I grew up using castor oil as a child. I remember my grandmother making it and using it in my hair. For the longest time until my early teens, it was just about the only hair product I knew and used in my curls; so I grew up loving the scent of castor oil. So, in reminisce of my childhood, I thought I’d add castor oil as a spotlight article today.
Castor oil is a vegetable oil that’s extracted from the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis L.). Castor seeds contain between 30%–50% oil, which is extracted from the beans by several methods, including mechanical pressing, solvent extraction, or a combination of the two. It is a colourless or pale-yellow liquid with a distinct taste and odor.
This vegetable oil, has been used in both medicinal and non-medicinal applications for centuries and boasts many purported benefits ranging from beauty to health. Here are some common castor oil uses:
Skin health
The main active ingredient in castor oil is ricinoleic acid, an antioxidant-rich fatty acid that may help moisturize dry skin and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Castor oil is also thought to have antibacterial properties, which can help with acne and even wound healing.
Hair growth
One of castor oil’s biggest claims to fame is that it is thought to help hair grow. It’s commonly mixed with a carrier oil like jojoba and then applied to the scalp and hair, as castor oil can be very sticky and heavy on its own. As I mentioned above, growing up, it was the only oil (product) used in my hair.
People also put it on their brows and lashes. To do this, use a clean mascara wand or brow brush to apply a tiny bit of oil, making sure that it doesn’t get in your eyes.
Dandruff
Castor oil has been used as a home treatment for dandruff, in part because it’s believed to have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s commonly mixed with a carrier oil for this application as well.
Constipation relief
Castor oil is perhaps best known for being a laxative. It is considered safe in small doses to treat occasional constipation, but it’s not recommended for long-term use. Ingesting castor oil can have some not so good side effects, so it’s important not to misuse it and to check with your healthcare practitioner before taking it.
Lymphatic drainage
Castor oil packs (pieces of cloth soaked in castor oil and applied to the skin) are said to help stimulate the lymphatic system and boost lymphatic drainage.
Pain relief
Some studies have shown that, when applied topically, ricinoleic acid has an analgesic effect.
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