Most plant-based oils are high in antioxidants, good for skin, head, hair, and almost all body parts. However, while blockbusters like coconut oil and olive oil get all the attention, you may not be aware of castor oil, a lesser-known botanical oil with significant health advantages. If you are just thinking of castor oil as something that Granny uses, you are losing out on its tremendous benefits from multiple applications. The oil extracted from the castor plant has a broad range of applications and advantages for your body. People have been using it for ages due to its numerous wellness and beauty benefits. Since many people are unaware of this magical oil, we have put together a handy guide to selecting and using this all-in-one beauty product.
How to Choose the Finest Castor Oil?
Opt for pure, cold-pressed castor oil from a trusted brand when looking for castor oil. The beneficial fats and elements in castor oil remain intact since cold-pressing does not use heat in the extraction process that can damage the health benefits. It is better to pick an oil packed in a darker bottle as sunlight can also deteriorate its therapeutic and aromatic properties. If your oil is in a transparent bottle, put it in a darker bottle or store it in a darkened, dry, cold place (not refrigerator).
You could also come across Jamaican castor oil on the racks of your local shop. The extraction method is different for this alternative as it is being extracted by roasting the beans initially, then crushing and heating them, rather than cold pressing. The result is a dark oil with a unique scent. While some beauty enthusiasts claim Jamaican castor oil offers more significant medical and cosmetic benefits, there is no research to back it up. Therefore, you must develop your judgment.
What Are the Health Benefits of Using Castor Oil?
Constipation treatment
Your granny might have already told you this several times, and, like many others, you might have turned a deaf ear to her claim. But, she was right in her opinion. Castor oil might help in relieving constipation if you use it correctly. Try intaking one tablespoonful, and it will help drive stool along your gastrointestinal tract by activating muscular movements in the large intestine.
Skin protection
Castor oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. Experiments have demonstrated that it can prevent wounded skin against infections and help clean up infestations that have already developed.
Soothes muscles
Castor oil will save the day when your joints ache from a strenuous workout. Put a small quantity of oil on a towel or other soft fabric, then lay the oil-soaked fabric over the affected area and warm it with a heating pad for 15 to 20 minutes. You will feel that your muscles will ease after 15 to 20 minutes.
Treatment of arthritis
Castor oil can aid in the relief of rheumatic joint pain. To get the best results, softly massage the oil on the sensitive areas once a day.
What Are the Beauty Benefits of Castor Oil?
Lustrous hair
To convert thinning, lifeless strands into strong, lustrous hair, put a small amount of castor oil on your hand and gently massage your scalp before going to bed and showering. If you have flaky scalp or suffering from dandruff, apply castor oil on your head for a minimum of thirty minutes before shampooing, then rinse as usual to get shiny, voluminous hair.
Hair treatment
Are you depressed because of your pimples and acne? Let castor oil’s potential antioxidants qualities help you heal your breakouts. With regular application straight to the affected regions, you will get rid of acne. The best thing is that this oil will not block your pores and helps in treating blemishes and correcting discoloration.
Sunburn relief
If you often spend major time of your day in the sun, you should add castor oil to your grooming kit. After spending a day in the sun, apply the oil on irritated skin to relieve the burning sensation. As the oil decreases inflammation, you will experience immediate relief.
Nourished skin
If you have rough, flaky skin, use a tiny bit of castor oil daily to moisturize and revive it. To avoid getting oily skin across the day, use the oil in the evening and then rinse it off when you wake up.
Lashes thickener
Many individuals believe that castor oil makes your lashes and brows fuller. Although you shouldn’t generally apply any oily product near your eyes, castor oil has tremendous benefits. Take a fresh cotton swab to put a very thin layer of the oil to your brows and the tips of your lashes at night if you are willing to give it a chance. And, the results will amaze you.
