Castor Oil: Home Remedies for Beauty and Health Purposes
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You will find bottles of castor oil in health stores and maybe in your grandmother’s medicine cabinet. However, it behooves us well to own a bottle as well. Why? Castor oil, a very pale yellow liquid extracted from the castor seeds of Ricinus Communis, is one of the most useful plant oils. Castor oil comes in different grades and is used as food additives, in cosmetics, in flavorings, as a mold inhibitor and in pharmaceuticals. Castor oil has a long history of medicinal uses both internally and externally, treating conditions ranging from arthritis to genital warts. But it is not all old wives’ tales and grandma’s “cure-all.” The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has categorized castor oil as “generally recognized as safe and effective” for over-the-counter use as a laxative and undecylenic acid, a castor oil derivative is also FDA-approved for over-the-counter use on skin disorders or problems.
Just what make castor oil such a health heavyweight? Castor oil is rich in Ricinoleic acid which exerts anti-inflammatory effects and is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal as well. In addition, its high levels of unsaturated fatty acids have antioxidant properties. Like magic potion, you just need one bottle of castor oil-- it yields many health and beauty purposes as listed below:
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Beautiful skin
Is your skin dragging your appearance down with wrinkles and age spots? Age can get the better of you but you can get the better of the situation with this easy ritual: apply a thin layer of castor oil to face before going to sleep. Castor oil is a natural rich emollient and its molecular weight makes it easier to penetrate into the stratum corneum (a fancy word for the outermost layer of the epiderm). Dermatologists will tell you that a healthy stratum corneum makes healthy youthful looking skin. Do this religiously and earn top marks for beautiful skin. This ritual will also reduce appearance of age spots (brought about by sun damage and the aging process) and produce suppler skin.
Skin Infections
Castor oil’s antimicrobial properties are put to good use when you need to fight skin infections. Do you have abrasion, acne, dry skin, boils, warts, chronic itching, inflamed skin, sunburned skin or even stretch marks? Don’t despair—soak a cotton ball with castor oil and apply to skin in the morning and at night. If the area is small (for example a wart), soak a band-aid in castor oil before applying. Just that easy!
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Beautiful Full Hair
How’s your crown of glory? Is it a source of pride or do you wish bald is the perennial fashion statement? If thinning hair is your problem, here’s help. Castor oil has the uncanny ability to encourage hair growth. Some even claim it can grow longer eye-lashes! While these claims are not based on solid scientific evidence, users of castor oil to promote hair growth have reported favorable returns for their hair diligence. If you’re thinking of using castor oil to bring back the glory, here’s how:
Since castor oil can be thick, dilute it with lighter oil like sweet almond oil or avocado oil. Apply to scalp, rub it in gently and wrap your hair with a plastic cap or towel. Leave it on for half an hour or longer. Shampoo off, making sure the scalp is clean. Repeat it once a week.
Another bonus to this castor oil routine--castor oil’s rich omega-3 fatty acids is a rich moisturizer and your hair will also look nourished and silky. Now, your hair can rival those shampoo girls you see (and may be envious before) in commercials. Move over!
Arthritis
Arthritis can get you down—sore joints, aching muscles and inflamed nerves can make you life miserable. Rub the misery away with some castor oil help. Because castor oil is anti-inflammatory, consider massaging sore areas with castor oil. Alternatively, use a castor oil pack. You can easy make this yourself or purchase a kit. To begin, make a castor oil pad—fold a flannel cloth 3 or 4 times over. Soak folded cloth with castor oil and placed it on affected joint or area. Cover the cloth with a plastic wrap and place a hot water bottle or heating pad over it. Leave it on for 45 minutes to an hour, once a day. To reuse castor oil pad, put it in a Ziploc bad and refrigerate.
Castor oil pack is also good for treating colds, cysts, flu and ulcers. Reputedly, it can also simulate liver, relieve pain, reduce inflammation and stimulate the lymphatic system. Yes, the wonders never cease....
How to Make Your Own Castor Oil Pack
Constipation
Not a pretty C word—in fact, if you ever had it—it’s convolution of your insides—got to go but can’t. FDA agrees that castor oil is a laxative and so, herein lies the cure—simply take a teaspoon of castor oil in the morning. Doesn’t sound too appetizing? Mix it with some orange juice, cranberry, prune juice to take away the bitter taste without compromising the laxative effects. Do not take it consecutively for 3 days—if it doesn’t help, it’s time to see your physician. Immediately!
