Castor Oil is a pale yellow, thick liquid that is used in the form of an ingredient for soaps, hydraulics, lubricants, and perfumes. However, irrespective of its highly strong and pungent smell, castor oil and its medicinal aspects, which contribute to the betterment of one’s health and beauty, further strengthens its claim as a phenomenal pain-reliever. But, castor oil is not an exception. Anything that is heavily used, bounds to be harmful. Here’s a sneak peek of castor oil benefits for hair, skin and health.
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Benefits Of Castor Oil For Hair
Is castor oil good for hair? How to use castor oil for hair growth? Is it safe to use castor oil on hair? These questions often come to our minds. You’d be surprised to know that castor oil is said to be an age-old remedy for your hair woes. In fact, many commercial hair products have started using castor oil as one of their ingredients. We tell you how castor oil benefits your hair and how to use castor oil for hair.
1. Castor Oil Claims To Treat Dandruff
While there is no popular research that says castor oil treats dandruff, but it’s the anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties of castor oil, that make it an amazing solution to your itchy scalp and overcoming dandruff problem. Moreover, it is the ricinoleic acid that is said to balance the pH levels of the scalp, further keeping it healthy. Overall, contributing to healthy hair.
2. Castor Oil Helps Control Hairfall And Promotes Hair Growth
The ricinoleic acid in castor tends to increase blood circulation on your scalp. This results in improving hair follicle and scalp health, further reducing hair fall. This acid combined with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, helps restoring your hair health.
3. Castor Oil Acts As A Hair Conditioner
The oil penetrates well in your follicles and keeps the hair soft and helps them retain moisture.
4. Castor Oil Protects Your Hair
Sun can damage your hair and cause dryness, loss of color and lustre. Castor oil, in turn, helps retain your hair quality, and replenishes your scalp from the damage caused by the chemicals in hair products. The use of castor oil brings back the lost shine of the hair.
How To Use Castor Oil For Hair Growth?
Hair growth is a slow and steady process; it is important take care of your tresses. One of the best ways to help your hair grow longer is castor oil. Castor oil has ricinoleic acid that is said to lock the moisture and promote a healthy and clean scalp, which further encourages your hair to grow.
- You could apply castor oil 3-4 times a week if you are looking to grow your hair in a healthy way.
- Do not apply castor oil for hair everyday. It is quite thick in consistency; you do not want to struggle every day trying to remove it properly.
- You could mix castor oil with coconut oil and apply it on your hair. Don’t forget to massage your scalp for a minimum 5 minutes. Then leave it for two to three hours so both the oils reach the scalp.
- Don’t massage your hair aggressively as it may lead to more hair fall. Just massage it softly yet with firm hands.
- A good massage with castor oil helps increase blood flow around the scalp.
How Often Can You Use Castor Oil For Hair?
It is important to note that castor oil should not be applied more than twice or thrice a week. Applying it every day could be harmful to your hair. You could use shampoos and conditioners that contain castor oil as one of the important ingredients. Castor oil is generally sticky and quite thick, which can be a tough task for you to remove on a daily basis. So, best is to apply it not more than 2-3 times a week.
Hair Masks Using Castor Oil For Hair Growth- Improves Scalp Health
Here are some hair masks that can be made using castor oil for improving hair health.
1. Aloe vera and castor oil hair mask
Aloe vera helps provide nourishment and locks moisture to keep your hair healthy and shiny. All you need to do is to mix aloe vera gel and castor oil in the ratio 1:1. Now apply on your scalp and massage firmly. Once you have applied the mixture on your hair and scalp, wrap a towel dunked in lukewarm water for at least 30-40 minutes. Wash it off with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
Also Read: Side Effects Of Aloe Vera | Skin and Hair Applications Of Aloe Vera
2. Coconut oil and castor oil for hair
One of the best oils is coconut oil for hair, which is said to moisturize your hair and scalp, keeping them away from dandruff, further encouraging healthy and thick hair. Mix coconut oil and castor oil in equal quantities, and rub the mixture on your scalp and hair. Leave it for 30 minutes before washing it with a gentle shampoo.
3. Almond oil and castor oil hair mask
Hair can become lifeless and dull, thanks to the pollution in the environment. However, an almond oil and castor oil hair mask can do wonders and repair your hair like no other. Take about 5-6 tablespoons of castor oil and 2-3 tablespoons of almond oil. Mix them well and apply them to your scalp. Make sure to massage your hair roots and hair tips well. Leave it overnight and wash the next day.
Benefits Of Castor Oil For Healthy Body
1. Treats Indigestion- Combats Constipation
Castor oil is often referred to as a short-term natural remedy for indigestion problems and is a chief adversary to constipation. The main cause behind constipation is the lack of bowel movements, or it is not moving as often as it should. However, oral ingestion of castor oil acts as a laxative, which means that the castor oil helps proper bowel movement, thus allowing the stool to pass through the intestine and helping in getting rid of the undigested waste.
