Castor Oil
Castor oil, from the castor plant, has been used for its healing properties for centuries. Nowadays it has gained popularity for its beautification properties.
Castor oil, from the castor plant, has been used for its healing properties for centuries. Nowadays it has gained popularity for its beautification properties.
Castor oil, from the castor plant, has been used for its healing properties for centuries. Nowadays it has gained popularity for its beautification properties.
Castor Oil has a high fatty acid content, and unlike other seed oils, is rich in Vitamin-E giving it antioxidant properties which inhibit inflammatory damage; it also provides limited sun protection.
As a moisturiser, it helps hydrate dry skin and is excellent for plumping up fine lines and wrinkles. It is said to make hair grow thicker, many people use it on their eyebrows and lashes for this effect.
Castor oil absorbs into the deep layers of the skin so is helpful in aiding the transdermal penetration of other oils as well as its own cocktail of fatty acids, carotenoids, phospholipids, phytosterols and phytonutrients.
The high content of Ricinoleic acid makes it antibacterial and antiviral, thus enhancing its benefits as a moisturiser further for those suffering from inflammatory skin conditions.
Medicinally Castor Oil has many properties.
It can be used topically to reduce swelling and pain in joints.
As a compress, or castor oil pack, it can be used over the liver area to support liver function and bile flow, or over the abdomen to promote good bowel movements, reduce bloating and sooth IBS associated pain.
Contra indications: During pregnancy it may induce labour.
Bleeding - such as heavy menstruation, stomach ulcers or haemorrhoids.
Skin reactions may occur in those with sensitive skin.
Medical interactions can occur with diuretics, adrenal corticosteroids and liquorice root, so check with your doctor.