All of you girls out there must have tried home beauty remedies at some point in your lives. Many of you might have a home beauty regime for good skin and hair. Most of you might have heard about castor oil, maybe through your mother or grandmother. In these times when we all want to opt for natural and organic stuff over chemical treatments, castor oil is one thing that you can swear by for great skin, hair, nails, and body.
This pale yellow oil is extracted from the beans of the castor plant, also known as Ricinuscommunis. Castor oil is easily available at any drugstore. It is also incorporated in a variety of cosmetic products in different concentrations. Dermatologists also encourage the use of castor oil for beauty and wellness for different reasons. Let us understand the uses and benefits of castor oil.
- Skin hydration and soothing
Castor oil has a high content of ricinoleic acid, which is an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. This chemical structure makes the oil hydrophilic (water-loving) as well as lipophilic (fat-loving). This allows the oil to penetrate the skin better than other vegetable oils. Thus, castor oil works well for both hair and skin, and it nourishes them. It moisturizes and protects the external layer of skin. Castor oil also keeps the skin hydrated and thus heals the skin. You can apply castor oil before going to bed. You may also apply it with a moisturizer. It also functions as a lubricant for dry skin that makes your skin soft and supple and gives it a youthful glow. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties relieve pain and swelling from an injury.
- Tames frizzy hair
Since castor oil works as a lubricant, it makes dry and frizzy hair smoother. The fatty acids present in this oil tame your hair and give it more shine and lustre. Since castor oil is very greasy, it is recommended to use less oil while oiling your hair, or you can mix it with coconut oil. You can give your hair a gentle massage and then wash it off after a few hours to get the best results. Make sure that your shampoo is used properly to get rid of castor oil from the scalp. You must have also observed that harsh shampooing, hair dyeing, blow drying, pollution, etc. damage your hair to a great extent. Castor oil combats these situations and nurtures your hair follicles, hydrates your hair shaft, diminishes dandruff, and decreases inflammation entering your scalp.
- Nourishes nail cuticles
Nail cuticles act as a protective grout for the skin, so it is essential to keep this area healthy. Many of you must be suffering from dry and cracked cuticles, which lowers your self-esteem too. Castor oil is rich in fatty acids, and these hydrate your nails. You can apply a pinch of castor oil on your nail folds and cuticles before going to bed.
- Boosts hair growth
Castor oil not only nourishes your hair but also boosts its growth. People with scanty hair have been applying castor oil and have seen remarkable results in their hair growth. You may also apply it to your brows if you want thicker brows. It not only gives you fuller brows, but it also conditions them.
- Cures constipation If you are suffering perennially from pressure problems, then castor oil might be a new elixir for you. Castor oil is a great laxative when taken orally. The ricinoleic acid present in castor oil gets released in the intestine and acts as a laxative. Castor oil creates heat in the intestine, and thereby, it helps in the process of digestion and detoxifying the system by boosting easy bowel movements.
- Boosts circulation
Blood circulation and resistance power go hand in hand. If your lymphatic system is weak, you will frequently fall ill. A good blood circulation system keeps us healthy and supplies the required oxygen to our cells. Castor oil motivates good blood flow.
Castor oil also induces labor in pregnant women. It facilitates uterine contractions. The ricinoleic acid in this oil enables the EP3 prostanoid receptor in the uterus, thereby aiding in delivery. However, it is not advisable for all pregnant ladies, as some may feel nauseous due to the consumption of castor oil.
- 7. Treats joint pain
Castor oil is a natural treatment for arthritis, nerve inflammation, and sore muscles. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a great oil to massage onto your joints to relieve pain. You can give a gentle massage with castor oil to your joints, followed by placing a hot water bag on the pain points. If you are suffering from arthritis, then you can do this twice a day to ensure better results.
Points to watch out for
Despite the benefits of castor oil, it is not all rainbows for you. Castor oil is a difficult ingredient to work with. It has an unpleasant odour and a thick, greasy texture, so it is not a very pleasant ingredient to work with on the skin. It has an unpleasant odour and a thick, greasy texture, so it is not very pleasant on the skin. Also, after applying the oil to your skin or hair, your clothes and bed will get greasy. But on the bright side, due to its polar structure, it is easier to wash off than other oils. You can rub alcohol on the stain or use an aerosol stain remover for quicker and better results. Dermatologists recommend using products that contain castor oil rather than using it directly. These products will be easier to use and handle. You also need to avoid ingesting castor oil during pregnancy. It is helpful during delivery as it boosts uterine contractions.
Conclusion
Thus, overall, castor oil is a miracle ingredient that works great for your beauty and wellness. The best thing about it is that it is completely natural, easily available, and very economical. You may ditch expensive facials and spas and swear on castor oil for better results! From giving you lustrous hair, supple, acne-free, and mole and cyst-free skin to working as a great blood circulation agent and joint pain reliever, castor oil is truly your secret to a healthy life!
