The Beautiful Benefits of Castor Oil

Castor oil’s been given a bad rap. Recently, however, it’s gone from zero to hero in many beauty routines.

This thick, odorless oil distilled from castor plant seeds dates back to Egyptian times, when Cleopatra supposedly used it as a beauty treatment. Much more recently, it’s been used to improve hair and skin and combat all sorts of health issues.

A real boost
Castor oil contains several moisturizing fatty acids, such as linoleic, ricinoleic, and stearic acid, that improve hydration. It’s also high in nutrient-rich vitamin E, omega-6, and omega-9 and holds healing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Just a tiny amount can help heal dry split ends, tame the frizz, and keep hair looking lustrous. It even fights dandruff.

Here comes the sun
Like aloe, castor oil produces a cooling sensation when applied directly on sunburned skin. During cooler months, the oil soothes dry, flaky skin. Its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may also help control acne. Just be sure to do a spot test first to make sure you’re not allergic.

An important ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine
A natural system of medicine, Ayurveda is rooted in India. The word itself means knowledge of life, from the Sanskrit ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). In Ayurvedic medicine, castor oil belongs to the rejuvenative, anti-aging class of herbs known as rasāyana. Its deeply penetrating qualities increase circulation, so practitioners use it in massage oil to relieve inflammation and joint pain. It’s also employed to combat psoriasis and dandruff and heal wounds.

Less is more
Dab a drop or two of castor oil on your skin to moisturize and heal. It takes time to be absorbed, so you can speed up the process by mixing it with another oil, such as olive. To smooth split ends, warm a quarter-sized drop of castor oil in your hands before applying. Blend it with coconut oil for a restorative hair mask. Leave it on for an hour or overnight to work its magic.

Whether taken internally to assist digestion or applied externally to heal and protect, castor oil is clearly a natural in any health and beauty regimen.