Ringworm Treatment
Ringworm is characteristically marked with itchy ,red circular rash (hence the name) and it develops on the top layer of the skin. According to Mayo clinic, ringworm is a fungal infection (despite the name) and can be a stubborn condition to treat. Ringworm can also infect scalp and nails. Castor’s oil’s undecylenic acid is antifungal, which makes it an ideal treatment for ringworm. Rub castor oil on affected area and leave it overnight.
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Eye Styes
When an eyelash follicle or an eyelid oil gland becomes blocked with excess oil, debris or bacteria, eye styes can formed. Eye styes can cause watery eyes, pain, tenderness, itching, redness, and sensitivity to light. It often appears as a reddish bump—not a pretty sight. To get rid of eye styes, apply a tiny drop of castor oil directly on stye 2 or 3 times a day.
This list is by no means complete but suffice to say, wow—castor oil can do all that? Yes, and more—castor oil not only promotes beauty but is a mighty force against certain medical ailments. However, always consult a doctor before self-medicating.
The copyright to this article is owned by Angeline Oppenheimer. No part or parts of the article may be republished without the permission of the author.
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More natural cures by anglnwu:
Health Benefits of Nutmeg: http://healthbitsntips.wordpress.com/2010/10/15/health-benefits-of-nutmeg/
Natural Cures for Oral Lichen Planus: http://hubpages.com/hub/Natural-Cures-for-Oral-Lichen-Planus
Colon Cleansing the Natural Way: http://hubpages.com/hub/Colon-Cleansing-the-Natural-Way
Herbal Cures for Osteoarthritis: http://hubpages.com/hub/Natural-Cures-for-Osteoarthritis
Fight gum disease the natural way: http://hubpages.com/hub/Healthy-Gums-Is-Possible
Home Remedies to get rid of acne: http://hubpages.com/hub/Banish-Acne-Angst-With-Simple-Tricks
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Thanks, Pamela. I'm off to visit yours.
castor oil, well if it will make me beautiful with flawless skin, why not isnt it anglnwu, you rock, are you joining the contest? Thanks and good night, Maita
Maita, i personally know of a lady--she's in her late 60's and she still has hair that looks like she's in her 20's--she uses castor oil faithfully. How's about eyelashes?--I think I'm going to try that one. Thanks for dropping by and I think I'm in the contest--I hope. I know you're--you're so popular, you will definitely do very well.
Have a good night too.
Very informational HUB!!! Thank you!
Thank you for this hub!! I had no idea that you could use this on your face-castor oil--I am seriously going to buy some and try this--this is perfect for me, I don't use skin cream on my face!! Okay, I will let you know how it works in a month!! If I look younger--I will send you a check!!;)
Where did you learn all of this? I had no idea of the benefits of castor oil. I remember as a kid while growing up, I watched a lot of classic TV shows like Leave it to Beaver and I remember Mrs. Cleaver giving the Beaver castor oil as medicine when he was sick! The face he had in reaction to such was classic in itself. What great hub showcasing this miracle oil/cure-all! Thank you for writing this one. I'm definitely bookmarking this!
drpastorcarlotta, thanks for dropping by. Glad you like it.
Ghost, I'm looking forward to that check--cos I can tell you that castor oil is a very good moisturizer. If you find it's too thick, dilute it with a less dense oil like sweet almond oil. I use sweet almond oil (less thick). Don't forget your before and after picture--i'm going to post it right here. Your face alone will lend it all the credibility it needs. Thanks for dropping by and God bless your sweet heart.
Growing up, my mother knew the benefits of castor oil. I am so glad to see us returning to all these natural products - that did not destroy our health or the environment - and actually worked.
Now that we are coming to our senses and what is old is new again - we need all this information - all over again.
Thanks for this hub. I'll bookmark it for reference!
Dohn, leave it to Mrs. Cleaver to know a thing or two about home remedies--she's was cool even back then (or more so). I love all things natural and castor oil is one of those natural oil that can do wonders. Definitely wouldn't hurt to stash one away somewhere.
Totally appreciate your comments and I feel truly honored to have you drop in again. Have a great day!
