Castor oil is increasingly known and used by the general public. It is in fact easily found in all supermarkets, organic stores and drugstores. It notably has the reputation of fighting against hair loss and promoting its growth. However, other uses of castor oil are much less known. However, its multiple properties make this natural product essential in a beauty routine and on a daily basis. And there’s no reason only your hair should benefit from it! Here are the best uses for castor oil to know to get the most out of your bottle of oil.
What uses for castor oil?
1) Classic uses of castor oil for hair and eyelash growth
It owes its many virtues to its richness in vitamin E, minerals and essential fatty acids. It is therefore excellent for nourish, strengthen and shine damaged, fragile and brittle hair. It can also be used against hair loss and to promote hair growth or as a treatment so that it falls less during a change of season. In this case, we dilute this very viscous vegetable oil using more liquid vegetable oils for easier application (olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, etc.). Then, we leave this special regrowth oil bath for an hour before continuing with the shampoo. We can also massage a few drops onto damaged split ends.
Its nutrients also help eyelashes and eyebrows grow. You can then apply a small drop using a clean mascara brush.
2) Against small wounds, scars and stretch marks
Little is known about it, but it has its place in the small family pharmacy! Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, it can be used to disinfect small superficial wounds (cuts, scrapes, scratches, etc.). It can also be applied to soothe a sunburn or relieve itching. In addition, daily application until penetration with a long massage will also allow remove corns and calluses as well as warts hands or feet. Finally, its regenerating effects are particularly useful for reduce scars and stretch marks. So don’t hesitate to massage it daily for incredible results!
3) Against wrinkles, brown spots and pimples
Using castor oil on the face allows you to erase many small complexes that you may have. For example, applying oil daily helps fade pigment spots linked to aging or sun exposure. You can also massage a small amount onto the eye contour (avoiding the eyes) to delay the appearance of wrinkles and soothe and beautify swollen and tired eyes. This will brighten the look and deflate the eyes. Finally, you can massage it onto pimples before going to bed to eliminate them. It is in particular very beneficial against cystic acnebut also to get rid of milium grains. This oil helps reduce inflammation and fight the bacteria that cause imperfections. The healing of pimples is then faster!
4) Uses of castor oil against pain
First of all, she calms stomach aches (bloating, constipation, menstrual pain, etc.). It also helps to relieve joint and muscle pain (rheumatism, arthritis, aches, sore muscles, etc.). On the stomach, it can be used by massage before applying a hot water bottle on top. For joints, it can be used pure or add turmeric or cayenne pepper to make a paste. Just massage well and let it act. And what’s more, you can apply it as much as you want: it’s excellent for the skin!
5) An oil for fragile nails and chapped lips
Among its many uses, castor oil also helps to protect, strengthen and fortify brittle and damaged nails. This helps to grow healthy, strong nails faster, and it takes care of the cuticles! It can further help fight nail fungus with daily application. Furthermore, its effectiveness beats many commercial lip balms. In case of chapped and injured lipsit’s a great remedy to have! However, avoid licking your lips, as the taste is not very pleasant…
6) Against moles
Castor bean plant is very toxic and repellent to moles. This is why many gardeners like to plant it in their garden or spread castor oil meal in underground galleries. You can also simply mix 100 ml of castor oil with approximately 5 liters of water. All you have to do is pour it into the holes to scare away the moles!
7) To remove skin tags
Skin tags or pacifiers are small growths in the armpits, neck, groin or under the breasts. Although benign and painless, they are unsightly and unpleasant. Fortunately, a daily application Castor oil will help remove them. You can also mix it with baking soda. The association of the two thick paste applied three times a day locally with a cotton swab will remove the growth. (Don’t hesitate to cover with a dressing for the night!) In two weeks already, you will see a clear difference!
8) A natural mosquito repellent
All you need to do here is pour a little oil into a dish to keep mosquitoes and flies away!
Should it be used as a laxative against constipation?
Some people consume a spoonful of castor oil to relieve constipation. If this natural remedy is indeed very effective, because this vegetable oil actually has powerful laxative properties and acts by stimulating the intestinal muscles, which thus facilitates transit. However, we advise against this use, because its rapid laxative action can lead to severe diarrhea !
If you decide to use it anyway, note that it must use in moderation and only for short periods to avoid any adverse effects (including abdominal cramps or dehydration). Before trying castor oil for constipation, we further emphasize the importance of consulting a doctor or health professional to seek their advice, as it may not be suitable for everyone, especially children, the elderly or vulnerable people.
Precautions for Using Castor Oil
Generally safe, castor oil remains a very powerful natural product. As such, its use requires some precautions. First, if it can be suitable for small wounds, it should not not be applied to very irritated skin or with a large woundbecause it can then worsen the inflammation. Its use is also strongly not recommended for pregnant womenbecause it can cause uterine contractions and carries risks for the fetus. The same goes for breastfeeding women due to the risk of transmission to the infant.
In internal use, it should not be used not be taken for long periodsbecause it risks damaging the intestinal mucosa and altering electrolyte balance. THE people suffering from digestive disorderssuch as inflammation of the intestines, should also avoid its use.