Castor oil is derived from the castor bean plant and the oil comes from pressing the ripe seeds. Castor oil has been used for centuries for its array of health and beauty benefits. It is simple to use and gentle on the skin, making it ideal for many different ailments. Just make sure to do a small patch test before use to ensure that you are not allergic or sensitive to this oil. Most people can use it without any problems, but the patch test ensures you do not experience problems due to things like an allergic reaction.
1. Better Skin
Castor oil is very moisturizing and it helps to protect the skin, making it a great remedy for many skin issues, such as dry skin, sunburn, stretch marks and acne. It may also help with things like athlete’s foot and even stretch marks. However, to get the full benefit of this oil, you must use it properly or you may not get the results that you need. Start by taking a clean cotton ball and dipping it in the oil until it is about half saturated. Take this and apply it directly to the area of the skin you are trying to treat and keep it on this area for one hour. You can use medical tape or a bandaid to keep the cotton ball in place. After an hour, remove the cotton ball and cleanse the area of the excess oil. You can do this twice a day, once during your morning routine and once during your night routine, to achieve optimal results.
2. Help Treat Ringworm
Ringworm is a relatively common skin issue and castor oil can help to complement medical treatment. This oil contains undecylenic acid which helps to complement ringworm therapies. You will mix four teaspoons of coconut oil with two teaspoons of castor oil and mix these well. Take a piece of sterile gauze and apply this to the area that has ringworm and secure it with medical tape or a bandaid. Leave this on overnight and then wash it thoroughly in the morning. Repeat this process until you no longer have ringworm.
3. Banish Wrinkles and Fine Lines
This oil deeply penetrates the skin and it may help to stimulate elastin and collagen production. It is also an effective skin moisturizer. These actions come together to help keep skin flexible and plump so that fine lines and wrinkles are not able to set it. You can treat the entire face, including the eye area, but use great care to not get any of this oil into your eyes.
4. Treat Acne
The penetrative ability of this oil is also ideal for acne. This oil has ricinoleic acid and this acid is effective in combating the bacteria that causes acne. It will help to clear up acne without drying out your skin like many commercial acne products do. Use warm water and thoroughly wash your face before going to bed. Take a small amount of this oil and completely massage it into your clean skin, allow it to dry and then go to bed. Simply wash your face in the morning and go about your usual skincare routine.
5. Skin Moisturizer
This oil is a quick and effective moisturizer because it penetrates the skin well and is full of fatty acids. It helps to restore hydration to your skin and it eliminates dry patches. You can apply it anywhere you need to hydrate your skin, allow it to soak in overnight and when you awake in the morning your skin will be smooth and silky. When you apply it to your body, wear cotton pajamas and socks to keep the oil in place so that it is able to deeply moisturize all night long.
6. Reduce Scars
Scars can make you self-conscious and it is not easy to fade them, but this oil can be helpful. You must apply this oil directly to the scar regularly and be patient because it takes time to fade scars, especially those that are very dark or raised. The fatty acids penetrate the tissue well and help to heal scars from the inside out.
7. Fade Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are something most women will experience at some point in life, such as due to weight gain or pregnancy, and they are hard to get rid of. You can apply castor oil regularly to your stretch marks to help fade them over time. It can take months for visible results, so stick with the regimen and be patient.
8. Battle Bacteria
This oil has antimicrobial properties to fight off bacteria and germs. You can apply it to minor wounds to prevent infection by disinfecting it. Just make sure to first cleanse the minor scratch or cut with soap and water, dry it thoroughly and then apply this oil to disinfect the area and alleviate some pain and itching.
9. Grow Longer Hair
For hair to grow, it needs to be strong and healthy, and your scalp has to be healthy too. Castor oil works well to improve the health of your hair from root to tip. For the scalp, it increases the circulation of blood to the follicles to promote hair growth and health. The omega-6 fatty acids penetrate each strand and strengthen them from the inside out. Apply this oil to your hair, wrap it in a towel, go to sleep and then wash it out in the morning for a moisture and nutrient-intense hair treatment. You can do this two to three times per week to promote hair growth and to improve the health of your hair and scalp.
10. Get Thicker Eyebrows
Some people over-pluck their eyebrows or they just naturally have eyebrows that are thin and hard to see. This oil may help to thicken your brows so that you have more to work with. Simply apply castor oil to your eyebrows before bed and wash this away in the morning. To wash it off, a mild cleanser and warm water gets it off easily. This can take a little time to get results and you must make sure to do it every night and stick with the regimen.
11. Treat Scalp Infections
Scalp infections can cause a variety of issues, such as hair fall and itching. This oil has antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties which allow this oil to tackle just about any minor scalp infection. You will want to apply this oil to your scalp regularly for best results and it can be done each night until the scalp infection is completely gone. Massage it in at night, cover your head with a towel or shower cap, go to bed and when you wake up in the morning, wash and condition your hair to reap the rewards.
12. Make Your Hair Darker
If you want darker hair, castor oil may be just what you need. It has humectant properties that help to increase the color of your hair when you use it as a leave-in conditioner. This is not a permanent darkening and once you wash your hair, your hair goes back to its normal color.
13. Alleviate Constipation
Constipation is a very uncomfortable and very common problem. Castor oil works as a highly effective laxative to alleviate constipation. You want to use pure castor oil that is cold pressed and you can use it once a day. Only use one teaspoon and never use this oil longer than three days. It is best to consult with a physician before using this remedy to ensure optimal safety and proper use. Overusing this remedy for constipation can cause significant health issues, so always follow the dosage instructions exactly.
14. Relieve Joint Pain and Arthritis
Painful joints make it hard to get through your daily activities, but this oil may help you to find some relief. It makes it easier to massage your joints so that you can work out the stiffness and pain. Apply the oil to the painful joint and gently massage the area for about 10 minutes. Take a cotton cloth and soak it in this oil, wring out the excess oil and put the cloth on the painful joint. Put a dry cloth on top of this, put a heating pad on top of the dry cloth and allow this to sit for 20 minutes to loosen up stiffness and alleviate pain.
15. Encourage Lymphatic Drainage
Sometimes, lymph nodes can get backed up, but this oil can help to keep lymph moving along as it should. Take a piece of large cloth, soak it in this oil, place this on your abdomen, lie back and get comfortable for an hour. Once the hour is up, remove the cloth and wash the excess oil off of the abdomen.
Before using castor oil, make sure to talk to your doctor first. This oil is natural and generally safe, but before you use any natural products, you want to make sure that they will not interfere with any current health conditions or medications. This oil has a variety of health benefits that you can take full advantage of once you know that it will be fully beneficial to you and the ailments that you are experiencing.
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