Also Read: Best And Worst Foods For Digestion
2. Natural Moisturizer – Enhancing Skin Health
External application of castor oil over the skin surface is known to help the skin retain its moisture. Moreover, it forms a thin layer over the skin, which is responsible for absorbing the moisture from the atmosphere and directing it towards the skin cells, further proving to be a natural skin moisturizer.
Also Read: How To Cook With Olive Oil: Healthy Cooking With Olive Oil
3. A Remedy For Eye Infections
Thanks to its anti-bacterial properties, the application of castor oil in order to prevent or diminish the effects of eye infection is quite an effective way. Infections such as styes are believed to be managed using castor oil; all that needs to be done is to apply a few drops of castor oil, two times a day, over the infected region.
Even though this remedy is believed to be quite popular, we do not recommend trying this unless you have the go-ahead from a qualified eye doctor. Eyes are amongst the most delicate organs and putting anything inside, or on the eyelids must be done only after a doctor’s approval. Please don’t try anything like this till you have done that.
Also Read: Mustard Oil: 12 Amazing Benefits
4. Relief From Muscle Pain
Ricinoleic acid, which is also one of the main components of castor oil, is known for promoting the circulation of blood in a rather smooth way. It also helps in the decongestion of the lymphatic system (which is used for the removal of waste from the tissues). The lymphatic system does not work properly in the body of a person suffering from arthritis, thus the tissues start to swell, causing joint pains. However, rubbing castor oil over the swollen joints can help improve blood circulation and a significant amount of pain relief.
5. Prevents Skin Problems
Application and massaging of castor oil over the skin surface is quite beneficial thanks to its anti-microbial properties, you can kiss goodbye to acne. Thoroughly massaging castor oil forms a protective film over the skin, preventing any external bacteria from attacking it and causing inflammation.
6. Promotes Healthy Hair Growth
As mentioned before, the external application of castor oil simulates a smooth flow of blood; similarly, when applied on the scalp, it nourishes and unblocks the follicles, further resulting in healthy growth of hair. Castor oil can promote hair growth when used as directed.
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Keep An Eye Out For Its Ill-Effects | Castor Oil Side Effects
- Applying castor oil, unlike other natural remedies, is quite strong and must be consumed with precautions. When consuming orally, limit intake to just 1 to 2 teaspoons and no more.
- One of the chemicals that contributes to the side effects of castor oil is called ricin, which can be quite toxic when consumed in a heavy quantity.
- Though known for its wonderful laxative nature which helps in a proper bowel movement, laxative overdose, on the other hand, can be quite harmful and is linked with side-effects such as dizziness and nausea.
- Excessive massaging of castor oil has been linked with the occurrence of muscle cramps too. This is because of the ricin content of castor oil. As ricin is so potent, even inhaling it can lead up to abdominal pains and muscle cramps.
So, if you are moving ahead and thinking of using castor oil on a daily basis, just make sure to check up with your doctor first. The effects of castor oil heavily depend on the consumer’s health history. And make sure to stay away from ricin (the toxic chemical found in castor oil). Also, there are no studies that approve of castor oil’s benefits for hair growth. (1)
FAQs
1. Where is castor oil derived from?
Castor oil is made by extracting oil from the castor beans. It is extracted by pressing the beans into a versatile, pale-yellow vegetable oil with a very distinct flavor and smell. Castor oil is known to contain a toxic enzyme called ricin. However, the heating process that castor oil undergoes deactivates it, allowing the oil to be used safely.
2. What is the shelf life of castor oil?
Like most oils, castor oil also has an expiry. It goes bad when it becomes cloudy and dark brown, and if you notice an unpleasant smell, then the oil has gone bad. This happens due to various factors like exposure to air, the temperature at which it has been stored, and exposure to light. Cold-pressed castor oil has a shelf life of about 5 years, and normal castor oil has an expiry date of 1 year.
3. What is the best way to store castor oil?
Here are some tips for storing castor oil:
1. Too hot or too cold temperature is not ideal for storing castor oil. The ideal temperature for keeping the castor oil is between 12-25 degrees celsius. Moisture and oil can’t stay together, so make sure that the place where you are keeping the bottle is dry.
2. The more you expose the bottle to air and light, the quicker the oil will expire. Therefore, seal it tightly after using it to protect the oil from oxidation.
3. Direct sunlight makes castor oil stale fast. Make sure that the oil is kept away from sunlight. Keep the bottle away from windows and other lit areas.
4. Storing castor oil in the right location is the best way to increase its shelf life. However, some people keep it in the refrigerator after adding a bit of vitamin E oil.