Castor oil helps our bodies and works wonders for hair and skin care. Here you can find out what the nourishing oil can do
Since ancient times, This oil has been used as a remedy – both for internal and external use. We still use it today for medical and cosmetic purposes. The oil is incredibly versatile and especially popular due to its high-quality ingredients. Therefore it is also contained in more and more care products. We’ll show you what you have to do to ensure that castor oil is excellent care for your skin and hair.
What Is Castor Oil And Where Does It Come From?
It is obtained from the red seeds of the castor tree. It is also known as the miracle tree, widespread in all tropical zones. Unlike the plant, the seeds are non-toxic—Castor flowers from August to October, after which the seeds are harvested until November.
The oil has a transparent to yellowish color and can often be found in the cosmetic field under terms such as “castor oil” or “castor oil.” These can be traced back to the English term “Castor Oil.”
Natural oil is obtained through various processes. Depending on the pressing, however, oils of different quality are produced. You can tell whether you have a high-quality oil by its clear yellow color.
If you want to use castor oil as a beauty product, you should use cold-pressed oil. It is of the highest quality. But of course, you can also use products from the drugstore that contain yellowish oil.
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Active Ingredients And Production Methods
It is commercially available as either refined or cold-pressed oil. However, there is a qualitative difference. While refined castor oil is produced by hot pressing, which means some valuable active ingredients are lost, the cold-pressed version is much gentler. The seeds are peeled and cold-pressed. Therefore, the ingredients such as ricinolein acid, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids remain 90 percent.
This Is How Long Castor Oil Can Be Kept
As with most medical and cosmetic products, castor oil can only be stored for a certain period. However, you do not have to use the miracle oil within a short time. The oil has a shelf life of up to eight months and can easily be stored at room temperature.
Tip: It is ideal if the oil is in a dark-colored glass bottle. This also protects it from light and heat. If this is not the case with your castor oil, you can keep the bottle in the packaging.
The 3 Areas Of Application
Whether as a bath additive, as an additive in hair shampoo and lipstick, or for gastrointestinal complaints: the use of castor oil is incredibly versatile. Therefore we have summarized the large areas of application of the wonder oil for you in three groups:
- Treatment and support for skin problems
- Care for hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, and nails
- Natural help with constipation in the gastrointestinal area
Castor Oil For The Skin
It does not only work wonders on the hair. The oil is also a real all-rounder for our skin. Whether wrinkles, pimples, or scars: castor oil helps!
Anti-Wrinkle Effect
Suppose you have wondered why castor oil is ideal as a natural anti-aging agent. In that case, we have the answer: The miracle oil not only penetrates deep into the skin but also contains many unsaturated fatty acids. At the same time, it stimulates collagen production, which makes our skin more elastic.
To use it, gently pat the oil into your skin and leave it on overnight. Residues can be gently washed off in the morning with lukewarm water and a cotton ball or cosmetic tissue.
Castor Oil As A Natural Aid For Skin Problems
Another great property of castor oil is that it is both germicidal and anti-inflammatory on the skin. Therefore, it is ideal for combating pimples and relieving skin problems such as redness, irritation, acne, age spots, or neurodermatitis.
It can also be used to treat scars. The valuable oil penetrates deep into the layers of the skin and, thanks to its ingredients, makes the scarred skin soft and elastic again.
For correct use, mix castor oil with another oil, such as jojoba or olive oil, in a 1: 1 ratio. Massage the oil mix into the affected skin area on the face or body for 5 minutes and leave it on for another 15 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water – done!
Castor Oil For The Hair
The oil of the miracle tree is a true all-rounder and ideal for hair care. Whether pure or as an additive in a shampoo: Castor oil has many advantages. It gives the hair enough moisture and shine and makes it healthier in the long run. At the same time, castor oil works against dandruff and prevents a dry and irritated scalp.
Make Your Hair Treatment With Castor Oil
You can easily make a moisturizing hair treatment with castor oil yourself. It is best to use cold-pressed oil for this and warm it up slightly. Rub two to three drops in the palms of your hands and massage them into the hair, ends, and scalp. Let the pure oil work for about 2 hours, after which you can wash it off with a mild shampoo.
Castor Oil As An Insider Tip For Longer Eyelashes
Many women dream of long and thick eyelashes. But not only the use of artificial eyelashes leads to the goal. There are also natural remedies that promote hair growth and lash volume. Have you tried castor oil, for example? It is an accurate insider tip for thin, short eyelashes.
The oil is a skin-friendly care product and can be used safely in the eye area. Thanks to its caring properties, the eyelashes are supplied with sufficient moisture and are kept soft and supple at the same time. As a result, the eyelashes break off less often and appear fuller after a few days.
Apply the oil gently with an eyelash brush for a healthy and shiny effect. Leave it on for one to two hours, and then gently remove it with a cosmetic tissue or cotton pad.
Alternatively, you can also use an eyelash serum. Many serums contain castor oil and are very easy to apply when using.
Castor Oil For The Nails
Are you tired of dry and brittle nails? Then the best way to do this is to use castor oil. It cares for your nails and the nail bed and, at the same time, provides them with sufficient moisture.
Massage the oil into your nails with your fingers and leave it on for about 20 minutes. If there are residues, you can easily wipe them off with a cotton pad or cosmetic tissue.
Castor Oil As A Laxative
Castor oil has long since proven itself as a natural remedy for constipation in the gastrointestinal area because it has a laxative and digestive effect on our body.
If you suffer from constipation, you can take a maximum of two tablespoons of castor oil on an empty stomach. Instead of the pure variant, you can also mix the oil with milk and honey. The laxative effect should then be set in after two to four hours.
However, the oil should only be taken for a short period and not for a long time, as otherwise, it can lead to aggravated constipation. Laxative capsules from the pharmacy or drug store are an alternative to oil.
When Not To Use
Pregnant women should not ingest the oil as it can cause premature labor. In addition, you must never use castor oil in the case of acute inflammatory diseases of the intestine and intestinal obstruction or appendicitis. Children under the age of 12 should also not take castor oil.
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