It's an Age Old Remedy
Using castor oil is an old age remedy for many hair and skin problems. It is a known fact that the ancient Egyptians used it for variety of purposes including as a facial oil. In fact all civilizations down the years have used it for medicinal purposes including as a laxative, to treat eye irritations, constipation cure etc. Still in some rural areas this oil is used to light the wick of the lamp. In modern times this oil has gained new recognition as a cosmetic cure.
The Chemical and Physical Properties
Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of coastal plants (Ricinus Communis). The major part of this oil consists of Ricinoleic Acid and also other components like Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid and Alpha Linoleic Acid. This chemical compositions makes it unique and beneficial in many ways. It is is
- Tasteless
- Odorless
- Light yellow colored
- Thick and viscous
People find it difficult to use this oil because of the high viscosity. So it is normally used in the form of a blend with other oil which have low viscosity.
The Day to Day Beauty Benefits
Castor oil has lots of beauty benefits by external applications. It can make your hair, skin and nails look gorgeous. It is a totally inexpensive and natural way to take of your beauty needs specially of various skin problems.
Here are few of our day to day problems and their solutions in the form of castor oil.
Wrinkles Around the Eyes
The skin around your eyes is much thinner than the rest of the face and therefore much more susceptible to the damages caused by sun and other factors. Castor oil if used regularly can give almost immediate results. It is helpful in preventing the wrinkles and eliminating the already existing wrinkles. It has to be dabbed around the eyes before going to bed as well as very small amount can be applied under the makeup. Regular use can erase the existing fine lines as well as prevent the formation of new lines.
Thick Eyebrows and Eyelashes
Nowadays, thick eyebrows are considered trendy and fashionable. Castor oil is the ideal oil for supporting the growth of thick eyebrows as it is very rich in fatty acids which nourish the hair follicles and trigger hair growth. Thus castor oil is the best natural treatment for both eyebrows and eyelashes. It is advised to take very small amount of castor oil and apply on eyebrows and eyelashes. Massage gently for 2 to 3 minutes. It is better to use it during bed time and wash it with lukewarm water in the morning to remove the traces of oil. Regular and habitual use is likely to result in thicker and longer lashes over a period of time
Emollient for Dry Skin
Castor oil is extremely beneficial for the people with acute dry skin because of the presence of various fatty acids. It penetrates deep into the skin tissue and nourishes and moisturizes it. In addition to a dry skin soother, it reduces the age spots, wrinkles and pigmentation also. You can apply it directly by taking a very small amount in your palm and rubbing it into the skin, making a very thin layer over the skin. If you find the consistency too viscous you can mix it with coconut or olive oil for easy application.
For Thick Hair Growth
Castor oil is known to improve blood circulation. Therefore massaging slightly warm castor oil may result in increased circulation in the scalp. Thus promoting faster hair growth. You can cover your hair in a shower cap for 2 to 3 hours before washing the oil from the scalp. Or else you can apply it overnight for best results and wash in the morning.
Repair of Split Ends
Because of the high fatty acid content plus lubricating properties, castor oil works best for smoothing cuticles and split ends. Since it is very thick and viscous, it is not easy to apply. So recommended to mix it with any carrier oil for easy application. Preferably it should be applied on the split ends once or twice a week. Overnight application increases the effectiveness.
Cracked Heels
Regular application of castor oil over cracked heels helps in solving the problems and makes the feet soft, smooth and wrinkle free. Apply castor oil on cracked heels during bedtime and wear a pair of socks and wash with warm water in the morning.
Dry Cuticles
As castor oil has emollient, palliative and moisturizing properties, it can be successfully used for softening the dry cuticles. It has to be applied during the night on nails and cuticles and should be left overnight. Repeated applications may make us see the magical effect of castor oil. Your nails will be very shiny and dry cuticles will be softer.
The Blessed Oil
There are very few natural products which has plethora of benefits and that too related to beauty and skin care. If I have to select one such nature's gift to us, I will definitely list Castor oil among the few. Simply because of its easy and modest availability coupled with its proven benefits which everyone is aspiring for. The oil is a Godsend blessing which is available everywhere.
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