10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Castor Oil

Castor oil is the go-to traditional cure for all kinds of skin and hair problems, as well as for a variety of health issues such as joint pains and upset stomach. Castor oil has been used for as long as since the ancient Egyptians to induce labour.

As a child, I remember my granny recommending castor oil for almost any problem. For her, it was the best home remedy for a host of ailments. Even today, the very mention of castor oil, also called as ‘Arandi Ka Tel’ in Hindi and ‘Aamudamu’ in Telugu summons the numerous natural health benefits it provides. But before we delve into details, here is a quick brief about its origin.

Benefits Of Castor Oil

1. Treats dandruff and other scalp conditions

Amongst its many properties, castor oil also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Massaged into the scalp it will help to clear up dandruff and other scalp conditions quickly and if you use it regularly, it will stop the conditions from taking hold in the first place.

 2. Anti-fungal

It has long been used as a treatment against fungal infections, especially ringworms and yeast infection, a common skin problem that may affect you at any age. Athletes foot is more common in people with unhygienic habits. Castor oil has a biochemical called undecylenic acid which helps retard fungal growth. Castor oil is generally mixed with coconut oil and the mixture is applied over the affected area and kept overnight. The procedure is to be repeated until cured. Castor oil also helps to rejuvenate the skin in the affected area and prevents formation of scars.

3. Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Castor oil, when applied to the skin, penetrates deep and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. This in turn helps soften and hydrate our skin. It delays the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making the skin smoother, softer and younger. The fine lines around the eye area can be treated with its application. For best results, apply it everyday, after washing your face, over wrinkles and fine lines . You may also apply castor oil for skin before bed daily.

4. Longer eyelashes

If you desire to have longer eyelashes, but you don’t want to go for eyelashes extensions, then try applying castor oil on your lashes every night before going to bed. In a couple of weeks time you should see the great result: naturally longer and thicker eyelashes that you’ve always dreamed of.

5. Thickens eyebrows

Rub some castor oil into your eyebrows each night before you go to bed and it will nourish and thicken your eyebrows. It also stimulates the growth of hair, so it’s great if you’ve over plucked your eyebrows. After a couple of weeks of regular castor oil massages your eyebrows will become thicker, so that you can shape it to your preference.

6. Antimicrobial

The antimicrobial properties of castor oil make it useful to not only treat fungal infection but also minor cuts and scratches on the skin. In case of skin sores or inflammation of the skin, especially at joints, rubbing castor oil in the area helps to ease the discomfort and heals the symptoms.

7. Acne

Castor oil is rich in Ricinoleic acid , which fights off the acne-causing bacteria. It effectively penetrates the skin layers, making it an excellent remedy for acne. To use castor oil for skin:

• Wash your face with warm water, as this will help open your pores.
• Simply massage your face in a circular motion with the oil.
• Keep it overnight.
• Wash off your face the next morning with cold water.

8. Dry skin remedy

Castor oil is also good at treating such problems as skin dryness. Just mix castor oil with a little coconut oil (in proportion 1:1) and apply to the affected area of your skin, leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse off and pat dry. After a couple of times of doing this your skin will become softer and dryness will disappear.

9. Sunburn and Itches

The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of castor oil make it ideal for treatment of rashes, itches and bug bites. It also helps to soothe skin in case of sunburn. If the affected area is small, you can soak a band-aid in castor oil and apply it on the area. For larger areas, dip a wad of cotton in castor oil and apply it directly to the affected skin area. Leave it for an hour (or overnight for itches and sunburns) and wash off after. Repeat this frequently during the day to get faster results.

10. Natural treatment for brittle nails

Castor oil is great at treating brittle and cracked nails. Just massage your nails with the oil every evening, before going to bed, and already after a week of doing it, you’ll see your nails transform from brittle to healthy.