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In the world of natural remedies, castor oil is truly a one-ingredient wonder. After all, it has been used historically as a natural remedy for beauty and wellness. In this post you’ll learn all about the benefits of castor oil, and why it continues to be a favorite in both modern and traditional self-care routines, as well as how to use it as a natural remedy for beauty.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a thick oil that is extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant, which is more commonly known as the castor bean plant. It has been used for literally thousands of years for its health properties. It was, and still is, used as a natural remedy for beauty and well-being. Historically, castor oil was highly prized in ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and ancient Rome. They all knew a thing or two about the benefits of castor oil, which I find pretty amazing.
What Makes Castor Oil So Special?
Studies show that the benefits of castor oil are mainly due to its chemical makeup. It’s a type of fatty acid, and almost 90 percent of it is a rare compound called ricinoleic acid. That said, it’s unique to castor oil because it’s not found in many other plants or substances. Aside from that, it contains beneficial salts and esters that help to condition your skin.
What Are The Benefits of Castor Oil?
I can list so many, but I don’t want this post turning into an essay! Firstly, it can support the lymphatic system, helping to remove extra waste materials from the cells and improving lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is what helps remove waste and toxins from the body.
Secondly, it helps speed the recovery of wounds, and also contains antioxidants that help free radical scavenging, as shown in this study. This helps protect the skin from premature aging when used topically, and also helps to hydrate it.
Thirdly, it can significantly reduce acne due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. My newly-teen daughter started applying castor oil to her face after we tried different home remedies to clear it, and after a couple of weeks we noticed a huge difference, which she’s so grateful for!
Additionally, as shown in this next study, it can assist in easing inflammation.
And let’s not forget about the hair! Castor oil helps promote strong and shiny hair, as well as hair growth, by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. This goes for beards, eyebrows, and eyelashes too.
These are just some of the amazing benefits of castor oil, however the list goes on.
How I Personally Use Castor Oil For Beauty
Using castor oil as a natural beauty remedy is my favorite. I started applying it to my face for its anti-aging effects, because after I had my last baby my skin became dull and the fine lines were more obvious. I used it as an overnight treatment by applying a thin layer of the oil to my face.
After the first few nights, I noticed my skin had more color to it, and as a result, wasn’t looking as dull. I continued this little beauty ritual every night, and after the first couple of weeks my skin was looking radiant, bright, and alive again.
As a matter of fact, even the dark circles around my eyes had reduced significantly. For these reasons alone, I wholeheartedly believe in the anti-aging benefits of castor oil, and continue to use it on my face.
Standards For A Good Quality Castor Oil
Note, I am in no way affiliated with this brand of castor oil (photo above). I’m just showing the one I personally like and use.
There are standards for a good quality castor oil when the intention is to use it as a natural remedy for beauty and wellness. Good thing is, they’re pretty straightforward:
Cold pressed – Cold pressing preserves the natural nutrients in castor oil, including vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, which are often degraded by heat.
Dark glass bottle – Castor oil has delicate ingredients that can be damaged by light. Keeping it in a dark glass bottle helps protect these ingredients, making sure the oil stays effective for a longer period of time.
Hexane free – Hexane is a solvent that can be toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin. In addition, it can strip away some of the beneficial components of the castor oil.
How to Use Castor Oil as a Natural Beauty Remedy
1. Face and Body Moisturizer / Anti-aging
Apply a small amount of oil onto your face and/or body, and massage it in. Castor oil deeply hydrates dry skin, and promotes a soft, smooth texture. In addition, it helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.
2. Thicker Eyelashes and Eyebrows
Either use your fingertips, a clean mascara wand, or a cotton swab to apply castor oil to your eyelashes and eyebrows at night before bed. This promotes thicker, longer lashes and brows!
3. Stronger Nails and Cuticle Care
Massaging castor oil onto nails and cuticles daily will help promote stronger nails, as well as nail growth.
4. Hair Growth - Hair Strength - Reduced Dandruff
Massage castor oil onto the scalp and along the hair, and leave it in for as little as 30 minutes to overnight. Then, wash it out using a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Doing this can promote hair growth, stronger hair, and reduced dandruff.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two simple ways of doing this:
1. Hot Water Bath: Place the bottle of castor oil in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water for a few minutes until it reaches a warm temperature.
2. Hand Warmth: Simply rub the oil between your palms to warm it up before applying it to your skin.
Store the bottle in a cool location away from sunlight and heat.
Castor oil is generally safe for most skin types, but this can vary from person to person. Always perform a patch test first before applying.
Final Thoughts About The Benefits of Castor Oil
In summary, castor oil is a powerful, natural remedy for beauty and wellness, and offers many benefits. As studies show, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that enhance its therapeutic value. Likewise, it contains essential fatty acids and ricinoleic acid, making it great at moisturizing dry skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and treating acne. Castor oil helps hair growth, adds shine, and deeply conditions, and it also works wonders on eyebrows, eyelashes, and nails. Using cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil in your daily routine can lead to healthier skin, stronger hair, and overall well-being. I hope you enjoyed learning all about the benefits of castor oil!
Disclaimer
Before using castor oil for wellness and beauty, it’s important to first clear it with your healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, have medical conditions, or are taking certain medications. While there are many benefits of castor oil, it may not be suitable for everyone and can cause allergic reactions or other side effects. Always do a patch test first to avoid potential risks.
Read this article next about the surprising benefits of morning sunlight.
I have lymphedema in my arm. I’m also diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, which is stage four. How would I use castor oil to help promoye lymphatic drainage?
Thanks
Hi Amy, while I’m not a medical professional, I understand that lymphatic drainage can be a significant part of managing your comfort levels. I found two articles online that you can check out from Dr. Axe about managing lymphedema symptoms and lymphatic drainage. It may also be beneficial for you to speak with a physical or massage therapist that specializes in this area. Wishing you strength and gentle healing along your journey.
Can you please share the links to these articles?
Sure! One is: https://draxe.com/health/lymphedema/
The other is: https://draxe.com/health/lymphatic-drainage-massage-benefits/