Reasons Why Every Home Needs A Bottle Of Castor Oil

#1 ORIGIN

Native to the tropical areas of Africa and India, castor oil is famous for its oil-rich castor beans. You will learn here what is castor oil good for and why you should start using it in your daily life.

Scientific Name – Ricinus communis

Origin – Africa and India

Other Names – Arandi Ka Tel (Hindi), Aamudamu (Telugu), Erandela Tela (Marathi), Amanakku Enney (Tamil), Avanakkenna (Malayalam), and Rerira Tela (Bengali).

#2 WHAT IS CASTOR OIL?

Castor oil is derived from the seeds of Ricinuscommunis plants. Most castor plants are found in Africa and India. It is also often grown as an ornamental garden plant in milder regions. The seeds are crushed to extract the oil which has been used for centuries as an old remedy for bacterial infections and inflammation.

Castor oil is also one of the first vegetable oils that are used for industrial purposes because it is rich in lubricating properties. As a matter of fact, the automotive lubricant company, Castrol, derived its name from castor oil.

Many people think of castor oil as only a crude product. However, this exclusive vegetable oil has many benefits and uses! There are many reasons why every home should have a bottle of castor oil.

#3

Castor oil can be taken orally and topically and is known to strengthen the immune system. Without further ado, let’s dive right in and see what castor oil has to offer.

#4`Cures allergies

Taken orally, castor oil can reduce the symptoms of allergies. The oil is naturally anti-allergic and just a few drops a day can greatly reduce the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies. Consult your doctor before using castor oil orally.

#5 Soothes Joint Pain

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ricinoleic acid which constitutes almost 90% of castor oil have been well documented. A major part of it comes from its decongestant action on the lymphatic system.

The lymph vessels that form a wide network all over the body collect waste from the tissues and carry it to the blood for elimination. Congestion in these vessels and accumulation of toxic wastes is implicated in many autoimmune diseases like arthritis which causes pain and inflammation in the joints.Castor oil eases up the congestion and gets the lymph moving freely.

It acts directly on the immune system by stimulating the thymus gland and increasing the count of a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. What is amazing is that mere topical use is found to bring about these internal changes. If you want to use cayenne pepper for arthritic pain relief, castor oil is excellent for making a potent mix for local application.

#6 Constipation

Known to be a very powerful laxative, castor oil can treat constipation. Try this by taking a small teaspoon of castor oil in the morning. If it tastes too bitter, try mixing it with juice to neutralize the taste.

#7 Dry heels and calluses

To add on to the other health benefits of castor oil, this one pertains to the rebuilding of cracked heels. Many people experience this, and it can be caused by a variety of different things. Mainly due to extreme dryness, the castor oil effectively combats the affected areas and treats it within weeks.

Most see best results when applied daily to the cracked heels.

#8 Castor Oil for Hair Growth

One of the best uses for castor oil is without question for hair loss. Research has shown castor oil to be effective in treating hair loss and even for thickening your eyelashes. Castor oil is an old beauty treatment that has lasted the test of time.

Castor oil has all the right sources of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, omega fatty acids, to restore and revitalize your hair and scalp. It’s antibacterial and anti fungal components is great against folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), dandruff, and even scalp infection.

Castor oil packs another element called ricinoleic acid, which stimulates circulation in the scalp improving hair growth.

The antioxidants in castor oil help support keratin in hair causing it to be stronger, smoother and shinier.

Hundreds and thousands of testimonials can be found online of people raving about the hair growth properties of castor oil.

#9 Get rid of scratches

There are different reasons why you may have some scratches. You may have it because some parts of your skin are itchy or you may have some scratches because of allergies. In order to stop yourself from scratching and in order to get rid of the scratches in general, here are the steps you have to do:

Place a few drops of castor oil directly on the scratches. If the scratches are on your back, ask someone to help you out.

Just rub the castor oil on the scratches lightly.

Leave it on the skin and just reapply whenever you feel the need to.

#10 Immune booster

In addition to its many benefits, castor oil is known to be a great immunity booster, which is why it’s recommended as a home remedy for people with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy and many other illnesses. Talk to your doctor about how castor oil can help you strengthen your immune system.

