Castor oil: properties, benefits, uses and contraindications

From the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), you get castor oil become infamous during the Fascist era and is back in the limelight thanks to its properties and its benefits.

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

Mask for dry hair DIY: 15 recipes for homemade masks from natural ingredients

Dry hair is a big problem: kinky, rough, difficult to manage. How to do? There are of course natural solutions, such as a mask for dry hair, but first we must see what is the cause of the dryness of the hair, some tips for hair care and the most effective natural remedies to make your hair soft and silky.
Dry Hair: Causes and tips

There are several reasons why you can end up with a dry hair and there are different ways of dealing with dry hair.
Here are the reasons:

•  sun, salt, salt. The enemy par excellence of the hair in the summer, they have an extraordinary power to dry up. And then there's of course chlorine.

• Shampoo and cosmetics incorrect: choose aggressive products is always one of the most reliable of the causes of dry hair problem. It 's time to change products!

• Drying: warm not hot, like water. Avoid frequent plates.

• aggressive treatments: shades, bleaching and permanent should be avoided will have to deal with dry hair. 

And here's what to do to remedy dry hair:

•  Comb your hair: it is important to spread good oils produced naturally by the hair. Always use natural combs.

•  Use very little shampoo but choose one bio, distribute the conditioner on the tips. Thoroughly massage the skin is important to encourage circulation.

• Drink plenty of water, also ideal green tea, cranberry juice and blended fruit and vegetables.

• Use at least once a week a mask for dry hair DIY.

for dry hair masks DIY

Here are the best recipes for dry hair homemade masks. Quick to make, simple ingredients and result assured.
Mask for dry hair egg and natural butter

needed:

    3 egg yolks
    3 tablespoons of shea butter
    4 tablespoons of coconut butter

Whisk the egg yolks with shea butter and coconut butter. Apply on the hair and keep it on for 40 minutes. Rinse with cold water after shampooing, apply on the tips a coconut butter and comb gently wipe with warm temperature.

Hair mask with peppermint

needed:

    1 tablespoon of camellia oil
    2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil
    3 tablespoons of aloe gel
    4 drops of peppermint
    4 tablespoons of coconut butter

Mix the oil with aloe gel and coconut butter. Apply on the hair and keep posing 40 minutes. Rinse with cold herbal tea with mint.
Mask for dry hair DIY clay and avocado

needed:

•     6 tablespoons of white clay

•     coconut milk to taste

•     1 tablespoon of coconut oil

•     half an avocado

Clean and blend the avocado half. Work the clay, with milk and coconut oil, mix with the avocado smoothie. Keep posing 40 minutes. Add to shampoo little coconut water, rinse with cold water.
Mask for dry hair Marigold

needed:

    3 tablespoons of jojoba oil
    4 tablespoons argan butter
    3 drops of essential oil of calendula
    half a cup of lavender flowers

Blend the holes with oils of lavender, add the butter and leave on the hair for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold herbal tea lavender.
Hair mask homemade to pitaya

needed:

    Half peeled pitaya
    3 tablespoons of coconut butter
    3 tablespoons argan oil
    2 egg yolks
    2 teaspoons lemon juice

Blend the pitaya and pass through a sieve. Mix with the egg, oil and lemon. Add butter and mix until it is Homogeneous. Keep it on for 40 minutes. Lengthen the shampoo with green tea and then proceed to rinse. The pitaya is a tropical fruit and is located at the supermarket.
Mask for dry hair homemade pear

needed:

    1 pear
    5 tablespoons of white clay
    2 tablespoons honey
    2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    2 tablespoons of aloe gel

Peel the aloe leaf and cut the gel, whip with pear flesh. Add honey and oil and mix with the clay, if the mask is too thick, dilute with a little coconut water. Keep it on for 40 minutes.

yogurt and papaya hair mask

needed:

    3 tablespoons of flaxseed oil
    4 tablespoons of yogurt
    half papaya
    3 tablespoons honey

Mash the papaya flesh and mixed with yogurt, olive oil and honey. Keep posing 40 minutes and then rinse after shampooing, with green tea.
hair mask to mate

needed:

    1 tablespoon olive oil
    5 tablespoons of white clay
    mate qb
    2 tablespoons yogurt
    half a cucumber

