, wheat, and pulses.
Let’s explore this miraculous oil to see the myriad of benefits it has to offer:
Moisturizer
The Ricinoleic acid has great penetration power. It goes deep inside the skin and nourishes the skin with fatty acids. It contains certain salts and esters that are known to provide skin-conditioning. Rubbing castor oil on the face before going to sleep is going to go long way in beautifying and hydrating your skin. Wash off with water the next morning before putting on anything. Moreover, the Vitamin E, minerals, and proteins in the oil rejuvenate the skin along with moisturizing it.
Clears acne
Castor oil is antibacterial and antifungal in nature. Applying I to scalp and skin of body or face helps in getting rid of acne, itching, dandruff and other skin problems caused by bacteria and virus.
Anti-aging
Dry skin gets wrinkled very soon. One topmost remedy of avoiding wrinkles for as long as possible is to keep it well moisturized and hydrated. The deep moisturizing effect of castor oil prevents wrinkles from appearing. The protein in castor oil also builds up the collagen of skin, thus making it firmer. It also heals small rashes, cuts, and wounds and makes the skin clear and supple.
Cures sunburn
Sunburns are soothed by a combination of coconut oil with castor oil. Just mix coconut oil, preferably virgin with castor oil in equal amounts and apply to the area affected with sunburn overnight. Lips that got burnt in the sun are also healed by this remedy. Apply the same mixture to chapped lips overnight to discover extra smooth and soft lips the next morning.
Long eyelashes and fuller eyebrows
Your eyebrows and eyelashes add gravity to your personality. Thicker eyelashes and fuller eyebrows add natural beauty and attraction to your face and eyes. You won’t need to wear mascara, fake eyelashes and use eyebrow pencils to hide flaws. The chemicals in these products induce further thinning of hair in eyelashes and eyebrows. Apply castor oil to eyelashes and eyebrows overnight using an earbud. Regular application will make eyelashes and eyebrows visibly thicker and longer. This also adds shine to the hair.
Regrows hair
Most of the hair problems you suffer from are because of the unhealthy scalp. Weak hair follicles or infected scalp makes leads to hair loss and slow growth. Warm castor oil applied to scalp with the mixture of coconut oil significantly accelerates hair growth. Massaging the scalp with this oil improves blood circulation and makes hair receive the nutrient for its growth from the blood. The omega-9 fatty acids in castor oil make hair grow fast and healthy. It reduces dryness of hair and eventually breakage.
Scars and blemishes
Castor oil helps in building collagen and elastin. It lightens the pigmentation, blemish, and scars on the face to give a clear skin free of any spot.
Conditions hair
Castor oil is very rich in the fatty acids that moisturize dry hair intensively. For this –
Mix egg yolk with castor oil and blend well. Apply onto hair and leave for 30 minutes. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual to discover soft shiny tresses.
Mix castor oil with your hair conditioner in a very small amount so that you are benefitted every time you condition your hair. Castor oil like honey is natural humectant. Humectants are substances that block moisture and prevent drying. This conditioner will ensure your hair retains its moisture for a longer period of time.
Scrub
Castor oil is rich in minerals and antioxidants. Mixing sugar with castor oil and olive oil is a great blend to scrub body with. It will deeply moisturize your skin and also provide it with antibacterial and antifungal treatment for a healthier skin.
Some interesting recipes for skin and hair
Mix castor oil with coconut oil or jojoba oil. Apply the mixture onto scalp and leave it overnight for vibrant tresses post shampooing your hair.
Castor oil hair serum- Apply few drops of castor oil to damp hair and not wet hair. This will lock the moisture in your hair before it’s lost in the surroundings while completely drying.
Oil Cleansing
The oil cleansing method is one method that you will come across every now and then once you begin exploring remedies for beautiful skin. Because of its deep penetration properties, castor oil is considered the best carrier oil for oil cleansing method. Check out our article on this superbly amazing method for beautiful skin.
Castor oil since ages has been a great remedy for the ailments mentioned above. You have probably found many reasons to store a bottle of castor oil at your home- one oil and many topical uses!