Castor oil is produced from by pressing castor beans which are scientifically known as Ricinus Communis. It is vegetable oil in a very pale color with distinct taste along with its derivatives is used in many food preservatives and beauty products such as soaps, waxes, dyes, polishes, perfumes, and paints.

Uses of Castor oil

With the immense and intense functioning, it has always been in a demand for its use from the ages. It is said that Egyptians used it in the fire lamps in the ancient period. It has been to fame for providing its uses in the sectors such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing industries which include cosmetics and food preservatives.

Moisturizer

For a person, it is very important to maintain moisturized skin in a daily routine where it gets exposed to the pollution and sun outside where there are the chances of skin getting dry and appearance of rashes. It helps in hydration by preventing the water loss from the body when applied on the body layer, not only used as a skin moisturizer but also acts as a moisturizer for hair conditions which makes the hair shine.

Reduces Acne

Acne is where the oil is extracted from the skin which causes pimples, dark spots, blackheads, whiteheads which leads to the low self -esteem in a person.

Acne is associated with the bacteria that stay on the face when exposed to the external condition. Castor oil possessing the anti-bacterial or antimicrobial properties helps to reduce an overgrowth of bacteria on the skin and fights inflammation that which helps to repair the skin and makes it smooth and increase the natural glow of the skin.

A Natural Laxative

Castor oil acts as a natural laxative for the medical uses provided by it. It is most commonly used to relieve temporary constipation. When it is consumed broken down into the intestines releases the ricinoleic acid and functions its laxative effect.

Elderly people use it mostly to reduce constipation which is commonly known as cleaning up their stomach.

Wound Healing

It acts as a natural ointment in the process of wound healing. It is very important to maintain the wounded area moisturized due to the dryness caused by the tissue damage. In this case, it helps to promote wound healing by reducing the growth of dead skin cells and repairs the damaged tissue.

In ancient days turmeric is placed on the wound as an anti-bacterial source whereas castor oil is used to heal the wounds. These sources are even used in ointments these days.

Read Also: Benefits of Wheat Germ Oil

Remedies using Castor oil

Castor oil for Acne

Required

  • Water
  • A fresh washcloth or a cotton cloth
  • Castor oil

Usage

  1. Take a bowl of water, boil it and steam your face. Steaming of the face helps the pores on the face to open.
  2. After the steaming process takes a washcloth and place a few drops of oil on it and rub the cloth gently on the face in the circular motion for 10  to 15 minutes and leave it overnight.
  3. This helps in the deep cleansing of the face and helps in reducing the acne.

The anti-inflammatory properties of it help in reducing acne and scars and make our skin acne-free and glow.

Castor oil for Silky Hair

Required

  • Castor oil
  • Vitamin E capsule

Usage:

  1. Take a bowl and place the required amount of castor oil in it.
  2. Mix 1 or 2 vitamin E capsules in proportion to the oil taken.
  3. Apply this oil to the scalp, hair, and massage gently on the scalp.
  4. Massaging the scalp improves the blood circulation the leads to the hair nourished.
  5. The anti-fungal properties of the oil help in the deep cleansing of the scalp reduce the dryness on the scalp.

The continuous use of oil to the hair serves us with a healthy black, silky and conditioned hair.

Read More: How to Treat Hair Thinning Naturally?

Nail Care

Required:

  • Castor oil
  • cotton

 Usage:

  1. Take 1 to 2 spoons of oil in  a bowl
  2. Dip cotton in castor oil and apply it to the nails and rub gently.
  3. This helps the nails grow healthy and shine.
  4. Following this procedure twice a week gives a better.

Side Effects Of Castor Oil

Diarrhea

Castor oil is happened to be raw with high in ricin and is consequently dangerous.  In refining the castor oil, the ricin is lost but the side effects result in diarrhea, abdominal pains and vomiting and also the burns in the heart.

Resulting In Labor

As we know that castor oil gives good benefits, but it also results in effects where one cannot think of it. Pregnant ladies are advised not to consume castor oil as they are induced to get labor pains. In case, if they are needed to do so one has to consult their doctor.

Allergies

It is used to relieving acne and scars, but it is most important that one should have the knowledge to advise someone, as one can have a sensitive skin in which if the person applies on the skin can cause skin allergies and rashes and burns on the skin.

Nutritional Composition Of Castor Oil

It constitutes ricinoleic acid. It is about 90% of the oil in it and 10% of the acids are included in it

  • Linoleic acid (4% of the oil)
  • Stearic acid (1%)
  • Oleic acid (3% of the oil)
  • Other linoleic fatty acids (>1%)

Read More: Benefits With Flaxseed Oil 

Bottom Line

Castor oil has been used for thousands of years as a powerful natural remedy for various health problems. It helps relieve constipation and moisturizes dry skin. If you are looking for an inexpensive and multipurpose oil to store in your cabinet heater, it is a good choice.

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