Have you heard your grandmother and family elders praise the many benefits of castor oil for just about everything? It helps grow back your tresses within a deadline, treats stubborn acne, evens out skin tanned from spending long hours in the rain, and much more. But what is it that makes this elixir so special?
Castor oil is sourced from the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant found in the tropical pockets of Asia and Africa. It contains proteins, omega 6 and 9, and vitamin E, which are essential nutrients for ensuring healthy hair and skin. The healing properties of the oil have been popularly known for centuries. Its use as a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent throughout the years has helped to improve absorption in the skin and speed up the digestive system.
What is Organic Castor Oil?
Organic castor oil has a thick and slippery consistency. It is pressed out of the seeds of the castor plant. Its use, both topically and internally, for a variety of therapeutic applications was known throughout the centuries.
Today, the use of organic castor oil internally is not recommended. However, historical records from the Egyptian times show that castor oil has helped with health concerns like digestive distress, dissolving warts and cysts, and women’s reproductive support.
Organic castor oil is most effective in improving the health and appearance of our hair and skin. Its thick texture protects and heals the skin. Moreover, it enables the skin to attract and absorb moisture from the air, making it a very hydrating oil.
What is Special about Organic Castor Oil?
Organic castor oil contains distinct essential fatty acids. These acids possess properties that help in improving the appearance and health of the scalp and hair. It also has strong capabilities to fight fungal infections, soothe inflammation, support body detox, protect against infection, and ease joint discomfort.
Ricinoleic acid makes for around 90% of the oil’s chemical composition. It is responsible for the beneficial effects the oil has on the skin, hair, scalp, and overall well-being.
Top 5 Reasons to Use Organic Castor Oil
- Aids a healthy scalp
Organic castor oil has antifungal properties, making it a preferred choice for supporting scalp health. The elixir protects the skin against microbes and keeps the skin of the scalp free from infection. Organic castor oil boosts healthy circulation to the hair follicles, thereby resulting in the growth of shinier and stronger hair.
- Nourishes and hydrates hair to enhance the appearance
Today, hair is subjected to the harsh effects of extreme climate changes. Moreover, the use of numerous heated tools and hair products like straighteners, irons, and hair dryers, damage the hair follicles. As a result, hair loses its shine and appears dull and dry. Applying organic castor oil to your hair can replenish hydration making your tresses appear healthier and shinier.
The oil’s antibacterial properties help in reducing dandruff and other infections. The antioxidants support the hair’s keratin. The highlight of using castor oil for hair comes in the form of stronger tresses that do not suffer from the problems of frizz.
- Provides a youthful glow to the skin
Organic castor oil consists of a range of essential fatty acids. They support the skin’s ability to heal and regenerate, particularly in the deeper layers of the skin, where the components responsible for the skin’s shape and elasticity exist. The oil provides a dewy glow and plumper, younger-looking experience.
- Boosts skin immunity and resiliency
The many beneficial properties of organic castor oil help in fighting infection and fortifying against the constant attack of pathogens on the skin. The oil is known for its protective properties, and the way it improves the skin’s immunity and resiliency shows why you should add the product to your skincare routine. It leaves the skin feeling and looking more vibrant and healthier.
- Promotes healthy and clear skin
While the thick consistency of castor oil worries many about it clogging pores and causing breakouts, the truth is that it helps battle acne. If you have acne-prone skin, it is the best choice. The essential fatty acids also help in reducing blemishes and stretch marks. They eliminate dry patches and help in keeping the skin adequately hydrated.
Castor oil has benefits for just about everything. Whether you are trying to soothe acne, hydrate the skin, fight sensitivity, balance uneven skin tones, or rehabilitate the skin tissue, the oil plays a key role. Ricinoleic acid serves as an anti-inflammatory agent, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and providing relief to acne-prone skin. The oil has a low comedogenic score, which ensures that it is not harsh on sensitive skin. The fatty acids promote skin rehabilitation and work on balancing uneven skin tones.
How to Use Castor Oil?
Many skin and hair care products contain castor oil. However, for the best results, you must learn about the different types of castor oil and choose one that best suits your needs. Cold-pressed, organic castor oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent that helps in treating an irritated scalp. On the other hand, Jamaican black castor oil consists of roasted castor seed ashes and helps in effective cleansing.
You can easily add castor oil to your daily beauty routine. Massage it to your skin at night for pore cleansing. Adding a few drops to your hair conditioner helps in boosting hair growth and strengthens the hair shaft. If you have problems related to skin inflammation, apply on the affected area using a cotton ball, and wash off after an hour. Its humectant component will absorb moisture from the air, restoring the skin’s hydration levels, while the microbial properties will work on irritated skin.
Summing up
The benefits of castor oil can be compiled in a book. However, it is vital to know that it is heavier than most regular oils, making it tougher to wash off. You can also use castor oil to give your lips added protection and shine. Applying it to your eyelashes helps in making them look darker and thicker.
