10 Uses For Castor Oil
Castor oil is a type of natural vegetable oil that has been processed from castor beans. It has been used for medical purposes for hundreds of years, while it is also used in industry as a lubricant. It is also used to make soaps and other cosmetics and a wide range of other products.
Castor oil’s versatility has helped to make it very popular, and it is still very useful today. Many people insist on having some around the home. It is easy to obtain and easy to use and is often used as an ingredient in a wide range of remedies.
Here is a look at some of the most common uses for castor oil.
Use For Castor Oil #1: Moisturizer
It is not always easy to keep the skin soft and supple. Harsh weather can cause it to become dry and so can numerous skin conditions. This can lead to further complications, such as cracking, and it can be quite painful, as well as unsightly. There are numerous cosmetic products that claim to be able to help, but they are often very expensive.
One effective and affordable alternative is castor oil. This is because it contains ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid that is excellent at replenishing the skin with moisture. Indeed, it is often used as an ingredient by manufacturers of cosmetic properties because of its moisturizing properties.
Use For Castor Oil #2: Anti-Inflammatory
There are numerous conditions that can cause the tissues in our bodies to become inflamed. Depending on the nature of the inflammation, this can be very uncomfortable and also unsightly. It can also cause a loss of mobility, but it often very difficult to treat. There are various medications available, but one possible solution is castor oil.
Ricinoleic acid, found in castor oil, has anti-inflammatory properties. When applied directly on the skin, it can help to reduce inflammation, reducing other symptoms such as pain at the same time. More research needs to be carried out, although those with inflammation problems can try using it topically without any risk of harm.
Use For Castor Oil #3: Reduces Acne
Acne is a real problem for many people in the world. It can range from a few pimples to painful, pus-filled sores that cover the face and body. In severe cases, it can have a negative impact on the patient’s self-esteem. It can affect people of all ages, but it is teenagers that tend to be affected the most.
There are numerous remedies available on the market, and some are more or less effective than others. People with acne can also try using homemade remedies, one of which is castor oil. Castor oil has antibacterial properties that can help overcome acne, while its anti-inflammatory properties can also help to soothe the symptoms.
Use For Castor Oil #4: Relieves Joint Pain
Aches and pains are often a part of life, and it tends to happen as we get older. They are more likely to occur in people that exercise often, but they can also affect people that do not exercise. It is often a case of just having to wait for them to pass on their own, although there are steps we can take to accelerate the process.
One property of castor oil is that it can make the blood circulate better. This helps to ensure that it is supplied with all the nutrition it needs and this can help aches and pains go away sooner.
Use For Castor Oil #5: Laxative
Every now and then, things may not pass through our digestive system as smoothly as they should. This can lead to constipation, and this can lead to unwelcome symptoms such as difficulty when passing stools. It can be caused by numerous conditions and it is something that should be treated. One solution lies with castor oil.
Castor oil is a very effective natural laxative. This means that it can stimulate the digestive system into passing food along the intestines. Not only can it be effective, but it can also be quick working, giving fast relief to somebody that is struggling with constipation.
Use For Castor Oil #6: Antifungal
Fungi are all around us, even if we can’t see them. Some types will find their way onto our dinner plates, while others can be directly harmful to our health. Fungal infections are possible and they can affect us in different ways. Some types can even be quite dangerous to us.
Candida albicans is a common fungus. Indeed, many people will already have some in their bodies somewhere. Sometimes, however, it will grow out of control and this can cause considerable problems. It has been shown that castor oil is able to help eliminate Candida albicans, making it effective at helping to deal with infections.
Use For Castor Oil #7: Heals Wounds
It is just about impossible to avoid picking up wounds. Even people that are very careful are still likely to pick up injuries. Thankfully, the vast majority of these wounds will be fairly minor, and they should heal completely before too long. If you do want to accelerate this healing, though, then castor oil could be just what you need.
Studies have shown that castor oil is able to stimulate the growth of tissue. It can also help to prevent dead skin cells from building up while also helping to keep the area moisturized and free from inflammation. It is thought that it could be particularly useful in helping to heal pressure ulcers.
Use For Castor Oil #8: Healthy Scalp
For most of us, washing our hair once or twice a day is enough to keep it looking healthy. It is not always that easy for some people, however, as many people have conditions such as dandruff. This causes flakes of dead skin from the scalp to build up and it is often very visible.
It is thought that the anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of castor oil can help to treat conditions like dandruff. Many people use the oil as a kind of natural hair conditioner. It can also help to stimulate the flow of blood in the scalp, and this can help to encourage hair growth.
Use For Castor Oil #9: Sunburn
Most of us have done it at least once. It can be so easy to underestimate the damage it can cause to your skin. Sunburn tends to creep up on us and we don’t realize the extent of the burn until it is already too late. It can be very sore, and extreme cases can even be dangerous.
Castor oil can be very useful in treating sunburn. It is a natural moisturizer, helping to replenish lost fluids, and its anti-inflammatory properties can also be very soothing on the skin. It also penetrates well into the skin, meaning that not only the very top surface gets treated.
Use For Castor Oil #10: Stretch Marks
Although it is a good thing for obese people to get their weight down to healthy levels, it can leave behind a telltale sign. In larger bodies, the skin becomes stretched and this can be noticeable once the skin returns to its “natural” size. It is also something that women incur after they have given birth.
Such marks can be unsightly, with many people feeling insecure about them. It is thought that applying castor oil to the area may be able to help remove the marks. It is something that is very easy to try and will not do any harm, so there is no reason not to at least give it a go.