Peel the cucumber and blend, mix it with yogurt and olive oil, add the clay and dilute with the tea mate. Mate is a sort of Argentine tea, after boiling the mix, filter and use the tea. Keep posing 40 minutes. Combine the shampoo green tea.
hair mask to pink centifolia

needed:

    3 tablespoons wheat germ oil
    2 tablespoons coconut butter
    2 tablespoons of shea butter
    5 tablespoons of white clay
    herbal tea rose centifolia qb

The rosebuds centifolia are found in herbal medicine, put to boil a spoon and cut a herbal tea. A cold and filtered once, mix it with the clay and other ingredients. Hold on for at least 20 minutes. Rinse with what remains of herbal tea.
Mask for dry hair DIY cornflower

needed:

    2 tablespoons jojoba oil
    Cornflower tea taste
    3 tablespoons argan butter
    2 tablespoons honey
    5 tablespoons of white clay

The cornflower buds are buying herbal medicine and it yields a tea that is used in the amalgam of ingredients. The mask has a 40-minute exposure time. The cornflower has the ability to moisturize the hair thoroughly.
Mask for dry hair with yogurt

needed:

    4 tablespoons of yogurt
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    3 teaspoons honey

All this is mixed and on the hair is applied with the aid of a hair brush. Apply the mask on the whole length and also on the scalp. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Not to dirty wrap the hair in plastic wrap. Repeat the mask a times a week for 20 days. This mask is one of the most nutritious, gives shine and softness.
Mask for hair oil and banana DIY

needed:

    10 ml of olive oil
    10 ml of almond oil
    the pulp of half a banana

We mix and frulliamo if the mixture should be too dense. We spread on the whole length and leave for 15-20 minutes.
Mask for dry hair DIY castor oil and olive oil

needed:

    2 teaspoons of castor oil
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1 egg yolk

Mix the ingredients well and after getting a fine paste, applied on your hair, cover with plastic wrap. Let stand the treatment for at least one hour in order to have rapid and surprising results. Rinsed with a small amount of shampoo and warm water.
Packs for dry hair

Against dry hair and brittle serving of nourishing and moisturizing treatments. Olive oil is a great natural pack for dry hair because it gives shine and vitality in a few minutes. It should be massaged on the scalp cappelletto that the lengths and must be rinsed very well with warm water to avoid leaving residues.

A wrap even more nutritious hair can be made by mixing one egg, a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of an aromatic oil, such as almond oil or sandalwood oil. In this case you join the nourishing power of the proteins present in the egg to oil polishing power for an excellent natural hair wrap effective even against split ends.

foods for beautiful nails, skin and hair

10 allies of beauty foods to feed the best nails, skin and hair. Because perhaps not everyone knows that "they" need a daily intake of vitamins and valuable micro nutrients to stay in shape and grow just as well. Eating means the body ensure the fuel it needs to keep active and efficient; eat carefully choosing foods means ensuring a nail, skin and hair all the best allies of their beauty and health. But if the power is not enough to get your fill of well-being, to our help hasten supplements.

1. Shellfish

Delicious allies of the most refined palates, but also precious balm for nails and hair. Lobster, shrimp & co, guarantee, thanks to their vitamin B12, iron and zinc, a strengthening and invigorating effect on nails and hair. The growth for both improves, nails do not break up and the hair is shinier and brighter.

2. The blue fish 

Low in calories, but rich in taste, oily fish is recommended in all diets. Not only because it is ideal to keep the line, but also because it provides the right amount of omega 3 and iron that can make skin more beautiful and strong hair. Go ahead, then, to salmon, tuna, mackerel and anchovies.

3. Legumes

The stars of the fall and winter recipes, heritage of country cooking unpretentious, legumes are a good quality mine. Both for the health, thanks to the ability to adjust the gastrointestinal system, both for the beauty of skin, hair and nails, thanks to the contribution of protein, iron and zinc.

4. Whole grains

That for reasons of health and prevention are preferable to refined ones, now, you know. But that whole grains are also good friends of the skin and hair, are able to give them new strength, shine and body, maybe not everyone knows it. The merit? Vitamin B, iron and zinc which spelled, barley, brown rice and oats are rich.

5. Eggs

The egg white is free, or nearly so, of calories, while the yolk creates more difficulties for cholesterol, but eat in moderation (no more than three or four per week) the eggs fight hair loss and strengthen hair and nails , thanks to vitamin B12, iron, zinc and biotin.

