Castor Oil Benefits
(7 benefits for scalp and skin health)

Castor oil benefits include it's ability to nourish the scalp to promote healthy hair, fight damaged hair and dandruff, but it is also a natural skin moisturizer.

Castor Oil Benefits for scalp, hair, and skin.

Castor oil is made by extraction from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant.The seeds, which are called castor beans, contain a enzyme called ricin. Although the ricin is normally toxic, the heating process deactivates it, allowing the oil to be used safely.

It has many industrial, medicinal, and pharmaceutical uses such as being an additive in medications, foods, and skin care products, as well as it's use as an industrial lubricant and a fuel component.

7 Castor Oil Benefits 

1. Scalp Oil - perfect for head massage to help nourish the scalp and encourage hair growth, repair split ends, prevent premature aging, decrease dandruff and moisturize dry, damaged hair
2. Skin Moisturizer - rich in ricinoleic acid so it helps heal dry, irritated skin 
3. Fights acne -  ricinoleic acid, castor oil's main ingredient, helps inhibit the bacteria that causes acne, and improves texture and complexion of facial skin
4. Natural Laxative - helps to quickly, and effectively encourage bowel movement
5. Fight Fungus - with antifungal properties, this oil helps eliminate plague, and Candida related oral fungal infections 
6. Eyebrow/Eyelash Nourishment - helps nurture healthy, full eyelashes and eyebrows 
7. Eases sunburn - with it's anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil (in combination 1:1 with coconut oil) is the perfect oil to help ease the pain and irritation of sunburn

Castor Oil's Origin 

Castor oil originates from the seeds of the ricinus communis plant, which is abundant to the tropical areas of countries like Asia and Africa.

Used in ancient medicine for centuries, castor oil was taken orally as a laxative, used topically to stimulate hair growth, or applied as a skin lubricant. Some even used castor oil to induce labor or to encourage the flow of breast milk, although not backed by an scientific proof.

Castor Oil's Healing Properties

1. Anti-aging - Castor oil, with it's ricinoleic acid, are know to increase the skin's ability to absorb, and are therefore sometimes used in the treatment of various skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema
2. Moisturizing - Even though it has always been considered the best oil to help encourage bowel movement, this oil is perfect for conditioning hair, making it stronger, shinier, and healthier 
3. Antimicrobial - helping to fight bacteria 
4. Anti-inflammatory - calms irritation and eases redness
5. Antifungal properties - fights fungus, used to prevent fungal infection

Read more about castor oil's properties at Healthline.

Although this oil is often overlooked as a health and beauty treatment, it is very safe to use on just about everyone, but some with super sensitive skin issues have experienced certain side effects after applying to the skin.

Castor oil benefits include the fact that it is high in Omega 6 and Omega 8 - great for skin and hair!