Castor oil is a vegetable oil pressed from castor beans known to contain anti-flammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidants and pain-relieving properties. It is a colorless pale yellow liquid with a distinct taste and odor.
Castor oil is a very thick consistency implemented in many different ways. This natural oil can serve many purposes and it is majorly of two kind which is the Pure castor oil and Black Jamaican castor oil. But throughout this post we will majorly focus on the pure castor oil.
BENEFITS
SKIN
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, a non-saturated fatty acid which can serve as a very good natural moisturizer for the face. It helps to hydrate the skin and soften rough patches and could even act as a replacement for your normal store-bought moisturizers and lotions.
It contains very good anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties making it ideal for soothing irritated skin, reducing acne and preventing breakouts.
Castor oil is a very thick oil, so the common question is “Won’t it clog the pores when using it as a moisturizer?” Well the answer to this question is “No”, despite castor oil being a thick oil it would not clog your pores but if you are still not satisfied, feel free to mix the oil with a suitable carrier oil of your choice like Coconut oil or Olive oil.
To use castor oil for skin, apply a small amount to clean, dry skin and massage gently until fully absorbed. It can also be mixed with other oils or skincare products for added benefits.
If an irritation occur during the cause of using, it is best to discontinue use.
EYELASH GROWTH
Well as good as Castor oil can be for the skin, it can also be very good for promoting eyelash growth. If you wish to have longer lashes the natural way, you can try using castor oil as the nourishing properties of castor oil promote eyelash growth and strengthen the lash follicles.
To use Castor for eyelash growth, Using a clean mascara wand or cotton swab, apply a small amount of oil to your lashes before bedtime. Be consistent with this routine, and you may notice a visible difference in the length and thickness of your lashes over time.
HAIR GROWTH
Castor oil is a well-known for its ability to promote hair growth and address common hair issues. Rich in nutrients such as Vitamin E, minerals, and fatty acids, it nourishes the scalp, strengthens hair shafts and stimulates hair follicles. It could be used just as it is, or mixed with carrier oils to make a hair growth oil or used in diy hair masks and pre-poo treatments.
To use castor oil for hair growth, simply massage a small amount onto your scalp and hair, leave it on for a few hours or overnight, then wash it out with a gentle shampoo. Regular use can lead to thicker, longer, and healthier hair.
AS A LAXATIVE
Aside from its cosmetic uses, castor oil is also popular as a natural laxative. When ingested, it acts as a stimulant for the intestines, helping to relieve constipation and promote bowel movements. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using castor oil internally, as incorrect dosage or usage can lead to adverse effects.
NOTE
While there are a lot of good benefits attached to using castor oil, there are also side effects it causes in some people.
· ALLERGY: It may cause some allergy reaction in some people when first applied to the skin so it is advisable to first test if your skin may be allergic to this oil by first applying just a moderate amount on a small patch of skin to see how your skin would react.
· GASTROINTESTINAL(GI) SIDE EFFECTS: While Medically, Castor oil is used to help stop constipation, it could also cause GI side effects such as dizziness, bloating or vomiting. So it is best to use under medical supervision
· Castor oil also has restrictions to specific individuals, especially people with certain health conditions including appendicitis, bowel perforation, gastrointestinal obstruction and pregnant individuals therefore should only be used upon medical consultation.
Overall, Castor oil could be versatile in its use as a skin moisturizer, for hair and eyelash growth and as a laxative however if you observe an irritation or allergy make sure to discontinue immediately, although the symptoms doesn’t happen to everyone.
Make sure to try out using this castor oil and observe the difference it makes.