7 Incredible benefits of Castor Oil for Skin and Hair
Men or women, everyone crave for flawless skin and lustrous long hair. For enhancing the attractiveness of hair and skin, many options are available in charming packages, but nothing matches the natural beauty potion like castor oil which is known from the ancient times for beauty and health benefits.
The botanical name for castor plant is Ricinus communis, grows in the eastern region of Africa, the United States and India. India was the largest producer of castor in 2014-15 contributing to 85% of the world’s total production and ruling the global trade. Castor plants mostly grow in tropical and warm regions throughout the world. It grows rapidly with very little care and produces profuse foliage as both male and female flowers are on the same plant. Female flowers are just above the male flowers and consist of spiny ovaries which develop into fruits.
Looking back far in history it has been noted that Cleopatra used castor oil to brighten the whites of her eyes. Cleopatra has already been associated with several beauty treatments in anyway wherever you go on the internet or books. But, other very lesser known facts are that castor beans were found in Egyptian tombs dated back to 4000 BC. Ebers Papyrus, an ancient medical text from 1500 BC reveals that castor oil was used by the doctors during that era to heal eyes from irritation. Men who travelled from places to places vended castor oil mixed in alcohol and other ingredients to treat constipation and heartburn. It was and is still used to induce labour in pregnant women.
When taken internally (internally), the portion of castor oil is to be taken only with doctor’s prescription as it can cause adverse effects on health with the excess amount. Great example for this is the regime of Mussolini in Italy where protesters were forcefully fed excess amounts of castor oil which caused extreme diarrhea leading to dehydration and possible deaths. If used in controlled portions it bestows the user with many miraculous benefits.
Castor oil is used in beauty products and pharmaceutical products like cream, lotion, shampoos, hair oil, ointment, tablet and capsule coating considering the magical rewards it gives.
Let’s look at the seven spillover benefits of castor oil for hair and skin:
- 1. Heals inflamed skin
When applied topically, castor oil decreases inflammation of skin relieving it from dry, irritated, sun-burnt and swelled skin. Its healing properties are nourishing, soothing and cleansing for the damaged skin.
- 2. Treats blemished skin
Castor oil is used for reducing blemishes and scars on the skin. For optimum results, castor oil is to be used regularly as it is a slow process but natural and efficient than other topical applications available in the market. It penetrates deep into the scar tissue while encouraging their healthy growth.
- 3. Diminishes wrinkles
A powerful remedy for wrinkles, castor oil can penetrate into the skin and boosts the production of collagen, a skin protein to hydrate the skin making it smooth, supple, and softer. Gently apply a small amount of castor oil on the wrinkled area every day to see the results after some days or weeks.
- 4. Treats skin diseases
A very lesser known fact is that castor oil doesn’t even lead to healthy skin but treats skin diseases like ringworm, eczema, and psoriasis. Psoriasis is the most perennial and autoimmune skin disease which causes lesions and skin irritation. Castor oil brings relief with its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties fighting the bacteria that damage the skin during such diseases.
- 5. Promotes hair growth
Massaging warm castor oil on the scalp is an excellent remedy to promote hair growth. Gradual massage on the scalp boosts blood circulation to the follicles that aid in hair growth and reduce hair fall. Castor oil moisturizes and conditions the hair making them smooth and shiny.
- 6. Raises the eyebrows and lashes
Regular application of castor oil on eyebrows and eyelashes helps in growing thicker and longer eyebrows and eyelashes. Castor oil has anti-microbial properties, and fatty acids present in it stimulate the growth from the hair follicles.
- 7. Cures the condition of dandruff
Dandruff provokes dry, itchy and bacteria-affected scalp which even cause the hair to fall and thin. Castor oil can be applied alone or mixed with healthy oils like coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil to treat dandruff-affected scalp.
Dream of radiant, wrinkle-free and soft skin with thick, long and smooth hair is never a dream but a reality. Using castor oil is a centuries-old traditional method followed by different parts of the world and is continued till now. Only the desire of achieving beauty faster has made us take a turn towards the modern chemical-infused products. Reap the benefits of natural remedy, castor oil before it gets too late and flaunt the beautiful you!
