Strengthens, feeds, glossy ... these are just some of its valuable qualities, which we discuss below some information on the plant.
The castor oil origins
The castor plant originates from tropical Africa according to some sources, while others show originates from India where it is known as Palma Christi, definitely has spread throughout the tropical climate but also in temperate because they are the places where this plant finds its favorable habitat to develop. It is a herbaceous plant or arborescent, therefore, annual or perennial (depends on the place in which it grows and the climate in particular). Its height is 3 to 10 meters, the leaves are palmate and toothed, green or reddish.
The flowers grow in summer, in bunches: the male flowers are at the base and apex are willing female ones. The fruits are thorny, and when they are ripe open releasing the dark red seeds. The oil that is extracted has a straw color, is viscous and dense tastes and an unattractive odor.
The castor plant is a well-known since the time of the Egyptians, it is not known with certainty if the oil was used for medicinal purposes or simply as a condiment in the kitchen. Among the non-edible uses we know for sure that was used as a lubricant, this due to the fact that even at low temperatures never freezes but remains viscous.
It can be bought in pharmacies or herbal medicine.
The castor oil consistency
Although it is not definitely inviting, the castor oil has excellent properties given by the following characteristics.
What contains castor oil:
- myristic
- palmitic acid
- ricinoleic acid
- oleic acid
- linoleic acid
- α-linolenic acid
- stearic acid
- hydroxystearic acid 9,10
- arachidic acid
- gadoleico acid
Features at a glance:
- It is a good lubricant
- low flammability
- antioxidant
- not dry
- low melting point
- mainly used for the production of surfactants and emulsifiers
Castor oil: properties and benefits
The main properties of castor oil is its being laxative, by always using it in order to facilitate the evacuation of the bowel, so it is a good remedy against constipation.
It has indeed also of fungal infections is great for fighting bacterial skin infections and attacks.
And 'anti-inflammatory, so it is recommended to those suffering from arthritis.
It has emollient and is great against dry hair, weak lashes and dehydrated skin, not only is excellent for strengthening nails as it is rich in:
- elastin
- collagen
It stimulates the production of keratin and thus heals and strengthens.
A lesser known properties is that of strengthening the immune system.
Obviously we know that helps against colitis problems, but it is also an interesting remedy for corns of the feet because it softens them.
With all the beneficial components which could not but be an excellent antioxidant in cosmetics and in fact it also takes advantage just because of his properties.
It improves lymphatic circulation, yes, through the massage with this oil stimulates the lymphatic movement.
Castor oil: all uses
Discover how to use the life of every day, so in practical terms, the castor oil.
- Colitis? It takes a cloth soaked in castor oil and relies on the painful or you do the massage.
- Calli? Just soak the castor oil a cotton and apply it on the corn until it is softened. To take firm cotton wool worn socks or stop it with a plaster.
- Arthritis? The oil is heated in a water bath (not hot lukewarm It must have) then add the cotton ball and massaging on the painful area. Then cover the area with a warm cloth and leave 30 minutes. If the area is inflamed this method is not applicable.
- weak eyelashes? If you have an empty mascara applicator at home, just clean it thoroughly and then pour in the castor oil, then apply it on their own lashes as the mascara. Alternatively dab the castor oil on the lashes with batting. Before making this wash and remove make-up her face carefully.
- Dark circles? Before going to bed massage some oil drop on the eye and in the morning go teaspoon iced!
- dry skin, dry, that scale? After showering a massage with castor oil, let it absorb and then apply a normal moisturizer.
- brittle nails? What we need is a pack of: castor oil, sweet almond oil and one drop of tea tree oil.
- Contractures? It massages on castor oil patch, helps to relax the muscles.
- Itching and dandruff? Before shampooing massage on the skin a few drops of castor oil.
Castor oil is also an excellent remedy:
- stye
- eczema
- herpes
- sunburn
- wounds
- dandruff
- insect bites
Castor oil: contraindications and side effects
CAUTION: it is time to talk about contraindications.
The seed of the castor can not be consumed as it is because it is POISONOUS. Contains ricin, if we assume the symptoms of poisoning are:
- diarrhea
- vomit
- convulsions
- embolism
- arrhythmia
Ingesting even a few seeds can be lethal.
Castor oil should not be consumed in large quantities: up to 1 teaspoon for the laxative effect. It may give rise to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Do not ingest if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is also not recommended for use in people who suffer from:
- ulcers
- hemorrhoids
- prolapse
- Irritable bowel syndrome
