If there is one oil you need inside the house, its none other than castor oil. Castor oil is a multi-purpose oil that has many different uses and benefits for the skin, hair, body, and health. It is also easy to produce, inexpensive, and can be found in most pharmacies and online. All Castor Oil Review love this versatile oil for the many things that it can do that other oils cannot. Its importance in people’s everyday life has coined the name ‘wonder oil’ to refer to castor oil.
WHERE DOES CASTOR OIL COME FROM?
Throughout history, the castor plant, where castor oil comes from, is known as a plant that has hundreds of therapeutic and medicinal use. People use castor oil in many things including cosmetics and as part of alternative healing methods.
In 4000BC, the ancient Egyptians use the oil from the castor plant to fuel their lamps. Cleopatra supposedly used the castor oil to brighten the whites of her eyes. In an ancient Egyptian medical ‘record’ called the Ebers Papyrus, there is a bit about using castor oil as a natural mild laxative.
The Greeks also use castor oil as body ointments and for lighting. They’re also reputed to have used the oil in improving hair texture and growth. Other cultures that use castor oil in healing rituals include India, China, and Japan.
Castor oil comes from the seeds of the castor plant whose botanical name is Ricinus communis. In the past, the plant is endemic in East Africa in the Ethiopian Region. Nowadays they can be found almost anywhere where there are tropical climates and warm temperatures.
Throughout the world, you can find castor plant easily. They are distinguishable from other plants by their spiny fruits. These fruits can sometimes be greenish or reddish in color. Inside the fruits are large, oval, bean-like seeds. These seeds are highly poisonous when ingested in large quantities. The presence of ricin in the raw castor bean is the one thing that makes it very poisonous. It is said that if you consume 4-8 raw castor bean, you will experience symptoms of ricin overdose. You may feel nauseated, hypertensive, and may exhibit seizures which can continue for at least a week. Without immediate care or when ricin is not extracted from the body in time, poisoning via ingestion of raw castor bean could lead to death.
Castor oil is taken from the beans of the castor plant. If you are worried about poisoning, don’t be. Commercially available castor oil is safe for use. The low heat generated during the production of castor oil has already deactivated this deadly protein that causes poisoning. This makes castor oil safe for use.
CASTOR OIL AS A HOME REMEDY
Advocates of natural healing would often look to castor oil whenever they feel constipated. Castor oil is a known mild laxative and purgative, which can effectively treat constipation by helping you with your bowel movements. It also helps regulate your bowels so you will feel less constipated in the future. Make sure to use castor oil in small doses and only for short-term relief. If castor oil was not able to relieve your constipation problems, it may be time to consult a doctor.
When used in a massage, castor oil can help relieve arthritis, joint pain, and lower back pain. Some people are unable to tolerate the smell of castor oil so they mix it with aromatic oils such as lavender and coconut oil. You can also use the oil to get relief from headaches and migraines. Simply massage the oil in the affected area and wait for its healing powers to take effect.
Castor Oil can also be used when treating minor wounds and cuts. Its anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties can help protect wounds from infection. This can speed up healing and lessen the appearance of scars. Apply a few drops of the oil on your wound and repeat as needed.
CASTOR OIL FOR A BEAUTIFUL YOU
You can find castor oil as one of the main ingredients in many beauty products. Its moisturizing properties make it a great ingredient to add in moisturizers, serums, and creams. It is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which effectively nourishes the skin to keep it soft and smooth. Other ways to use castor oil on your skin, hair, and body include:
As Part of an Oil Cleansing Method – Mix castor oil with a light oil such sweet almond or jojoba oil. Apply the oil mixture on your face and leave on for a few minutes. Wash with lukewarm water or wipe away with a towel soaked with lukewarm water. You’ll see that you have gotten rid of blackheads and other impurities in your face. The oil deep cleans the pores to pull out particles that can clog pores and cause breakouts.
To Erase Fine Lines and Wrinkles – Stimulate the production of collagen and elastin when you apply this nutrient-rich oil on the areas of your face where wrinkles and fine lines often appear. Collagen and elastin both contribute to the production of new skin cells. When new skin cells replace old skin cells more often, you end up looking youthful. Fine lines will be diminished giving you a softer, smoother appearance.
As a Moisturizer – the oil’s vitamin E and fatty acid content make it a great all-natural moisturizer that is free of parabens, sulfates and other harmful chemicals. Say goodbye to dry, flaky skin and say hello to soft, supple, and even out your complexion.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING CASTOR OIL
Castor oil, as stated earlier, is an oil that people would often ingest in small doses to use as a mild laxative. Just make sure that the castor oil is food grade before taking it in. Experts recommend that you seek the advice of a physician before trying to ingest castor oil. This is especially true for pregnant women as castor oil may induce labor. Castor oil can also result in diarrhea and stomach pain when ingested in large quantities. This can lead to dehydration and cramps.
Castor oil is generally safe to use on skin. Some people who have extremely sensitive skin may experience irritation when using this product. Prior to using it as a moisturizer, for example, it is recommended that you do a patch test on a small part of your skin to see if you will have an allergic reaction to the oil. If you start getting a rash or your skin turns red, discontinue use.
Castor oil makes a great at home remedy in place of expensive medicine and beauty products. It can do so many things, which not many oils can do. Just remember to use the product with caution. Never ingest more than the recommended amount.