6. Lean meat

Lean meat, which is white, that is chicken or turkey, or red, guarantees, if consumed without exaggeration, that is two or three times a week, excellent benefits for nails, skin and hair. If the white meat is rich in high biological value proteins, which nourish the skin and strengthen nails and hair, the red one is an iron mine which improves tissue oxygenation.

7. The green leafy vegetables

Spinach, broccoli, arugula, chicory and Swiss chard are rich in vitamin A and C and are valuable sources of nutrition for the skin. The green leafy vegetables, in fact, deeply nourishes the dermis, encouraging the renewal and stimulating collagen production.

8. Dried fruit

Vitamin E and selenium are the tasty nuts from a food antioxidant useful to combat the effects of free radicals, preventing the aging of skin and other tissues. Excellent, especially walnuts and almonds.

9. The low-fat dairy

skimmed milk and low-fat cheese are valuable sources of protein and vitamin A, ideal to fight skin dryness and to give new strength and shine to hair and nails. Be careful, though, not to overdo it, because they lean does not mean calorie free.

10. The fruits and orange vegetables

That orange is the color par excellence of food skin allies know. A little 'because the carrots, thanks to beta-carotene, protect the skin from the aggression of the sun's rays. A little 'because vitamin A and C contained in oranges and clementines, but also in the pumpkin and grapefruit, favor the formation of collagen and tissue regeneration.

Nails and skin as new

Perhaps not everyone knows that the activity of the kidneys and bladder also depends on the skin's health status (including the skin of the scalp, upon which the new hair grows) and nails. The kidneys and bladder control the movement of fluids in our body: If these liquids circulate well, moisturize the best all tissues (including hair and nails) and "wash away" effectively metabolic waste through the urine. Even in this case, a slowdown in the activity of the kidneys and the bladder can occur outside with loss of skin firmness and a weakening of the nails. Let's help with rice and lemon ...

Nails: lemon favors their regrowth

In the case of fragile, thin nails, stained or who tend to fall apart, the essential oil of lemon is a great strengthener. They melt 3-4 drops in a teaspoon of wheat germ oil and this solution is massaged every night Fingernails and toenails, finger to finger, insisting on the nail root and then up towards the end. Also useful the evening hand bath with water and lemon: you squeeze an entire citrus in a warm tub of water and keep your hands to soak for 10-15 minutes.

Skin: rice oil slows aging

For the welfare of the skin in general (including the scalp), it is useful self-massage with rice bran oil: rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid and vitamin E, is particularly suited to combat ' skin aging, nourishes and moisturizes the skin and stimulate the regrowth of tissues. Pouring a teaspoon of oil on the fingertips and massage thoroughly the body and the scalp: execute the massage 2-3 times a week, before each shampoo. The rice bran oil can be taken orally (a spoon on an empty stomach in the morning, before breakfast): it improves drainage activities and intestinal. Use it once a day for a month.

amazing natural beauty tips

Until some time ago a face all smooth, wrinkle-free, relaxed and pulled it seemed the model of beauty to achieve. Easy to find then in cosmetic surgery the most immediate answer, only to realize that the scalpel freezes the faces in rigid unnatural expressions. Today the evolution of the model of beauty is more in harmony with the natural tendency of the skin to age. From idea to iron the wrinkles as if the skin had a rippling cloth, it has come to an aesthetic dimension that points more to harmonize the facial volumes. That's why the new cosmetics to regenerating, alongside the traditional actions smoothing and wrinkle exfoliating, contain substances capable of restructuring and supporting the skin of the most delicate areas.

Milk and sugar cane renew skin

One of the preferred methods for improving skin health is a mild exfoliation. It consists in the chemical removal of the superficial layer so as to allow the re-growth of young skin. It ranges from simple domestic scrubs to special creams, coming to intense peeling treatments. As to the active ingredients, it is best to use natural elements such as milk (lactic acid), sugar cane (glycolic acid), apples and pears (malic acid), citrus fruits (citric acid) and grapes (tartaric acid): the acids contained in these foods facilitate the exfoliation of dead skin cells and stimulate the dermis to the collagen and elastin production.

smoother skin with borage oil
To restore the natural balance of fatigued skin from the sun we can turn to 'borage oil, natural supplement that can bring freshness and radiance to a dull skin. This extract is an excellent source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, those of the wall components of the skin cell membranes able to maintain its strength and elasticity. When cell membranes contain a good amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the skin is well hydrated, smooth and shiny.