#11 Improve the condition of your lips

Can you see and feel that you are suffering from chapped lips at present time? You may not find placing castor oil near your mouth to be appealing mainly because you do not want to taste it even if you would place only a tiny bit. Yet you cannot deny the fact that it can be very effective in getting rid of your cracked lips.

Prepare a few drops of castor oil that you are going to place on your lips.

Apply on the lip area and spread with the use of your fingers.

Try not to lick your lips so that you will not taste it accidentally.

#12 Improve the condition of your nails

Do you suffer from having dry and brittle nails? This is not something that you ought to worry about anymore because for sure, you can use castor oil in order to make your nails grow longer and stronger than ever.

You can rub some amount of castor oil on your toes and your nails.

Do this every day until you get desired results.

This is especially beneficial when the weather is already turning warm.

#13 Treat Common Fungal Diseases

Aside from massaging purposes, castor oil is also used for treating fungal infections. It contains powerful fungicidal property and can be used for treating athlete’s foot, ringworm, crotch itch and more. Even if castor oil has no toxic effects from antifungal drugs, it is as effective as the azole drugs that are used for treating fungal diseases.

Heat up enough amount of castor oil and let it cool down until it is warm. Apply the oil on the infected are before going to bed and leave it on until morning. Do this every night for weeks and you will notice the improvement of the skin. Just repeat this treatment until the infection fades completely.

#14 Relieves Muscle Pain

The warmth of castor oil is great for relieving muscle pain. It can help in the proper circulation of the body fluids. As massage oil, it can relieve soreness acquired from too much pressure on the muscles. If you are experiencing muscle pain from various work outs, exercises and sports, you can use enough amount of castor oil on the painful area and rub it gently.

If you love using castor oil as massage oil, you can also add few drops of your favorite essential oil such as peppermint or chamomile to one tablespoon of castor oil. This can give you more relaxing feeling and fragrance that you will definitely enjoy.

#15 Repair hair issues especially split ends

There is a big chance that your hair will have some split ends mainly because you have not trimmed it yet and you are always exposed to the heat of the sun. You can reduce the amount of breakage brought about by split ends by applying some castor oil on the ends of your hair.

Place a few drops of castor oil on your hands so that you can place the castor oil on the tips of your hair.

Aside from restoring your hair, you can also make your hair less brittle than before.

#16 Treats dandruff and other scalp conditions

Amongst its many properties, castor oil also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Massaged into the scalp it will help to clear up dandruff and other scalp conditions quickly and if you use it regularly, it will stop the conditions from taking hold in the first place.

If you have dry hair and dandruff, try doing this hair mask: mix 1 tablespoon of castor oil with one tablespoon of olive oil and add juice of half a lemon. If you have oily hair and dandruff, then mix one tablespoon of each of these ingredients: castor oil, honey and aloe vera gel, then add juice of half a lemon. Apply the mask on the roots of your hair for about 30 minutes before shampooing and conditioning your hair. This mask will not only help you get rid of dandruff, but will also nourish and condition your hair, making it healthier and shinier.

#17 It brings the shine back into your hair

Warm up some castor oil and massage it into your hair, wrap your hair in a towel and leave for half an hour or so (or leave it overnight), then wash off; it will lock the moisture in your hair, condition it and leave you with the beautiful glossy look to your locks.

#18 Great skin moisturizer, it delays the signs of aging

Castor oil penetrates deep into the skin, softens and hydrates it. The oil also helps to promote the production of elastin and collagen, which help to delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give the skin a more youthful appearance.

For dry skin mix 1/4 of castor oil and 3/4 sesame oil.

For normal skin mix 1/4 of castor oil and 3/4 grape seed oil (or olive oil).

For oily skin mix 1/4 of castor oil and 3/4 jojoba oil.

Gently massage your face in the evening with the oil mix, then put slightly warm damp washcloth on your face for about a minute and take away the excess oil with a cotton pad. Your skin will be soft, nourished and hydrated.

Castor oil also can be used to moisturize the gentle under eye area. Mix castor oil with sweet almond oil in proportion 1:1 and use it as your under eye cream.

#19 Sunburn remedy

Thanks to it’s soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil is a good remedy for sunburns. Just apply castor oil mixed with coconut oil (in proportion 1:1) to the affected area and you will soon feel the relief.

