Castor Oil enjoys the top-spot when it comes to anti-fungal as well as laxative properties it carries. The US-FDA categorizes Castor oil as "Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective" (GRASE) for over-the-counter sale as a laxative. In India, it has been used since ages to treat various conditions and finds its mention in Ayurveda as ‘Arandi ka Tel’. Let’s take a look at some of the amazing uses of castor oil in our daily life:
1) Healthy Skin:
Castor oil can be used to treat skin tags, acne and warts that are some of the irritating skin infections that affect most of us. Apply castor oil on to the affected part with a cotton swab. The result can be seen with regular application for more than two weeks. It is also used for the treatment of fungal infections like ring worm, athlete’s foot, jock itch etc. It is an excellent skin moisturizer and hence a favorite among people with overly dry skin. It is recommended to use castor oil during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks.
2) Healthy Hair:
Applying warm castor oil onto the scalp promotes hair growth. It also improves the natural color of the hair as well as makes it look shinier and thicker. It contains ricinoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids and regular massaging onto the scalp promotes blood circulation and hence fosters hair growth.
3) An Effective Natural Laxative:
Castor oil is considered as a safe and natural laxative, with proper dosage. The normal dosage is 1 to 2 tablespoon for adults and 1 to 2 teaspoon for children 2-12 years old. The action of castor oil starts in the small intestine and a complete clean out of the bowels happens within 2 to 5 hours of consuming it. Thereby castor oil makes for an excellent tummy cleanser too.
4) Healthy Eyes - Gorgeous Eyelashes:
As per Ayurveda, Castor oil can be used to relax eyes and keep them free from any kind of allergies. A drop of castor oil is enough on each eyelid and a light two minute massage every night can work wonders to keep your eyes trouble free. Also, you can use your empty mascara bottle n brush to nourish your eyelashes with the super-ingredients of Castor Oil.
5) Reduce Colic in Babies:
Castor oil helps to reduce the pain of gas and other stomach troubles in little infants and babies. Rubbing oil over their tummy helps them get a peaceful sleep free from all tummy troubles. Castor oil can also be used for Naval Chakra in children and adults. Castor oil is recommended to be applied on the belly of kids who are hyperactive to control their psychological condition
6) Tinnitus:
That whistling sound in the ears and hearing loss is said to be cured by putting a drop or two in ears every night. Taking 6-8 drops of castor oil orally every day for 4 weeks can help cure tinnitus, hearing loss and even throat hoarseness.
7) Lubricant:
Castor oil helps in lubricating moving parts of machines. It is used in racing cars, devices like cycle pumps etc. Due to its viscosity, castor oil does not freeze, so it can be used in both hot and cold temperatures. It is safe to be used in kitchen appliances like kitchen scissors, meat grinders etc that need lubrication from time to time.