Castor Oil - Everything You Need To Know
Table of contents
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a versatile vegetable oil that is very popular for skin and hair care.
The oil is very rich in ricinoleic acid. This is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory fatty acid that is said to have a positive effect on skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and flakes.
Castor oil is nicknamed castor oil because it has been used over the years for a variety of different ailments.
For example, the Egyptians used it to protect their eyes from irritation, your grandmother probably used it as a remedy for constipation. And todayit is often used in skin and hair care products.
Castor oil gives your hair more shine and can also be used in homemade soaps and perfumes. It is a great natural massage oil to massage sore muscles and stimulate your circulation.
Where does castor oil come from?
Castor oil is made from the beans/seeds of the castor plant, ricinus communis. This plant is originally from East Africa, India and the southeastern area around the Mediterranean Sea.
The versatile beans of the castor plant are also used in the production of paints, coatings, certain types of plastic, nylon, perfumes, etc.
Castor oil was also formerly used as a laxative and as a circulatory booster during breastfeeding. The Egyptians used castor beans already around 4000 B.C.
Why use castor oil?
Castor oil can be used for a variety of applications such as:
- Natural moisturizing oil
- Natural anti-inflammatory effects
- Can help reduce acne
- Anti-fungal effect
- Makes your hair fuller and healthier
- Helps heal wounds
Natural Moisturizer
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. This fatty acid hydrates the skin, because it helps the skin retain moisture.
Castor oil can be used on the body, face and hair for intense hydration. Because castor oil is a thick liquid, it is often mixed with a thinner base oil such as almond oil, argan oil or coconut oil.
Helps heal wounds
Castor oil can help heal wounds and ulcers faster. It creates a moist, antibacterial environment around the wound, helping to speed up the healing process and prevent scarring.
If your wounds become dry, dead skin cells can form around them, which can slow down the healing process. scientific research shows that wounds heal better when they are kept moist and you do not let them dry out.
Natural anti-inflammatory effects
Ricinoleic acid has anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, castor oil can help reduce inflammation and ease pain. It can also help soften and moisturize the skin for people with psoriasis.
Treates acne
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of castor oil can help against acne. Inflammation is one of the causes of acne, and castor oil can help suppress the anti-inflammatory symptoms of acne.
Acne is also often caused by an imbalance of skin bacteria. Castor oil has antibacterial properties that can reduce an abundance of bad bacteria.
Anti-fungal effect
Candida is a fungus that can often cause various mouth infections. Castor oil has anti-fungal properties and research indicates that it may be able to combat candida overgrowth on the tooth roots.
Keeps your hair healthy
Many people use castor oil as a natural hair conditioner. Dry or damaged hair can be repaired by the moisturizing properties of castor oil.
The ricinoleic acid in the castor oil nourishes your hair and moisturizes the hair follicles, making your hair more flexible and less likely to break.
It also moisturizes the scalp, which can help with dandruff and flakes.
What types of castor oil are there?
There are 2 known types of castor oil. The cold-pressed castor oil and the Jamaican castor oil. Both types are made from the beans of the Ricinus Communis.
The difference between these two types of castor oil is the way the oil is made.
Cold pressed (yellow) castor oil is made by pressing the castor beans. No form of heat is used during the process.
Jamaican castor oil is made by first roasting the castor beans, then boiling and pureeing them. For example, this oil contains ash from roasting, which gives Jamaican castor oil its dark color.
What can you use castor oil for?
For fuller hair, eyelashes and eyebrows:
Castor oil can help you restore shine and softness to dry and damaged (split) hair. Massage some castor oil into your hair several times a week, and massage your scalp well. Leave this on for 30 minutes to a few hours and then wash out with a gentle shampoo.
Because castor oil is quite thick, it is recommended to mix it with another oil such as argan oil or almond oil. This makes it easier to massage in and wash out.
Castor oil is also commonly used in eyebrow and hair serums to give them a fuller look and nourish the hair follicles.
You can apply a small amount of castor oil to your eyebrows and eyelashes just before going to sleep. You can do this with a cotton swab or an old mascara brush. Here too you can first mix the castor oil with argan oil or another thinner oil.
It is sufficient to use the castor oil a few times a week.
As hair conditioner:
You can use castor oil as a hair conditioner, to moisturize your hair shafts, thus breaking fewer hairs and preventing hair loss.
Stronger nails:
Castor oil can help strengthen your nails. It is also a great oil to moisturize your dry hands after washing or during the dry winter months. Just apply a few drops of castor oil to your hands or nails.
Moisturizes dry lips:
Castor oil is one of the most commonly used ingredients in lip balm because it is so highly moisturizing. Say goodbye to damaged, dry lips.
Mix a few drops of castor oil with coconut oil and apply it to your lips. You can of course always use castor oil in your homemade lip balms. To learn more about homemade lip balms, read more here.
Soothes sunburn:
The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil make it a perfect choice to soothe sunburnt skin.
Natural Moisturizer:
Castor oil not only hydrates your body, but also helps to maintain your moisture balance.Castor oil is packed with healthy fatty acids that are essential to keep your skin in optimal condition
Recipes to use castor oil in your skincare routine
Below you can find some recipes based on castor oil to make your own natural care products.
Rosemary hair growth serum
Requirements:- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- 1 tablespoon castor oil
- 1 tablespoon argan or jojoba oil
Preparation method:
Mix the three oils in a bottle and shake well.
Apply the oil to damp hair and leave it on for 15-30 minutes. Then rinse with lukewarm water. Because castor oil is a slightly thicker oil, it may be necessary to wash your hair a second time.
As a serum to keep your scalp healthy
Perfect against dandruff, a dry scalp or yellow spots.
Requirements:- 2 drops of tea tree oil
- 2 drops of lavender oil
- 1 tablespoon castor oil
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Preparation method:
Mix the castor oil and coconut oil well and then add the tea tree and lavender oil. If the coconut oil is solid, you can let it melt in a pan over a bain marie or in the microwave.
Apply the serum to damp hair and leave for 15-30 minutes, then rinse twice with lukewarm water.
Serum against dry lips
Requirements:- 2 drops of lavender oil
- 2 drops frankincense oil
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
- 1 teaspoon castor oil
Preparation method:
Mix the oils well and apply to your lips when they feel dry.
Frequently asked questions about Castor oil
What type of skin is castor oil best suited for?
Castor oil is suitable for all skin types, including oily skin types and people with acne. Castor oil is a natural cleanser that will restore the moisture balance of your skin.
What is the best way to use castor oil?
Because castor oil is a very heavy oil, which is difficult to get out of your hair, we recommend that you dilute castor oil with another natural oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Some people also don't like the heavy smell of castor oil, and these people with a different oil - and possibly your favorite nice scented essential oil - can solve this problem.
Keep in mind that if you use castor oil for your hair, you may need to rinse your hair twice because it is such a thick oil.
How often should I use castor oil for best results?
Before using castor oil, as with any new -essential- oil you use, we recommend that you massage a small amount of oil onto the inside of your arm and check that you are able to recover within 24 hours. having an allergic reaction.
For optimal results, we recommend using castor oil 1-2 times a week.
Can I use castor oil to treat acne?
Castor oil is certainly suitable for treating acne. It has strong moisturizing properties that will hydrate your dry skin, and the antibacterial properties of castor oil will fight your acne.
Where can you buy castor oil?
We sell pure, cold-pressed castor oil here at a fair price.
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