If you’re looking for something that will boost your immunity, heal your skin, aid your digestion and make your eyelashes grow longer (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), you definitely want to be casting your eye over castor oil.
Hailed as a medicine cabinet staple thanks to its high fatty acid content and the ricinoleic acid compound that’s present within it, the use of this ancient oil has treated a variety of health conditions for thousands of years. It’s commonly used in Ayurveda, and its uses literally know no bounds. Here’s why you should be incorporating castor oil into your day-to-day:
It’s hella anti-inflammatory
Which makes it a stellar addition to any skincare regime. Its claims to skincare fame include treatment of age spots, stretch marks, sunburn, and rashes; thanks to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties. And, it’s an acne-fighting charm. It helps dissolve and remove acne-causing bacteria, dirt and excess oil and also prevents breakouts. Top marks for you, castor oil.
It’s an immune-boosting powerhouse
Ingesting castor oil regularly is thought to improve immune function over time, thanks to its unique ability to increase white blood cells. It can also increase T-11 cells, which are a unique kind of white blood cells that act like antibodies and help to kill viruses, fungi and bacteria. Basically, it lessens the inflammatory response within the bod, which inherently boosts your immunity.
It stimulates hair growth
Luscious locks, holla! Massaging castor oil into your scalp can help stimulate hair growth, and because of its pre-discussed anti-bacterial, anti-viral properties, it’s a staple in the haircare routine of anyone who suffers with dandruff or flaky scalp.
It’s also an all-natural eyelash and eyebrow treatment. If you over-plucked in the 90s and are trying to beef out your brows a bit, castor oil is your gal. Dip a cotton bud in the oil and carefully apply onto brows and lashes. Wake up in the morning the next Cara Delevingne. Simple.
It banishes constipation quick-smart
If you’re prone to trouble getting things erm… moving, castor oil will become your new bestie. Because of the aforementioned ricinoleic acid that’s present, it’s a great, all-natural stimulant that acts as a laxative to alleviate constipation and gas.
Oh, and remember that time we delved into the nitty-gritty of Ayurvedic Panchakarmas? Well, a couple of teaspoons of castor oil are typically taken alongside ginger tea at bedtime during a panchakarma to bring about a mild purgation in the morning.
It can help alleviate back pain
Maybe it’s an old wives tale, maybe it’s legit. Regardless, reports indicate that rubbing castor oil onto the site of back pain (aka, your back) is a sure-fire way to relieve the inflammation thanks to the anti-inflammatory workhorse ricinoleic acid again.
Thanks for literally having our backs, castor oil.
