All About Castor Oil: Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

What is Castor Oil

Since ages, castor oil has been used as a simple home remedy for almost all ailments. Castor oil is a popular vegetable oil with several uses and benefits. A native to Africa and India, this multipurpose oil is prepared by pressing the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). A widely applied home remedy, castor oil is a vital bio centric starter ingredient in varied cosmetics, toiletries, fabrics, oils as well as medicines.

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Castor Oil Properties

• Colourless to light yellow coloured liquid
• Unique taste and smell
• Boiling point is 313 degrees centigrade
• Density is 961 kg/m3
• A triglyceride with a dominating percentage of ricinoleates. Oleate and linoleates are other important ingredients.
• Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal
• Anti-inflammatory and pain relieving
• Induces Labour
• Stimulates immune and lymphatic system
• Acts as a hydrant
• Acts as a laxative

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Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair

There are benefits of Castor oil for hair. Castor oil can solve hair related issues such as battling scalp infections, dandruff, hair fall, hair regrowth etc. The high protein content of castor oil makes it ideal for maintaining hair nourishment.

Dandruff

Castor oil treats dandruff which results due to an oily scalp. The high Ricinoleic acid content of the oil balances the pH of the scalp therein creating a hostile environment for dandruff growth.

Split Ends

Castor oil repairs the keratin of the hair shaft. It makes the hair more resilient to splitting and breakage by making it more stretchable.

Addresses Hair Fall

By penetrating the peripheral layer of the hair shaft, castor oil helps in reducing hair fall, making hair more dense and strong.

Accords Thick, dark and Shiny texture

Castor oil acts as a natural conditioner by reinstating the hair cuticles when applied to hair. This application protects the hair from moisture loss and smooths them. The subsequent increased moisture in hair accords them a rich dark texture. Also, a protective coat of castor oil makes the hair more shiny and lustrous.

Hairfall & Hair Regrowth

Today’s fast paced lifestyle and environmental pollutants play havoc hair health. Castor oil comes handy in arresting hair fall and supporting hair regrowth. The ricinoleic acid content in the oil improves blood circulation. This enables restoration of follicle and scalp health therein reducing hair fall. The oil nourishes the scalp, shields against microbes and strengthens the hair roots.

Castor oil contains vitamin E which has antioxidant properties that help repair and restore hair follicles which subsequently lead to hair growth

The high protein constituent of the oil penetrates the hair and nourishes it. This restores optimum health of hair and encourages hair regrowth.

Know More: Benefits of Castor for Hair Regrowth

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Benefits of Castor Oil for Eyelashes

All the above benefits of castor oil pertaining to hair fall and hair regrowth can be accrued to having long and attractive eyelashes as well.

• You can get rid of the chemical-based mascara by using applying the humble castor oil
• This low-cost castor oil beauty treatment can give longer, thicker and healthier eyelashes

You can make eyelash serums by combining castor oil with other natural ingredients such as glycerine and egg whites, castor oil and olive oil, castor oil and sweet almond oil combination etc. Also, you should use cold pressed castor oil to gain maximum benefits.

Learn About: Benefits of Castor Oil for Eyebrows

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Benefits of Castor Oil for Eyebrows

Thin eyebrows are a passé now. Flaunting thick, voluminous brows is a fashion trend which will stay for long. Castor oil can help add volume to thin brows.

• Castor oil’s rich protein and mineral content as well as its abundant ricinoleic acid base enhances volume and arrests brow loss.
• The nutrients stimulate dormant hair follicles, nourishing them and promoting healthy hair regrowth.
• Thin eyebrows can result due to rampant tweezing, waxing and shaving. This can be reversed by application of castor oil to the eyebrows.

The DIY serum application methods mentioned in the above section for eyelashes can be used for growing thick eyebrows as well. Castor oil is also very god for your eyes. To know more, read our blog on Benefits of Castor Oil For Eyes

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Benefits of Castor Oil for Beard Growth

It is a well-known fact that castor oil enhances hair growth, thickens hair as well as promotes hair follicular activity. So, one can surmise that the same logic can be applied to beard grooming as well.

Organic castor oil can be used for beard application. For added benefits such as increased nourishment, softness and quicker absorption, castor oil can be combined with Jojoba oil, Olive oil and almond oil. To gain more insights on how to groom a fabulous beard do read this article

You Might Also Like: Benefits of Castor Oil for Beard Growth 

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Benefits of Castor Oil for Face

Acne

Castor oil has anti- inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. This can help to reduce bacterial growth and subsequently fight infections which cause acne. The acne flare ups can be considerably reduced by applying castor oil on the face.

Read More: Benefits of Castor Oil for Acne

Facial Texture

The fatty acids component of the Castor oil can help improve facial texture qualities such as smoothness and softness

Complexion

The growth of healthy skin tissue is facilitated by the fatty acids contained in castor oil. Uneven and dull skin quality is considerably restored.

Sensitive Skin

Castor oil can be applied to sensitive skin of the face without the need to worry about blackheads. Castor oil has a negligible comedogenic score making it unlikely to block skin pores. Castor Oil benefits for your face and it can help you achieve a clearer complexion. It can also make your facial skin appear younger.

