Castor oil has many uses and benefits, especially for the care of the skin and hair. We tell you what this natural oil is for and benefits of castor oil.
Castor oil is a multi-purpose vegetable oil, used for hundreds of years to treat various types of health problems, such as diarrhea or skin conditions.
Nowadays it has become popular as an ingredient in beauty products, as it is very beneficial for skin and hair care. We tell you what is the use of castor oil and what are its properties and benefits for health and beauty.
What is castor oil for?
Castor oil comes from the seeds of the castor plant, a species native to some areas of North Africa and Western Asia. Castor oil is also known to many people as castor oil, by its English name, castor oil. With this name, we find it as an ingredient in the compounds of many cosmetic, pharmaceutical and industrial products.
And is that castor oil is used today as a motor lubricant, food additive, cosmetic ingredient or as part of medications. Traditionally it has been used by our grandparents as a purgative remedy, for its laxative effects, but nowadays it has gained more popularity as a natural beauty product, due to its beneficial properties for the care of the skin and hair.
7 benefits of castor oil
Castor oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a natural remedy for several types of conditions, especially those related to the skin.
The benefits of castor oil are the result of its composition of essential fatty acids, especially ricinoleic acid (omega 9), as well as its presence of vitamins (E), minerals and proteins.
Then we tell you what uses and benefits have castor oil, both for your health and for the care of your skin and hair.
1. Natural laxative
One of the most popular uses of castor oil is that of a natural laxative remedy. Ricinoleic acid promotes intestinal movement and digestion, favoring the evacuation and purification of the intestines. That is why it has traditionally been used as a laxative remedy to combat occasional constipation.
2. Moisturizer
Another of the main benefits of castor oil is its moisturizing effect. Its fatty acids act as humectants and deeply hydrate the skin.
Thanks to its content of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, it helps protect cells and slow down aging, as well as reduce wrinkles, stretch marks or scars. It also helps reduce skin blemishes and protect the skin from the effects of UVA rays
Castor oil can be a good natural alternative to other lotions with the presence of harmful additives, but is a dense liquid it is recommended to mix with other types of oils or moisturizing lotions.
3. Anti Acne
Ricinoleic acid and vitamin E from castor oil also act against acne. Its antibacterial properties help prevent the formation of bacteria that generate acne, and its anti-inflammatory power helps reduce the inflammation caused by it. In addition, its moisturizing effect is also beneficial to treat and alleviate this type of facial affections.
4. Stronger and more abundant hair
This same moisturizing effect is not only beneficial for the skin but also good for the hair. Castor oil acts as a natural conditioner, providing hydration and flexibility to the hair, preventing dryness and avoiding split ends.
Its fatty acids help to strengthen and maintain healthy hair, preventing breakage and its fall. It also stimulates their growth. Castor oil is especially beneficial for people with thin, dry and damaged hair. It can also be used on the eyebrows.
5. Antidandruff
In the same way, castor oil is beneficial to the scalp. Its anti-inflammatory effects help to reduce and avoid the inflammation produced by seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes dryness and skin flaking. Along with its moisturizing effects, the application of this oil can help prevent dryness and the appearance of dandruff. It is one of the best benefits of castor oil.
6. Tabs
Many people use castor oil as a natural eyelash lengthener, as it helps to strengthen them and promotes their growth. To benefit from this use, simply apply the oil with a clean mascara before going to bed.
7. Relieve inflammation pain
The anti-inflammatory effects of ricinoleic acid make castor oil an ideal natural remedy to relieve inflammation. And the pain in the joints, such as those caused by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Contraindications and toxicity
Castor oil is a natural oil of vegetable origin beneficial for health, but also has its contraindications and side effects.
Used in large doses can cause diarrhea and other intestinal disorders, due to its laxative effect. That is why its use is not recommended in people with intestinal problems such as ulcers, colic, irritable bowel or hemorrhoids.
It is contraindicated in pregnant or lactating women, as it can contribute to induce labor. It can also cause allergies to sensitive skin. So first, it is recommended to try a small amount on the skin to check its effects.
Castor oil is not toxic, however, the raw seed from which this oil is extracted is. In fact, ricin is also extracted from these same seeds, considered one of the most harmful toxins that exist, even being used as a poison.
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