#20 Inducing labour

Castor oil is a time-honored natural remedy for inducing labor. For centuries, pregnant women at full term have been given castor oil orally to help speed up uterus contractions. The reason castor oil works for inducing labor is because ricinoleic acid in the oil activates EP3 prostanoid receptors in the uterus. One downside of using castor oil to help with delivery, and the reason it’s not commonly used in hospitals, is that some woman feel nauseous due to its effects.

#21 Use it to perk up ferns

If your ferns haven't been looking their best, a mixture including castor oil will perk them right up. Just combine a tablespoon of the oil with 4 cups of warm water and a tablespoon of baby shampoo. Drip about 3 tablespoons into the soil around the fern, then follow with regular water.

#22 Use it to treat hemorrhoids

Castor oil is great at shrinking hemorrhoids and alleviating the pain and itching that they cause. Simply soak a cotton ball in the oil and apply it to your hemorrhoids. You may leave the cotton ball for about 15 minutes or so. It is important to note however, that this only works for hemorrhoids that are outside the body.

#23 Use it to treat insomnia

If you've been suffering from sleepless nights of late, castor oil is an effective remedy. Just rub a bit on your eyelids before getting into bed (make sure that you don't actually get any in your eyes). The castor oil will help bring about a peaceful night's sleep and will have you feeling refreshed in the morning.

#24 Use it to soothe tired eyes

In removing tiredness from around the eyes, castor oil works much like petroleum jelly. Before you go to bed at night, rub a little around your eyes and just a tad on your eyelashes, allowing the oil to soak in overnight, leaving you looking and feeling a little more refreshed in the morning. Again, just be careful not to get it in your eyes.

#25 Boosts Circulation

Proper blood flow and immunity go hand in hand. When the lymphatic system fails (or edema develops, which is the retention of fluid and toxins), it’s much more likely someone will become chronically ill.

The circulatory system is responsible for pumping blood to and from the heart, where it moves oxygen throughout the body through small arteries and tiny vessels called capillaries. Within microscopic tubular structures held in the lungs, blood exchanges oxygen and nutrients for cellular waste. This process is crucial for keeping us alive, bringing oxygen to our cells and detoxing our bodies.

#26 Helps Balance Hormones and Improve Libido

Enhancing the absorption of fat molecules within the digestive tract is essential for the formation of healthy hormones. That’s what makes castor oil consumption a way to balance hormones naturally. Also with less floating toxins present within and around cells, coupled with better blood flow, sex organ function works more efficiently and people experience less PMS symptoms, fatigue, mood swings and depression.

#27 Reduces Pigmentation

Castor oil is extremely good for clearing your skin of spots and marks. It is so effective that dermatologists recommend castor oil to treat uneven skin tone, spots, and marks because of its ability to reduce pigmentation.

Why Does It Work

Castor oil is crammed with fatty acids, specifically omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3s hydrate the skin, while stimulating the growth of healthy tissue, thus giving you a blemish-free and supple skin

#28 Alleviate Colic in Babies

Ok, so you don’t actually give the castor oil to babies who have colic. Instead, warm just a bit by rubbing it in your hands and then gently massage baby’s belly area. This will help to alleviate the pain of gas and other tummy troubles in your infant and help them to sleep without causing any adverse side effects like many over the counter medications.

#29 Acne Treatment

Castor oil works great as a treatment for deep cystic acne. It helps to decrease the inflammation from the acne and kills bacteria which helps the acne to clear up. It works really quickly, too so put it on before you go to bed and you will notice a drastic improvement when you wake up in the morning.

#30 Scratches

You can relieve the pain from scratches and other abrasions by using castor oil, too. You don’t have to mix it with anything. Just add a few drops to your scratches and the healthy properties of the oils will begin to heal them, much more quickly than without adding anything. It also works great at curing ringworm and other fungal ailments.

#31 Calluses and Corns

Castor oil applied directly to the affected areas can help to relieve calluses that are caused by a number of things. You can also massage a bit of castor oil into corns to help alleviate the pain and swelling that they cause and ultimately make them disappear over time. This takes a few applications but definitely works.