BKCreative, I'm with you regarding the use of natural products. Natural is the way to go if we want healthy bodies. Thanks for dropping by and I greatly appreciate your comments.
hi beautiful girl, I am still writing my hub, I came back here to look at this hub again, this time I boomarked it, I am not popular I just read lots of hub and one way or another they also read mine, I want you or either Bk to win as you have lots of hubs written and both of you ROCK when it comes to natural medicine, the best, Night, Thanks angel, I will call you that...Maita
Maita, thanks for your vote of confidence. I need all the good wishes, seeing I'm up against great hubbers--such as you--the superstar, while I'm the tiny star way out on the peripheral, hoping to catch a wink of the action (haha--this is getting silly). Well, I'm betting on you to win and when you do, don't forget to buy me a cuppa of tea (well, actually high tea at Four Seasons would be better but beggars can't be choosers). Good to hear from you and truly enjoy our little tetet-a-tete.
My brother in law swears by it. He has consumed it for years -in his early 70's now, and he claims it has been an essential part of his good health. He also mentioned its effectiveness in treating arthritis
anginwum Fantastic Hub. God is so good. Something so simple, reasonable price and all these beauty uses. I am so grateful for coming across your hub. Castor Oil helps promote labor. ( wives tale, it did not work to start my labors)
I will keep you posted on my new beautiful skin. This hub is getting bookmarked. I am thankful.Please do visit my hubs. I would be honored. You have a new fan. I will return soon. Many Blessings sister.
I hope you win on this health contest. You Rock.
coffeesnob--every time, I type your name, I smile, what a name and the subtle implication. Silly aside, thanks for dropping by. Many people swear by it, regarding arthritis. This is also in line with Chinese medication--we rub oitment on painful joints. Take care.
skye2day, you're right--God is so good--we can find remedies in nature, like castor oil for instance. A simple oil, yet it possesses so many healing qualities. You're right on castor oil and labor too--it's been used for that.
Many blessings to you too.
Hi anginwu, I am grateful I bookmarked your hub. My husband has a sty in the eye for a couple of weeks now. He is excited for the 'hope'. My pregnant daughter is going to use to help prevent stretch marks. As for me I will use on all of the above. I hope you win the contest. I vote big thumbs up. Thank You again for sharing the 'good' news. Come and visit for a read when you have a minute. With Love. In Joy. + + +
skye2day, thanks for your wonderful support. You can be sure I'll be happy to read yours. For your husband's eye stye--here's another treatment. My husband is an eye doctor and he suggests using hot compress--clean cloth soaked in hot water and wringed out (make sure it's not scalding hot) on the eye with the stye--each time about 3 minutes, 3 times a day. This is followed by cold compress (wrap ice-cube in clean cloth)from day 4th to 6th (next 3 days). Hot compress opens up clogged pore to expel bacteria. Cold compress closes it up.
Once again, I greatly appreciate your comments and have a great day.
Amen Sister. Thank You. (-:
I have heard cold pressed castor oil is the best. I am going to buy some tomorrow. Thanks!
Sunshyne, you're right on--cold pressed is best. Thanks for dropping by.
Thanx for sharing. Loved it.
Thanks, Nikki!
i been buying faces cream.they dont work, im going to buy the castor oil and try that, i will let u know in amonth time thank u
doreen, yes, try it. A trick i use is to mix a drop of castor oil (or sweet almond oil, or avocado oil) with your moisturizer and apply to face. That way, it is not as greasy and it will nourish the skin at the same time. I use BURT's bees moisturizers as they are almost 99% natural. Good luck and please come back and let me know how it works out.Thanks for dropping by.
Great information on Castor oil.
Thanks, Valery elias!
lovely and informative hub. Thanks alot for publishing.
Hi! Thanks for this info! Can HomeHealth Castor Oil be ingested?
Thanks, svetits, for your comments.
Bilen, thank you too. I would ask a certified holistic practitioner before taking any castor oil orally.
Nice article friend.
thanks, dak!
Find Home health remedies. Health home remedies cure various health related ailments. These natural homes remedies are very useful and don’t have any side effects.
That's pretty interesting to see that oil can be used in so many ways and apart from saying that home remedies are perhaps the best solution sometimes, I would also like to add that nothing beats natural treatment.
lindaadam, thanks for dropping by. I agree with you--nothing beats natural treatment.
Great hub! Thanks anginwu.
I also learned from a friend that castor oil is a cleansing oil. When I feel my stomach is full of toxins, I take 2 table spoons of castor oil on a Friday night. In the morning all stomach dirt gets flushed out. I was told though that I should only do this once in three months.
Fracniaonline, thanks for visiting my hub. Thanks for adding to the hub with your own example. I've heard you can take castor oil orally, though, it must be done with care. Thanks again.
Wow, castor oil can do so much miracles ! I am bookmarking this.
Yse,the wonder of nature and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Thanks, Ingenira, for reading.
