“Miracle” and “cure-all” are words that tend to be overused in this day and age, but some remedies truly do fit those descriptors. One of them is castor oil. Although it’s been around for many years and has been successfully used as a natural remedy, its use is still just as relevant for various applications.
Getting to Know Castor Oil
Castor oil contains fatty acids, and ricinoleic acid is the main ingredient in the oil that has healing activity. The castor plant, also known as Ricinus communis, grows in India and various Mediterranean countries. The plant’s seeds are pressed to create castor oil.
Centuries ago, castor oil’s uses included ointments and lamp oil. As time went on, the oil continued to be used for various skin issues and other applications.
Castor oil can help with a range of health issues such as bacteria, viruses, fungus and skin issues. Here are some specific applications and uses of castor oil.
Joint and Muscle Problems
Joint and muscle problems and pain can be common, especially as the body ages. But castor oil can be wonderful at alleviating various aches and pains. For example, you can rub it into sore and tight muscles, and it can alleviate soreness and tenderness. Or you can massage it into joints that are painful because of arthritis or some other issue, and it can work to reduce that pain too.
Fungal Issues
Fungal problems can be stubborn and difficult to treat, but castor oil can come to the rescue and be truly healing. In fact, for athlete’s foot, ringworm and other problems, it may work just as well as antifungal medications. Applying the oil to the problematic area and leaving it on for several hours or even overnight can yield more healing benefits.
Skin and Hair Care
There are so many beauty products on the market, and many of them are astronomically expensive and, even worse, toxic and irritating. You can replace many of them by having a humble bottle of castor oil in your cupboard or medicine cabinet to help cure skin and hair issues.
Your hair will love castor oil and drink up its benefits. If you struggle with hair loss, you can massage a small amount of castor oil onto your scalp and eyebrows. That can encourage hair follicles and new hair growth. Leave the oil on for several hours to receive more benefits. Another way to use castor oil on hair is by applying about a tablespoon and covering each hair strand. The goal here is to help your hair look and feel thicker and healthier.
Skin is another area where castor oil shines in terms of its amazing benefits, and it’s no wonder people since ancient times have successfully used this oil on skin. Castor oil is an excellent moisturizer, partly because it is so thick and soaks into the skin. Because of that thickness, you also only need to use a small amount to experience moisturizing benefits. The oil helps with a wide variety of skin problems, from blemishes and warts to skin tags and dermatitis.
Sleep Relief
So many people struggle with being able to get to sleep and stay asleep, but the simple remedy of castor oil can be a wondrous bedtime help. Try placing just a small amount on your forehead or temples of your head.
Castor Oil Pack
If you’ve heard of castor oil, you might have heard of the castor oil pack because this is one of the most well-known uses of the oil. And that’s for good reason, because it can be highly effective. In a nutshell, it involves applying the oil to a material like flannel, then placing that material on an area of the skin for its healing properties. The castor oil pack can produce many benefits, including healing for the immune system.
Just make sure you buy a high-quality castor oil with no additives in it. Preferably buy organic oil to avoid the toxins like chemicals, pesticides and solvents that can be in nonorganic oil. You can find castor oil in many places both online and in local stores. If you’re going to use castor oil on your skin, try it out on a small area first to make sure it does not produce any uncomfortable effects.
Be like the ancients and experience the benefits of castor oil, and you’ll likely see why this simple and inexpensive product has been called a miracle and cure-all for many centuries. Remember to consult a qualified health practitioner if you have a serious or ongoing health issue.
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