Castor oil is currently very much in vogue for natural health enthusiasts, who have found lots of ways to use it, though it has actually been around for decades.
It was originally found in North and East Africa as well as the Middle East but also grows in other parts of the world including the United States. The oil is extracted from the castor bean, which is the seed of the Ricinus Communis plant and it is rich in omega-6, omega-9 and vitamin E.
Castor oil was well known in the past as a natural laxative and also for nappy rash in the form of zinc and castor oil cream.
Nowadays, people are using it as a treatment for their hair, face and in a poultice for all manner of conditions.
Those who suffer from hair loss can benefit greatly from rubbing it into their scalps, putting on a shower cap and sleeping with it overnight. It is said to increase hair growth, moisturise a dry scalp and help reduce dandruff due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It will make your hair look rich and glossy and washes out well.
Castor oil is a very rich, thick oil and is wonderful for very dry, wrinkled skin. Using it daily and nightly can help erase wrinkles and give a much more youthful bloom to the skin. In addition, it will slowly clear stretch marks from pregnancy. It works well for people with very dry skin and contains ricinoleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fatty acid.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil can also benefit people with acne, as well as puffiness of the face and under the eyes.
I have mixed organic castor oil and organic coconut oil together and use this combination as a daily skin and hand cream. I can confirm that for me, castor oil really does erase wrinkles and make my skin feel great.
Many people nowadays are using castor oil in a poultice or compress overnight around their abdomen, as it is said to stimulate lymphatic flow and liver function, help reduce menstrual issues and support gallbladder health.
You can rub it on swollen and inflamed joints too before you go to bed, which will ease pain. Some people put castor oil in their belly buttons overnight and swear that it helps their overall digestion!
Castor oil packs are available to buy online and there is numerous information on the subject to read there. I would recommend buying an organic castor oil.