I've heard great things about castor oil! I think I have some at the back of a cupboard - I'll have to dig it out. Thanks for writing this hub, it was very informative.
Thanks, dingdong (cool name by the way) for dropping by with your comments.
Hi.
I have used castor oil to thicken eyelashes and eyebrows and also to clean my stomach. And for hair massage.
But for skin never. So my question is, if castor oil thicken hair, will it not thicken hair on hands and face if I use it as a moisturiser? And what about the bad smell ?
Will appreciate your advice on this. Thanks
gowmkhi, thanks for your comments. I've used it on my face and have not noticed any hair growth. The wonders of nature--it just knows what to do. Regarding the smell, this is what I suggest--I usually use castor oil before I go to bed--that way it moisturizes your skin while u sleep and you don't have to worry about the smell. If you prefer, you can also use rose hip seed oil--i've a hub on that or avocado or sweet almond oil on face. They don't smell and they make good moisturizers. I hope that helps and thanks again for dropping by.
gownkhi, checked out your website--love it but it won't allow me to leave a comment. Love the presentation of your website.
home remedies are really rocking for many health problems. This article really helps those who are very conscious about thier face.thanks for giving time.
dadhwalz, thanks for adding to the hub with your comments.
for styes i found using herbal tea bags worked really well, over 2-3 days the swelling went down.
Thanks, stye treatment. Yay for tea bags.
Wow, I didn't know that castor oil is helpful in ringworm treatment.
Yes, the many uses of castor oil, treating ringworm being one of them Thanks, Katrina.
Just anothet interesting use for castor oil. When I was a jet mechanic in the Navy, we used castor oil as a lubricant on some parts of our jet engines during assembly.
walt, wow, didn't know that--even jet engines have use for castor oil. Thanks for sharing your insight--it definitely adds to this hub.
I've never heard of castor oil. Thank you for writing this wonderful hub. I am going to try it....hopefully, I will grow longer eyelashes :)
happypuppy, thanks for commenting. Good luck on growing eyelashes. They say flaxseed oil does that too.
Is Castro oil good for psoriasis arthritis.
Thanks, luis!
Very helpful hub. Thanks for the info :)
Ruchira, thanks for dropping by. Glad you find it helpful.
I have used castor oil for many things with success. I recently had kidney infection and I can not take antibiotics or penicillin so I always have to turn to natural treatments castor oil is a healing miracle. I went from not being able to walk because I was in so much pain to 100% pain free in less than an hour with castor oil pack and heating pad. It's amazing. Also use it on tired feet and bunions pain just wrap your foot in gauze soaked with castor oil and put a 2 wool socks over. This will create enough heat for the oils to be absorbed and the pain will disappear. I have used it to eliminate rosacea, acne, enlarged pores, wrinkles and acne scarring. I no longer use any other face cleanser or creams. I rub the oil over my face for a few minute and wash with a lukewarm washcloth. Rinse the washcloth and wipe you face this way 3-4 times. No need for soap your skin will be amazingly clean. My skin looks 5 years younger within a few months of this. My pores and acne scars have dissappeared. A girl recently told me that she always notices how beautiful my skin is and that she's envious of my skin.and she is 5 years younger than me! This is a miracle to hear this since a few months ago I would look in the mirror and cry over the scarring and redness and large pores. I smear it on my eye lids and eye lashes and eye brows before bed and it has made fine lines around crows feet area and saggy crepey looking skin on my upper eyelids dissapear and has made a huge improvement in my eyebrows which I had over plucked in my teens and you couldn't even tell they were there if I didn't pencil them in. Now a few months later I don't have to pencil them in at all! I massage it into my hair and scalp and Put a shower cap and wool hat for an hour before I shampoo once a week. My hair has grown from chin to shoulder length in 3 months and it is so healthy and shiny. No need for a trim all this time it is in such good condition. Also I use it on exzema that I had for over a year and with in 2 days it cleared completely. I put it on cold sores and put a bandaid soaked with it over night on the cold sore it will be gone the next morning.
Karrie, I must thank you for sharing your personal success with castor oil. This is so encouraging. For one, I know it works for growing more hair and keeping it luscious. As I have said in the earlier responses, I personally know of a lady in her 70s who still have an enviable head of hair from constantly using castor oil. Castor oil is relatively inexpensive and such a great beauty aid--thanks for seconding that.
Interesting hub, very informative! I will try this out especially on my face. Voted up!
Thanks, joyfulmommy, glad you find it useful.
Pamela99 Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago
Great hub on Castor oil.