Whether you are a regular fan of castor oil or a new potential user with a growing curiosity about it, this is the way to begin.
Learning the story behind something could be a useful tool, especially with using certain products.
It is always good to know its background on matters such as origin and composition.
Castor oil is extracted by pressing the seeds of the castor plant.
In the world of science, this plant is known as Ricinus Communis.
The plant is common in places with a tropical or subtropical climate.
It thrives in the Southeastern Mediterranean Basin, Eastern Africa, and India.
It can be found almost anywhere in the world, as long as climatic conditions fit.
Castor oil plants are grown commercially on plantations for castor oil production and the oil is increasingly becoming an important bio-based raw material in various cosmetics, soaps, textiles, massage oils, and even medicines.
Castor oil may be colorless to pale yellow.
It has a very thick and sticky consistency with mild odor or taste.
Unrefined castor oils have yellowish color and distinct odor.
They turn colorless and odorless by bleaching and deodorising.
The presence of hydroxyl fatty acids known as ricinoleic acid makes castor oil unique among other seed oils.
There are many different types of castor oil amongst which cold pressed castor oil is the most important types of oil, especially in the cosmetic and medical industries.
Cold-Pressed Castor Oil is unrefined, therefore it contains the greatest concentration of nutrients. It is all natural and is free from harmful chemical and solvents.
The purest form of cold pressed castor oil is virgin castor oil, which is produced from the first cold pressing of castor beans.
It is considered to be the highest quality oil, since the first pressing releases the highest concentration of the castor beans’ minerals, nutrients and essential .
Virgin castor oil has a variety of health and wellness benefits.
Castor oil is an amazing product that has natural properties useful for
skincare.
Adding it to your daily routine can make every day your chance for self-improvement.
There are various skin benefits of castor oil.
It effectively prevents skin ageing reducing wrinkles and fading scars.
It also makes a good treatment for common skin problems such as acne, dry skin, and sunburn.
Castor oil moisturises and nourishes your skin, contributing to its regeneration and making it clearer.
It promotes the healthy growth of new skin cells, which lightens the complexion, reduces dark spots and pigmentation.
This oil has natural properties that aid hair growth.
This makes it suitable not only for the hair on top of your head but for your eyebrows, eyelashes and for growing a beard for men too.
Castor oil is a holistic beauty treatment with wonderful uses for the entire body – from the tips of your hair to the tips of your nails.
Recent studies recognise cold pressed virgin castor oil as an inexpensive yet effective adjunct for many ailments that resist traditional medical treatment.
Ricinoleic acid is said to be the primary healing ingredient in castor oil and, according to David Williams, a medical researcher, chiropractor and biochemist.
"It's effective in preventing the growth of numerous species of viruses, bacteria, yeasts and molds. It's successful as a topical treatment for ringworm, keratoses, skin inflammation, abrasions, fungal-infected [fingers] and toenails, acne and chronic pruritus (itching).”
In his article, Williams also says that in India, castor seed plants are traditionally used for various health conditions such as dysentery, asthma, , inflammatory bowel disease and bladder and vaginal infections.
“The most effective use of castor oil is castor oil packs or poultices, which increase topical absorption. When used properly, castor oil packs improve the function of the thymus gland and other immune system functions,” he adds.
Castor oil can be used in different ways depending on the condition. Can be applied directly to the skin, through a castor oil pack, or mixed with other oils to use it as a topical remedy. Orally, added to orange juice or taken in the form of a capsule.
While small doses from half a teaspoon taken internally can relieve constipation, castor oil packs are said to aid in treating many conditions:
1. Any soft tissue injury or soreness such as sprains or overexerted muscles
2. Inflammation of joints such as arthritis
3. Structural pain in the joints of knees, hips, backs, shoulders, ribs, ankles, wrists
4. Gastrointestinal disorders of all kinds: colon, liver, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas
5. Swollen lymph nodes and support for the Lymphatic System flow
6. Lung support: pulmonary edema, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis
7. Connective tissue repair
8. Menstrual cramps
9. Constipation
10. Adhesions (internal scars due to surgery)
11. Benign breast lumps such as cysts or discomfort associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle
12. Fibroids and cysts
13.Low white blood cell count
14. Bone fractures
15. Colic pain in babies through massages
There are a few times you should not use a castor oil pack:
1. On an open wound
2. During pregnancy and breast feeding - use in these cases should be supervised by qualified practitioners
3. Where there are chances of a malignant tumor
While this information is believed to be accurate, it is general.
No one should rely on it as an alternative to medical advice from a doctor or healthcare provider.
The views, beliefs and assumptions in this opinion are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of The Star. Alternative views to those given here can be expressed in the comments section or by reaching the author directly.