5 Uses and Benefits of Castor Oil
Castor oil is a very thick, somewhat sticky oil high in omega-3s. It is made from pressing the seeds of the castor oil plant. When choosing your brand, be sure it is cold-pressed and organic. If it does not say it is cold-pressed, it likely there were chemicals used to help extract the oil. As with anything I put on my skin, it must be the purest of quality, and cold-pressed organic versions are just that. Castor oil has been known for a lot of health benefits; used internally and externally. The uses listed below are ones I have tried personally (except for reducing scarring which I’m excited to test out!). The following are simple ways to add this nourishing oil to your daily (or nighttime) routine. If your interested in learning more about how to incorporate castor oil, you can research the oil online; the resources are plentiful. For all the uses, you will only need a drop of castor oil; a little goes a long way. Enjoy!
Lengthen Eyelashes The ricinoleic acid present in castor oil is known to stimulate hair growth. Apply at night to your eyelashes and allow to absorb over night. You will notice your eyelashes look fuller and thicker after a few uses.
Thicken eyebrows For the same reason this oil is beneficial for growing long luscious eyelashes, it is beneficial for thickening your eyebrows as well. It also has antioxidants which support keratin, strengthening your hair. Apply at night to your eyebrows; it will help promote hair growth and allow your eyebrows to look fuller. (Can be used in the same way for your hair)
Overnight moisturizer I love using castor oil directly on my lips, hands, cuticles or any other dry area of my body and leave overnight for a deep moisturizer. You will wake up with baby soft skin.
Helps reduce scarring/stretch marks Applied to areas with scarring and massaged in, this oil has been known to deeply penetrate the skin, and over time helping to repair and regrow damaged skin tissues. I have yet to try it, but am excited to do so!
Deep cleansing I use castor oil mixed with jojoba oil for an oil facial cleanser (aka Oil Cleansing Method*). I use a 1:5 ratio castor oil to jojoba oil and my skin tends to air on the drier side. Since castor oil is a bit drying, you don’t want to use too much unless you have very oily skin. For normal skin you can use 1:4 ratio, and for oily skin mix 1:3 with you favorite carrier oil. Everyone is different, so experiment with the ratios and see what works for you!
*Oil Cleansing Method: Rinse your face with water and pat dry, leaving a bit of moisture. Mix your oils and massage into moistened face using circular motions for a few minutes. Rinse a facial cloth or towel with very warm water. Ring dry and drape the warm/moist towel over your face, allowing the heat to steam your skin which helps the oils to penetrate. Take a few deep breaths in and out before very gently wiping off to remove excess oil. Finish with your favorite toner. There are so many other uses out there, explore them and you will find what works best for you. As with any new product, use with care. Try a bit on a small area of your skin to be sure it doesn’t cause any adverse reaction. This advice is not recommended to treat any disease, as I am not a doctor or healthcare physician.
