Made from the seeds of castor plants, this thick and odorless oil can be dated back to ancient Egyptian time. It was first used as fuel for lamps and later on, for medicinal purposes. Although most commonly used as a laxative, castor oil’s natural antimicrobial and antiviral properties have made it a sought-after remedy for skin problems such as dermatosis and other fungal infections. Notably, it is also widely used for hair growth.
Castor Oil for Hair Growth
In fact, many people use castor oil to grow their hair longer or use it for the treatment of hair loss, known as alopecia. It is currently available in the market for the treatment of scalp conditions such as dry scalp and other related problems.
Castor oil is rich in Vitamin E, Omega 9-f, and Omega 6f fatty acids. Studies show that aside from having healthy hair, castor oil has other potential benefits for healthy glowing skin. Some of them are the following:
- Relieve joint pains and muscle cramps – castor oil is widely known for treating painful arthritis. It has an anti-inflammatory compound that makes it one of the best massage oil for relieving joint pains, painful muscles, and nerve inflammation.
- A powerful laxative — this is perhaps the best-known medicinal benefit of castor oil. Categorized as a stimulant laxative, castor oil enhances muscle movements that push materials to the intestines, which resulted in clearing the bowels. Also, some studies showed castor oil as an effective remedy for constipation.
- Natural moisturizer – rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, acts as a moisturizing agent for the skin since it retains moisture by avoiding water loss through the skin’s outer layer. In fact, it is often added in cosmetics to optimize hydration and is usually added in lotions, cleansers, and makeup.
- Encourages healing of wounds – once applied to wounds and surrounding areas, castor oil stimulates a moist environment that enhances healing while preventing the wound from drying out.
- Lessens acne – acne, for those who do not know, is a type of skin problem that causes blackheads, pimples, and other protrusion on the face and the body. Teens and adults usually encounter this type of skin condition. Castor oil has properties that may be able to help lessens acne symptoms. It has antimicrobial compounds that fight the growth of bacteria when it is applied to the skin.
- Fights fungal infection – dental problems such as plaque overgrowth, root canal, and gum infections are caused by a type of fungus known as Candida albicans. Since castor oil has antifungal properties, it actively fights off the fungus. Thus, keeping your mouth healthy at all times.
- Healthy hair and scalp – did you know that many people use castor oil as a natural hair conditioner? Those types of hair that benefit the most from using castor oil are dry and damage hair. Additionally, castor oil can help those experiencing dandruff.
Final thought
For thousands of years, mankind has been using castor oil as a means of natural remedy for various health issues. And if you are searching for a multi-purpose oil, there is no doubt that castor oil is the best choice.