Castor oil

Castor oil is also called ricin oil. It is extracted from the seeds (they are also beans) of the castor bean, an evergreen tropical poisonous shrub. The modern technology of its processing makes it possible to produce a completely safe product: all toxic substances remain in the cake. The best castor oil is produced by countries such as India, China, Brazil – the places where castor beans grow.

The benefits of castor oil

Cosmetology and medicine are the two main areas where castor oil is actively used. It contains almost 90% of the unique ricinoleic acid not found in any other oil or plant. Its action is no less unique: analgesic, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and regenerating at the same time. In addition to healing acid, the oil is rich in other organic acids: stearic, palmitic, oleic and linoleic, as well as vitamin E, which has a regenerating effect on nails, hair and skin and prevents its early aging.

Application of castor oil

This tool has a lot of useful properties, both for internal and external use. In pharmacology, castor oil is known as a laxative, prescribed for acute constipation, poisoning, intoxication, and also for bowel cleansing before diagnostic procedures. The ricinic acid contained in the oil irritates the intestinal receptors, which explains the laxative effect of castor oil. The effect, as a rule, occurs in two to six hours. Interestingly, in ancient Egypt, castor oil was used as a stimulant during childbirth. Today, of course, it is not used for this purpose, but in general the range of its application is quite wide. Let’s talk about this in more detail.

Castor oil at home.

Today, castor oil is one of the most popular ingredients in beauty products, from mascara to hair care products. Since it can be freely purchased without a prescription, nothing stands in the way of doing beauty treatments with it at home. You can add oil to your skin care day or night cream, or make an effective homemade mask by applying oil to your face, except for the sensitive area around the eyes. By the way, the product is quite inexpensive, while the effect is quite noticeable – no worse than expensive creams and serums.

Castor oil for hair

The oil gives the hair a mirror shine, density and elasticity. Stearic acid, which is part of it, restores the structure of damaged hair and “solders” split ends. Ricinoleic acid increases blood circulation in the scalp, nourishes the roots and provides the hair with a beautiful natural shine. Also, castor oil is considered an excellent remedy for combating dandruff, including oily hair. Linoleic acid normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, restoring lipid balance, and vitamin E eliminates irritation, itching and other problems inherent in seborrheic dermatitis. There is a very popular opinion among the people that castor oil accelerates hair growth, but there is no scientifically confirmed evidence for this. In any case, it nourishes and moisturizes the hair, eliminates split ends and brittleness, and is much more beneficial than synthetic cosmetic oils.

Castor oil hair mask

In its pure form, castor oil should not be applied to the hair, as it is very viscous and difficult to wash off. But adding a few drops to shampoo or balm will not hurt. You can make an effective and comfortable mask: mix castor oil in equal proportions with any vegetable oil, for example, rosehip, coconut or burdock, add a little fragrant essential oil, warm the mixture a little in a water bath and gently apply to the hair roots, lightly massaging. Next, wrap your head with a hot towel and leave for an hour, then rinse with shampoo. The mask is recommended to be done once or twice a week – the effect will be almost like from salon procedures.

Castor oil for eyelashes

The tool perfectly restores damaged or sparse eyelashes. This is especially true after removing eyelash extensions. Castor oil moisturizes eyelashes, makes them thicker, shiny and strong, prevents loss. Warm oil should be gently applied to the eyelashes with a special brush – a well-washed mascara brush will do. After half an hour, you need to get them wet with a napkin and gently wash. The effect will be noticeable in a month, provided that you make a mask 2-3 times a week. But do not do it at night: there is a risk of swelling around the eyes. The optimal time is 3-4 hours before going to bed.

Castor oil for eyebrows

As already mentioned, castor oil nourishes and moisturizes the hair follicles, which promotes eyelash growth. Moreover, they become smoother, more elastic and thicker. The result is guaranteed after a month of constant use. Dip a cotton swab or mascara brush into castor oil, remove excess and gently apply along the eyebrow growth line, moving from the bridge of the nose to the temples. After the oil is absorbed, wash it off with warm water. The application rules are the same as for eyelashes: do not do the procedure before going to bed and do not leave the product overnight.

Castor oil for skin

Castor oil is a great alternative to expensive serums and creams for both face and body. Due to the high content of various acids, castor oil perfectly moisturizes, nourishes and restores the lipid balance of any skin, including problematic and oily. It also activates metabolic processes in cells and slows down aging. For a more enjoyable experience, mix a few drops of castor oil with almond, avocado, or coconut oil. You can add a couple of drops of aromatic oils. This will enhance the effect – the effect of aromatherapy will be added.

Castor oil for acne

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of castor oil eliminate all types of blackheads and acne. Plus, it doesn’t clog pores. With a cotton swab, gently apply the oil to problem areas, having previously cleansed and dried the skin. It is recommended to use the product no more than twice a week. A nice bonus is the lightening of age spots and freckles.

Castor oil and cognac

This combination is widely used as an antihelminthic. Cognac relaxes the smooth muscles of the intestines, to this is added the laxative effect of castor oil. However, the use of such a prescription is important to coordinate with the doctor – side effects are possible. Castor oil is contraindicated in acute abdominal pain, nausea and suspected appendicitis. It should not be taken orally during pregnancy or in the presence of individual intolerance. And by the way, there is no difference between expensive and cheap castor oil – in this case, it’s just marketing.

Feel free to buy castor oil in a pharmacy and add it to your beauty rituals – you are guaranteed an excellent effect at a low cost.