The benefits of castor oil

Castor oil is a vegetable oil that is used for a wide range of cosmetic and medical purposes. It is known for its benefits to the skin and hair.

Today, castor oil remains a popular natural treatment for common ailments such as constipation and skin problems, and is commonly used in natural beauty products.

This article explains what castor oil is and discusses its benefits for the skin and hair, as well as how to use it.

Castor oil, or castor oil as it is known due to a mistranslation of its name, is simply an oil produced from the castor bean. A tropical shrub called “castor bean” is found in its seeds. Pure castor oil is usually colourless and light yellow and is native to tropical Africa. While its oil extracted directly from the plant is a blessing, the seeds themselves are poisonous. The extraction of castor oil is a very thorough process. Cold pressing the seeds is essential to retain the ricinoleic acid, the component that gives it all its beneficial properties.

Benefits of castor oil for hair

Castor oil is not very comedogenic (index 1) and not very sensitive to oxidation.

. Promotes hair growth 

Studies have shown that the essential fatty acids present in castor oil facilitate hair growth and the nourishment of the hair follicles.

Prevents skin infections

The anti-microbial properties present in castor oil help prevent skin infections. Castor oil is also an antifungal agent. 

Fights dandruff

The linoleic acid present in castor oil has proven to be extremely useful in moisturising adult skin and preventing dandruff, dryness, flaking and skin irritation.

Eliminates ringworm.

Ringworm is a benign but persistent scalp disease caused by fungal infections. Castor oil contains undecylenic acid, a powerful fungicide that kills fungi. For an effective treatment, leave a castor oil mask mixed with sweet almond oil overnight. Apply it with a cotton swab to the affected areas of the scalp and repeat this treatment until the ringworm is completely gone.

Detangles beard hair and fights frizz

Castor oil is an excellent natural elixir for detangling beard hair. A study revealed that the oil increases the luster of the hair. It helps smooth rough hair shafts while improving the overall texture of the hair.

Benefits of castor oil for the body

Castor oil prevents skin irritation and inflammation, while linoleic and stearic acids repel free radical agents. The oleic acid in the oil prevents skin ageing and replenishes lost moisture. Castor oil also has antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

• Fights pigmentation spots

Castor oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are the “magic” ingredient that helps reduce pigmentation spots on the skin. They penetrate the weakened areas while moisturising the skin and stimulating the growth of healthy tissue.

• Reduces wrinkles

Castor oil stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, so daily care delays the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and improves the suppleness of the skin.

• Reduces acne

The high ricinoleic acid content of castor oil will naturally and effectively treat your acne. It will eliminate pimple-causing bacteria and penetrate directly into your skin for a deep action. After cleansing your skin with warm water to open your pores, massage the oil into your face in circular motions, leave it on overnight and rinse off with cold water in the morning.

• Promotes nail growth

Massaging your cuticles with castor oil before your manicure is a great way to encourage nail growth. It will also strengthen them to say goodbye to nails that break easily.

• Erase stretch marks

Reduce your stretch marks in a simple and effective way by applying castor oil directly to your skin and then massaging the chosen area. For best results, massage regularly.

Points to remember when buying castor oil

Certification

Always look for cold-pressed organic castor oil, as it is produced without pesticides and fertilisers. It’s good for you and the environment.

Cold-pressed

There are many options for castor oil, but the best is cold pressed. The cold-pressing technique ensures that all the essential nutrients are retained in the final product.

Purity

Make sure that the castor oil you choose contains only one ingredient – castor oil and nothing else. If the list of ingredients is long, it is not pure castor oil.

Precautions to take when using castor oil for beards

Patch test

It is advisable to apply castor oil to your elbow and leave it on overnight. Check whether your skin reacts to the oil. If not, you can use it on your beard.

A small amount is enough!

Castor oil is a thick oil and a small amount goes a long way. You can also mix it with other carrier oils such as jojoba, argan, hemp to facilitate better absorption.

Avoid stains

Castor oil can stain your towel. So make sure you have removed the excess oil from your beard before using a towel to wipe it off.

Castor oil is a natural remedy for a variety of health problems, relieving arthritis pain and improving skin and hair health. Thus, castor oil is a versatile ingredient and an indispensable natural remedy in every home.