Castor oil: what it is for and its 7 benefits

Castor oil is a multipurpose vegetable oil, used for hundreds of years to treat various types of health problems, such as diarrhea or skin conditions.

Today it has become popular as an ingredient in beauty products, as it is very beneficial for skin and hair care. We tell you what is castor oil for and what are its properties and benefits for health and beauty.

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What is castor oil for?

Castor oil comes from the seeds of the castor plant, a species native to some areas of North Africa and Western Asia. Castor oil is also known to many people as castor oil, by its name in English, castor oil. With this name we find it as an ingredient in the compounds of many cosmetic, pharmaceutical and industrial products.

And it is that castor oil is used today both as a lubricant for engines, food additive, ingredient in cosmetics or as part of medications. Traditionally it has been used by our grandparents as a purgative remedy, for its laxative effects, but today it has gained greater popularity as

natural beauty product, due to its beneficial properties for skin and hair care.

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7 benefits of castor oil

Castor oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which make it a natural remedy for various types of conditions, especially those related to the skin.

The benefits of castor oil are the result of its composition of essential fatty acids, especially ricinoleic acid (omega 9), as well as its presence of vitamins (E), minerals and proteins.

Next we tell you what uses and benefits does castor oil have, both for your health and for the care of your skin and your hair.

1. Natural laxative

One of the most popular uses of castor oil is to natural laxative remedy. Ricinoleic acid promotes intestinal movement and digestion, favoring the evacuation and purification of the intestines. That is why it has traditionally been used as laxative remedy to combat occasional constipation.

2. Moisturizing

Another of the main benefits of castor oil is its moisturizing effect. Its fatty acids act as moisturizers and deeply hydrate the skin.

Thanks to your content of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, helps protect cells and slow down aging, as well as reduce wrinkles, stretch marks or scars. It also helps reduce skin blemishes and protect the skin from the effects of UVA rays.

Castor oil can be a good natural alternative to other lotions with the presence of harmful additives, but being a dense liquid it is recommended to mix with other types of oils or moisturizing lotions.

3. Acne

The ricinoleic acid and vitamin E in castor oil also work against acne. Its antibacterial properties help prevent the formation of acne-causing bacteria, and its anti-inflammatory power helps reduce inflammation caused by it. In addition, its moisturizing effect is also beneficial to treat and alleviate these types of facial conditions.

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4. Stronger and fuller hair

This same hydrating effect is not only beneficial for the skin, but it is also good for the hair. Castor oil acts as a natural conditioner, providing hydration and flexibility to the hair, preventing dryness and avoiding split ends.

Its fatty acids help to strengthen and maintain healthy hair, preventing breakage and hair loss. It also stimulates their growth. It is especially beneficial for people with fine, dry and damaged hair. It can also be used on the eyebrows.

5. Dandruff

In the same way, castor oil is beneficial for the scalp. Its anti-inflammatory effects help reduce and prevent inflammation caused by seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes dryness and peeling of the skin. Along with its moisturizing effects, the application of this oil can help prevent dryness and the appearance of dandruff.

6. Tabs

Many people use castor oil as natural lash lengthener, as it helps to strengthen them and favors their growth. To benefit from this use, simply apply the oil with a clean mascara before going to bed.

7. Relieve pain from inflammations

The anti-inflammatory effects of ricinoleic acid make castor oil an ideal natural remedy for relieve inflammation and pain in the joints, such as those caused by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Contraindications and toxicity

Castor oil is a natural oil of vegetable origin that is beneficial for health, but it also has its contraindications and side effects.

Used in large doses can cause diarrhea and other intestinal disorders, due to its laxative effect. That is why its consumption is not recommended in people with intestinal problems such as ulcers, colic, irritable bowel or hemorrhoids.

This contraindicated in pregnant or lactating women, as it can help induce labor. It can also cause allergies in sensitive skin, so it is recommended to first test a small amount on the skin to check its effects.

Castor oil is not toxic, however the raw seed from which this oil is extracted is. In fact, ricin is also extracted from these same seeds, considered one of the most harmful toxins that exist, even being used as a poison.

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