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Benefits of Castor Oil for Skin

Treat Irritated Skin

The ricinoleic acid present in castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties which can treat irritated skin. Its antimicrobial properties enable castor oil to protect the skin from harmful pathogens.

Moisturize & Hydrate

The triglycerides present in castor oil help to sustain moisture and guard against dry skin. Likewise, castor oil’s moisture drawing properties (humectant) keeps the skin hydrated.

Cleaning

The triglycerides found in castor oil have cleansing properties and can help in removing everyday muck and dirt.

It takes skin a while to fully absorb castor oil. It can help if castor oil is diluted with other oils such as olive oil or peanut oil with a 50:50 composition.

Learn About: Benefits of Castor Oil for Your Skin

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Castor Oil Benefits for your Health

Besides its skin and hair benefits, castor oil has various medicinal and therapeutic benefits:

• Immunity Booster
• Supports the lymphatic system
• Helpful in treating major illnesses like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Cerebral Palsy
• Arrests the proliferation of viruses, bacteria, molds and yeasts
• Reduces skin inflammation
• Eliminates ringworm, keratoses, abrasions and fungal contagions
• Boosts Circulation
• Helps to dissolve moles and cysts
• Helps relieve migraines
• Helpful in menstrual disorders
• Stye (Eye infection)
• Has laxative properties which help in relieving constipation
• Relieves joint pain and helps in treating and lowering arthritis symptoms

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Uses of Castor Oil

• Natural cuticle oil
• Cleanser and moisturiser
• Perking up the Fern plant
• Natural lip balm
• Itch relief
• Lubricating metal
• Calms mouth sores

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How to Use Castor Oil

The peculiar smell and dense structure of castor oil can make it unappealing to many. This issue can be addressed by using castor oil in combination with other oils such as coconut oil, Aloe Vera oil, Peppermint oil, Almond oil, Avocado oil etc.

Also read: How to Apply Castor Oil

On Your Face

Castor oil has cleansing and moisturising properties which can work wonders on the facial skin

How to Apply:

1. Combine one tablespoon of castor oil and combine it with extra virgin olive oil in your hands
2. Apply the mixture on the face and massage it for a couple of minutes so that the skin is able to absorb it
3. Soak a washcloth is lukewarm water and apply it on the face. Leave the washcloth on the face for a minute and repeat the procedure again
4. Scrub the face with washcloth
5. Wash the face with some cold water and apply a good facial toner

The above procedure should be done thrice a week to notice any changes in the texture of the facial skin.

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On Your Hair

How to Apply:

1. Take about ½ cup of castor oil in your palm and apply it to your hair from the roots to the tips and massage well. Castor oil is sticky compared to other oils and hence difficult to wash off. Hence, do not use too much of the oil
2. Ideally you should leave it overnight, however a minimum of 15-20 minutes should be given for the oil to get absorbed
3. Owing to its dense consistency, it can be a task to wash off hair oiled with castor oil. You can condition your hair with a conditioner and then take a shower about 30 minutes later. This will enable the oil to come off easily
4. Towel dry washed hair and avoid using any heat styling gadgets just after the hair wash

This treatment works best on damp hair.

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Oral Consumption

• Castor oil is more effective if taken on an empty stomach
• It is taken orally and the dosage for adults is 15 millilitres
• Castor oil is unpleasant in taste
• It is advisable to cool the castor oil for a minimum of an hour to mask its taste. You can then combine it with a glass of fruit juice.
• Flavoured castor oil preparations are also available in the market and serve the same purpose.

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Castor Oil Dosage: How Much of it is Safe?

Castor oil is a naturally occurring ingredient and is usually considered safe to consume. However, consuming it above the recommended dosage can be bad. Here is how much of castor oil you should consume.

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Possible Side Effects of Castor Oil

Castor oil generally does not have serious side effects. However, stomach cramping, nausea, loose motions or weakness might be experienced. You should contact your health care provider immediately if these symptoms worsen.

A serious allergic reaction is a rare occurrence with castor oil consumption. However allergic reaction symptoms such as rash, inflammation, severe dizziness and breathing trouble should be immediately notified to the doctor.

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Precautions to Account Before Castor oil consumption

• Castor oil is not recommended during pregnancy
• Consult doctor if you have any allergies or are allergic to castor oil
• Appendicitis patients should be particularly careful before consuming castor oil
• Before undergoing a surgical procedure, it is advisable to tell the doctor about all the drugs and herbal products which you use

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Castor Oil: A Buyers Guide

Types of Castor Oil Products

• Jamaican Black Castor Oil: Beneficial in acne reduction and scalp cleaning
• Hydrogenated Castor Oil: Commercial application in preparing waxes, candles and crayons, paper coatings and grease manufacturing
• Chemical Extracted Castor Oil: A low quality oil with solvent impurities such as heptane and hexane
• Cold Pressed Castor Oil: The most beneficial castor oil made by pressing organic castor seeds

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Where to Buy?

You can use Flipkart coupons, Purplle coupons, Amazon India and Snapdeal coupons to save money when buying castor oil products.

Best Brands that Sell Castor Oil

• Aroma Magic
• G Drops