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One of the most commonly used types of oils in medicine and cosmetics is castor oil. Although we have known castor for centuries, still not everyone knows its healing properties, including the possibility of using it both internally and externally. Castor oil costs little, but it can keep your body cleansed and your skin and hair radiant and healthy.
Castor oil has long been used commercially as a highly renewable raw material for the chemical industry. It is a vegetable oil obtained by pressing the seeds of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) cultivated mainly in Africa, South America and India. The main producing countries for castor oil are Brazil, China and India.
It is known that this oil was domesticated in East Africa and was brought to China from India about 1400 years ago. India is a net exporter of castor oil, accounting for over 90% of castor oil exports, while the United States, the European Union and China are the main importers, accounting for 84% of imported castor oil.
Castor oil is cold pressed and then boiled with water. Thanks to this method, the toxic substance – toxoalbumin is removed from the seeds. For this reason, castor oil bought in a pharmacy or drugstore is safe for health.
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The castor oil consists of:
- 18-carbon glyceride of ricinoleic acid,
- oleic acid glycerides,
- linoleic acid glycerides,
- palmitic acid glycerides,
- stearic acid glycerides.
Castor oil is distinguished by its thick consistency and yellow color.
Interestingly, castor oil is best known for its cosmetic use. However, its properties are also quite important, making it suitable for internal use. Many people wonder if castor oil is edible. Well, it can be used orally as a treatment for constipation. It is for this reason that castor oil has a positive reputation as an effective laxative.
The oil limits the absorption of fluids and salt, thus softening the fecal masses and their more efficient passage through the intestines. The agent is also irritating to the intestinal mucosa, which increases peristalsis and consequently causes a laxative effect.
Remember that castor oil is a reliever measure and not a long-term treatment for constipation. It is enough to give 1-2 tablespoons to induce a laxative effect. However, if we are on a slimming diet, we should not reach for it.
The use of castor oil internally – contraindications
Each time you use orally used castor oil, consult a doctor. The main contraindications for using castor oil internally are:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding,
- obstruction or narrowing of the intestine
- appendicitis,
- inflammation of the colon,
- intestinal atony,
- significant dehydration,
- unknown cause stomach pain.
That’s possible side effects when using castor oil include abdominal pain, nausea, severe diarrhea and vomiting.
Externally, castor oil compresses can also be used to treat headaches, backaches, muscle and joint pains, and even abdominal pain. You will need heated castor oil and a gauze or thin towel soaked in warm oil.
Such compresses stimulate the lymph circulation in the body. Warm castor oil compresses should be applied to a sore spot, e.g. sinuses, cross and left until they lose heat.
Castor oil packs can be applied cyclically, at intervals, e.g. every few hours for several days.
The use of castor oil externally – contraindications
Unfortunately, like every preparation, also castor oil has some contraindications and may have side effects. For example, an allergy or an allergic reaction – when it occurs on the skin after applying the oil, it is a strong contraindication to use. Ricin compresses cannot be used in pregnant women.
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Applying castor oil to hair, eyelashes and eyebrows
Castor oil collects the best opinions when it comes to cosmetic use. Castor oil has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help heal bites, rashes and itching. To relieve inflammation of the skin over a small area of skin, simply soak the bandage in castor oil and apply it to the affected area. For larger areas, soak a cotton ball in castor oil and apply it to the affected area. Rinse off after an hour, repeating it several times throughout the day.
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Ricin also closes the hair cuticles, making the ends split less. On the other hand, when applied to the bulbs, be it hair, eyelashes or eyebrows, it stimulates them to work, which allows you to significantly increase their natural growth in a short time.
Many people choose castor oil as an eyelash growth conditioner instead of the popular, but expensive bimatoprost, because the effects of such treatment are similar, and castor oil is considered to be healthier and safer than the aforementioned drug.
We also recommend cosmetics from the Vianek company for hair care with castor oil: a nourishing shampoo, a mask and an oil that regenerate, moisturize and accelerate hair growth.
In addition to caring for hair and bulbs, castor oil is also great for cleansing the face. You can wash your face with it in the morning and evening, and even remove makeup, because the oil itself removes fats, e.g. sebum, but also silicones that cannot be washed off with water, which are currently contained in many make-up cosmetics.
However, it is worth mixing castor oil with another oil, e.g. linseed oil or grape seed oil, and only wash your face with this mixture. Washing off the oil is also simple, because just put a towel soaked in warm water, and the oil will come off with the collected dirt.
Castor oil is great for reducing fine lines and wrinkles as it penetrates deep into the skin which stimulates the production of elastin and collagen. These two components in the skin are responsible for its elasticity and tension. Castor oil’s softening properties allow the skin to absorb it quickly, keeping the face moisturized and plump, which is also important in reducing visible fine lines and wrinkles.
The fatty acids in castor oil help to moisturize and moisturize dry, chapped lips. Apply castor oil to your lips several times a day to keep them moisturized. You can also create a soothing topical treatment by mixing castor oil, glycerin, and lemon juice. Apply at bedtime to moisturize chapped lips.
Castor oil is one of the ingredients of Tadé Pays du Levant Beard and Face Oil, which you can buy at a favorable price on Medonet Market.
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Stretch marks are often caused by pregnancy and rapid weight gain, but they can also be the result of aging, hormonal imbalance, sudden weight loss, and swelling. Castor oil is known to be one of the best treatments for various skin conditions.
Its rich content and various fatty acids make it an excellent moisturizer and an effective way to get rid of unsightly stretch marks:
- Use your fingers to massage enough castor oil onto the stretch marks to cover the entire affected area,
- for extra hydration, mix two tablespoons of coconut or almond oil with one tablespoon of castor oil.
- avoid applying oil to damaged skin,
- use a thin cotton cloth to cover the area
- leave the cloth on this area for about 15-20 minutes for the oil to penetrate,
- covering the area with a heating pad or hot water bottle will speed up the effects,
- repeat this process regularly to notice a significant reduction in stretch marks.
Castor oil should not be taken orally during pregnancy as it is responsible for causing strong uterine contractions that could lead to premature birth.
The use of ricin during pregnancy can cause diarrhea and vomiting leading to dehydration, which is also dangerous in childbirth. Women who are breastfeeding and during menstruation should also stop taking the oil orally.
Castor oil can be purchased at a pharmacy stationary or through the website. The cost of castor oil should not exceed PLN 20.
The preparation for use on hair, nails, eyebrows and eyelashes is available at drugstores. Castor oil – cosmetic can be found at Medonet Market. Order it now at a promotional price.
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