Castor oil benefits are reaped through its most popular use – a food ingredient. It is prepared by pressing Castor seeds and used as a vegetable oil. Besides being a food ingredient, the oil possesses medicinal attributes. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Castor oil is also used in cosmetics, preparation of soaps, massage oils, textiles. There are a number of hair, skin and health benefits of the oil that make it popular and widely used.
Amazing Castor Oil Benefits
Skin Benefits of Castor Oil
1. Heals Inflamed Skin
The oil heals skin inflammation. Such inflammation is mostly caused by acne, sunburns and dry skins.
To treat the skin, one needs to take the cotton ball, dip the same in the castor oil, apply it to the skin area affected due to inflammation, leave it for some time (an hour or so) and then washing it off.
Castor oil has healing properties, it helps to deal with skin inflammations, slows aging. Castor oil benefits on application to the skin as it penetrates deep into the dermal layer, it stimulates the production of elastin and collagen. The oil helps to hydrate the skin and make it soft. Repeated application of the oil on the skin delays wrinkle appearance, makes the skin softer, smoother and younger.
2. Reduces Acne
If you are suffering from acne then instead of using other oils it is better to use castor oil. Other oils clog the pores, they aggravate the problem but, castor oil for acne only gives good results. Few drops of castor oil are beneficial to reduce acne.
In order to treat acne related issues, all you need to do is to wash the face using warm water as this helps to open the pores. Next, massage the skin using castor oil on face. Let it sit throughout the night and then wash the face, the next morning using cold water.
The oil is rich in ricinoleic acid which fights bacteria that causes acne related issues. The oil penetrates deep into the dermal layer and helps to treat acne related disorders.
3. Moisturizes Skin
Castor oil benefits make skin smooth, revitalized and therefore its use can be regarded as a cost effective way to moisturize skin. The castor oil can be used to clean the face, do massages gently. The oil has a high concentration of fatty acids which penetrate deep into the skin. This helps to remove dry skin patches, restores skin hydration. The oil finds application in different industries. However, in the skin care segment, the oil is highly priced.
4. Fades Blemishes
Many have ugly blemishes and scars on their face. Castor oil benefits can be used to get rid of these blemishes or scars. The oil works slowly but it is effective to get rid of blemishes or scars. The fatty acids in the castor oil make the difference. Once applied on the skin, the oil penetrates deep into the scar tissue, remove it and help the growth of healthy tissues around it.
5. Prevents Stretch Marks
Castor oil benefits prevent the occurrence of stretch marks on the skin surface. The oil helps to make skin elastic which implies fewer stretch marks. Women after their pregnancy and childbirth suffer from stretch marks. If the castor oil is applied to the skin after the pregnancy then it can prevent the occurrence of stretch marks. Besides, the oil reduces pigmentation, helps in clearing dark skin marks or spots. The omega 3 fatty acids in Castor oil hydrates the skin, it helps to grow healthy tissue thereby helping skin to be free from blemishes.
Castor Oil Hair Benefits
6. Promotes Growth of Hair
Castor oil and hair growth go hand in hand. One needs to massage the scalp with the oil and this often is useful to grow long and thick hair. For hair growth and healthy hair, it is important that blood circulates properly to the follicles and that leads to faster hair growth. Omega-9 fatty acids are responsible for healthy hair, they help to reduce split ends, controls breakage of hair and also moisturizes hair.
7. Treats Infections of The Scalp
Hair problems are often caused because of scalp infections. Bald patches, issues like itchy scalp, dandruff are because of scalp infections. Castor oil benefits are effective in getting rid of these issues. Castor oil is anti-bacterial, it is anti-fungal, it can fight microorganisms, pathogens and thus prevent scalp infections.
8. Prevents Premature Graying of Hair
Castor oil prevents graying of hair. It helps to condition the hair and treat dry, damaged hair. One teaspoon of castor oil, when applied after shampoo to the hair is very useful. Castor oil, when applied to the hair, locks hair moisture, prevents hair from turning dry and make it soft, smooth.
Health Benefits of Castor Oil
9. Treats Ringworms
The oil is effective in treating ringworms, disinfecting wounds, especially scrapes and cuts. The oil has antimicrobial attributes that help to treat cuts and bruises. It has anti-inflammatory properties which help to relieve pain.
It is also used as a laxative. Consumption of castor oil induces laxation. The ricinoleic acid in the oil helps to induce laxation, once it is consumed. It is a useful medicine for those who are suffering from constipation.
10. Reduces Joint Pain or Arthritis
If you are suffering from joint pain or arthritis then castor oil benefits can be effective in providing relief to all sorts of joint or tissue pain. To treat joint pain, one needs to have a soft cotton fabric, castor oil and use that fabric and oil on the affected spot. Castor oil has anti-inflammatory attributes that help in relieving nerve or joint inflammation.
11. Boosts Immunity
The oil is useful to boost immunity, it enhances the body’s defense mechanisms. The oil helps to increase the T-11 cells and that helps to increase body’s defense mechanisms. The T-11 cells help to form antibodies against toxins, pathogens and all this promotes better health. When it comes to back pain, using castor oil serves as the natural remedy. Massaging the oil gently on the back is a great way to get rid of backaches.
12. Stomach Cleansing
If the stomach is clean then one can get rid of many ailments. Using castor oil helps to clean the stomach. One can use castor oil along with milk, an amazing treatment method for stomach cleansing. Such treatments are extremely beneficial to those who are suffering from constipation, bowels, acidity, bloating. Likewise, castor oil when mixed with orange juice is helpful to cleanse the stomach. Castor oil and ginger, castor oil and hot water are other means of cleaning stomach.
Caution!
Castor oil has several benefits, it is used as a prime ingredient in food, it has medicinal attributes. Consumption of castor oil has it’s own advantages because the oil has high nutritional value. However, it is understood that though the oil is considered safe for consumption, yet it has some side effects and therefore should be used with caution.
1. Allergic Reaction
Some have an allergy to the oil and therefore prior to using it, one should conduct an allergy test with the oil. Allergy tests are simple and involve putting some castor oil on the arms and leave it overnight. If there are no rashes, no itching or redness on the skin then you conclude that you are not allergic to the oil.
2. Beware Of Digestion Ailments
A warning, not to ingest castor oil as it can cause a number of ailments including abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, body weakness. Those who experience such symptoms need to consult the physician immediately.
3. Interferes With Medication
Castor oil can interfere with other medications and therefore those who are already taking medications, need to be cautious while using the oil. They need to consult a doctor prior to using the oil.
From the above discussion, it is quite candid that castor oil has several benefits. However, one needs to use the thing with caution. Individuals require consulting doctors prior using the substance. There are many less known facts about the oil and individuals can refer online to know about them.
