Castor oil for the win! An elixir for beautiful hair, fingernails, and skin

A vegetable oil pressed from castor beans, castor oil has a wide array of cosmetic and health benefits. Mainly grown in India, Africa, and South America, it is not edible oil. 

While castor oil was historically used as a laxative, today it remains a common natural treatment for conditions like constipation and skin ailments. It is also commonly used in natural beauty products.

Here are five incredible benefits of castor oil:

1. Castor oil for silky smooth hair
Castor oil works as a natural hair conditioner. According to a study, first published in the International Journal of Trichology, dry and damaged hair immensely benefit from fatty castor oil.

Also applying fats like castor oil on hair regularly helps lubricate the shaft. This increases flexibility and reduces the risk of breakage. Castor oil can also be helpful in dealing with dandruff.

You may also like

Give It A Minute, Ep 21 | Give Curry Leaves A Shot To Reduce Hair Fall Watch Video

Is beeswax good for skin? Know its benefits and ways to use Read Article

Also, read: 10 women talk to us about the one hair care hack that they swear by

Your health question get answered? Get expert backed answers by HealthShot’s AI-powered chatbot

Ask Now

2. Replete with anti-Inflammatory effects
Castor oil has ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Ricinoleic acid reduces pain and swelling as well.

Due to castor oil’s ability to reduce inflammation, it may be used as an effective treatment for dandruff that is caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis as well.

3. Strengthen fingernails with castor oil
Fungal infections often cause ragged cuticles and brittle nails. Castor oil’s anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties could help strengthen nails as well.

A study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found that leaf essential oil and leaf methanol extract of castor plant has potent antibacterial and antifungal activity.

4. Bid adieu to skin problems with castor oil
Acne causes blackheads, pimple, and bumps on the face and body. One of the major causes of severe acne is thought to be inflammation. Applying castor oil to the skin may thus help reduce inflammation-related symptoms.

Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of castor oil may help fight bacterial overgrowth. The study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, also showed that castor oil extract had considerable anti-bacterial power, which inhibits the growth of several bacteria.

Also, read: Should you use oils on oily skin? Find the answer to that age-old question here

5. Castor oil works wonders as a natural moisturiser
Castor oil being rich in ricinoleic acid, which is a monosaturated fatty acid, acts as a humectant (a substance that retains moisture) and can be used to moisturise the skin.

A study, published in PMC, has pointed out how humectants retain moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin. The ricinoleic acid helps against sunburn as well.

Also, read: 5 expert-recommended home remedies to follow in your 20s to prevent lines and wrinkles

So, without further ado, make use of this versatile oil and boost the quality of your hair, skin, and fingernails.