How to do
Take one tablet of the OLO borage supplement before meals three times a day: particularly suitable in situations of special difficulty for the skin (sun, cigarette smoke, environmental pollutants).

From the sea the natural wrinkle action of seaweed extracts
The cosmetics based on algae extracts promise to give back the elasticity and tone the face and smooth out facial wrinkles; play a refreshing smoothing action and a clear anti-wrinkle lifting effect.

How to do
The mask with seaweed extracts and hexapeptides should be applied half an hour before going to bed or it can also be used before an important event as the basic serum for maquillage. It is important, for the purpose of firming results, apply the mask on the skin carefully following the aesthetic indications proposed by the manufacturers.

Make the mask to the apple
The choice of a natural mask can be a good solution for people with sensitive skin or for those who want to prepare in a quiet domestic self-sufficiency personal beauty care.

The ingredients
A full organic yogurt spoon, an organic acacia honey spoon, an organic apple pulp tablespoon pureed. Mix well and apply on the skin of the face and of the neck, already cleaned with warm water and a natural cleanser. Let it set the mask on for about half an hour. So Wash with a cotton swab and warm water and rinse your face with cool water.

Away impurities and more strength to the collagen with the right acid
The face masks of glycolic acid and acetic acid are given when you want exfoliating stronger action. Glycolic acid, a constituent of sugar cane, removes the top layer of skin impurities, even attenuating small folds and wrinkles aesthetic. The acetic acid, which is located in the vinegar of wine, stimulates collagen, dermis support element.

warnings
Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes - glycolic acid is a powerful irritant - and exposure to the sun and direct heat after use of the mask.
 

Pomegranate, your beauty secret

In January, the month of "settling" for the metabolism, we propose a reshaping path that leverages the slimming properties of plant extracts, oils and essences but most of the pomegranate; this typical fruit of the cold season, considered by science a real panacea for its wealth of valuable antioxidants to prevent many diseases, also has useful properties to thin silhouette. The pomegranate is rich in vitamins, including C, which promotes skin regeneration and purification, but also of draining minerals, such as potassium; But what stands out, it is especially the high content of polyphenols, which in addition to carrying out intense law enforcement efforts against free radicals, responsible for aging and sagging skin, invigorate circulation, reduce edema and cellulite. Try then 1-2 times a week the route that we propose here in more, throughout January and beyond, hire

fresh pomegranate fruit.

Start by scrub anti impurities
You can re-oxygenate the skin thanks to a scrub that combines the action of an abrasive "mechanical" like sugar and that of the pomegranate, thanks to its content of organic acids dissolves and removes dead cells and impurities. More massage reactivates the blood and lymphatic circulation, improving drainage and combating stagnation. Blend 3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds with a teaspoon of honey, a tablespoon of sugar Raw cane and 2-3 teaspoons of jojoba oil. Use the mixture to make a peeling, massaging gently with circular movements thighs, hips and buttocks.

The wrap with clay and essences reactivates circulation and drainage
The properties purifying white clay, or kaolin, together with those of the pomegranate, regenerating skin, and essential oils from the properties dissolve fat (orange) and draining (birch) enhance the circulation and act on cellulite, with slimming and firming effects on tissues. Compound half a glass of fresh pomegranate juice, 3-4 spoons of white clay, 6 of essential birch oil drops (or an extract spoon fluid) and 5 drops of orange essence. You must obtain a rather liquid, which can be spread with the help of a brush in a thin layer. Roll out the mixture on atonic areas and allowed to dry for 15 minutes. Rinsed with a lukewarm shower.

Regenerated by centrifugation
Make a "cure" made with pomegranate juice for a month is good for the club and returns tone and brightness to dark and dull skin. Drink half a glass of pomegranate centrifuged, at mid-morning or in the afternoon, adding, if you want to, mineral water. In addition, take the supplement: find pomegranate extracts, usually associated with other plants with antioxidant properties, in tablets or tablets on the market. Take one day with water or other liquid, for a month.

Honed with vegetable oils and butters
After bathing or showering, apply a mixture of vegetable oils and butters that will make your skin soft and smooth but also firmer and more elastic. Do this in a container a mixture of shea butter and one teaspoon of macadamia oil; add a tablespoon of pomegranate seed oil. Use a proper amount of compound to massage the whole body, until absorbed.