Organic Castor oil is having TikTok moment as a treatment for a huge range of issues, but it’s no new kid on the healing block. Castor oil, known as Palma Christi, is traditionally used for its healing properties and wide range of health benefits. Even the ancient Egyptians cherished Castor Oil for its medicinal and beauty powers.

 

What is Organic Castor Oil?

 

Castor oil (Ricinus communis) is a long-lived (perennial) shrub (with can grow to the size of a small tree in suitable conditions.

Castor Oil contains 85-90 % ricinoleic acid and other fatty acids: oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid and dihydroxy stearic acid.

It also includes flavonoids, Vitamin E, phenolic acids, amino acids, terpenoids and phytosterols.

These combine to offer powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, fungicidal, laxative, anti-allergic, anti-ageing and analgesic properties

 

What it does

 

A thick, odourless oil extracted from the castor bean plant,  Castor Oil has a range of wellness benefits. It softens wrinkles, shrinks cysts, eases constipation and piles, relieves asthma and soothes arthritis –  just a few of its many benefits.

Why Castor oil so powerful? Castor oil is a triglyceride fatty acid, containing almost 90 per cent ricinoleic acid, one of the  unsaturated omega-9 fatty acids. Our bodies love omega acids! They’re full of soothing, anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties.

A moisturising master, Castor oil is used in many commercial beauty products. It’s even better in its natural form, free of perfumes and dyes. It can be strong on the skin, so you can also blend it with other skin saving oils, such as Jojoba Oil or Rosehip Oil.

Research has found it relieves the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, with 92 per cent of participants in a study experiencing significant improvement in arthritis-associated pain.

And it’s been approved by the US’ Food and Drug Administration as natural laxative for easing constipation. Its ricinoleic acid causes the intestine muscles to contract, allowing stuck things to move!

Use Castor Oil to:

• Soothe pain and swelling
• Treat fungal infections
• Relieve constipation
• Moisturise deeply
• Calm irritated skin
• Add shine to your hair

 

Organic Castor Oil Health Benefits

 

Rich in anti-inflammatory ricinoleic acid to fight swelling, it’s also bursting with antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Your great-grandma would’ve kept Castor Oil on hand as a skin moisturiser, a laxative and to ease arthritis pain.

Apply Castor Oil directly on the skin or use a compress. It can be taken internally but be cautious and take a small amount to start with because it can cause cramping, bloating and diarrhoea.

Botanica Culture Castor Oil is 100 per cent organic and cold pressed. It’s free of Hexane, a chemical solvent often used to extract the oil.

 

 

Tips and Ways on How to Use  Castor Oil

 

You can apply Castor Oil directly to the skin but it is better to blend it with other oils such as Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Oil or Sweet Almond Oil. It can also be used as a topical remedy or moisturizing treatment.

 

How to Use Castor Oil Compress for Liver Detox

 

• Take a piece of cotton or wool and soak it in Castor Oil
• Apply to your skin and leave it on, even overnight, so the oil can penetrate.
• Use a heating pad on top of the compress.

 

This method is also often used as a remedy for constipation, dry skin, arthritis, or period cramps.

 

How to Take Castor Oil Orally

 

• Add a few drops to milk or water or take in a capsule as a supplement.

 

If you’re using it as a laxative, take 10-20ml per day. Start with less in case you have an adverse reaction to the oil. You should not ingest castor oil for long term.

 

15 tips to use Castor Oil on Your Skin or Body

 

The wonders of Castor Oil’s ricinoleic acid make it a blessing for the skin. It penetrates deeply into the skin’s layers and maintains healthy skin flora. It also has cooling properties, to soothe skin irritation and redness, shielding the skin from bacterial infections and microbes.

 

 

Castor Oil for the Skin

 

1. Wrinkles

Castor oil stimulates the production of elastin and collagen to increase your skin’s elasticity and firmness. Castor oil helps plump up your skin, making it supple and radiant. After cleansing and toning, massage a blend of Castor Oil and Golden Jojoba Oil into your face for several minutes. Leave it on overnight and wash off in the morning.

 

2. Dry skin

A wonderful humectant,  Castor Oil helps skin retain moisture and avoid water loss, for a beautifully hydrated complexion all day. Use it on your face overnight so that it can penetrate deeply.

 

3. Acne

Castor oil naturally draws out dirt, dead skin cells, excess oil and bacteria without drying your skin. Apply a drop of Castor Oil to the affected area or create a blend with Castor Oil and Sweet Almond Oil. Leave on overnight. Remove with cleanser in the morning. Use every day for 2 weeks and then twice a week for maintenance.

 

4. Blackheads

Castor oil is non-comedogenic, which means it reduces the risk of developing blackheads or clogging pores, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Naturally astringent, it clears impurities and restores the skin’s pH balance. Gently apply directly to blackheads or use in a blend. Massage in circular motions. Leave on overnight and  cleanse your face in the morning.

 

5. Rosacea

Topical Castor Oil with Lavender Essential Oil: Castor oil is anti-inflammatory. Spray your skin with toner (Derma Botanica No.2) then apply Castor oil blended with 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil before bed.

 

 

Castor Oil for the Body

 

6. Arthritis  

Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it perfect for massaging into arthritic joints and sore muscles.

• Massage warm Castor Oil directly into affected joints before you go to sleep. Leave it on during the night.
• Use a Castor Oil compress with a heating pad or hot water bottle over it. Cover the heating pad in an old towel so it doesn’t get oily. Put the used compress in a bag in the ‘fridge so you can use it again.

 

7. Stretch Marks

Castor Oil’s fatty acids and help to moisturise, break down and repair stretch marks. Make a blend of:

• 1 tablespoon Castor Oil
• 2 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil
• Add few drops Lavender and Frankincense
• Massage into the skin. Leave oil on skin for 20 minutes and allow it to penetrate.

 

8. Constipation

Castor oil has long been used as a natural laxative. It stimulates the small and large intestines so that impacted fecal matter can move through the colon. Castor Oil’s fatty acids also help the bowel to retain moisture. Just take 1 tablespoon of Castor Oil. Some people mix castor oil with another liquid or flavored drink to counteract the strong odor and flavor, including: fruit juice or milk.

Castor Oil is safe to use in small doses but please be careful. Large amounts can causes cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea.

 

9. Moles and Skin tags

Mixed Castor Oil with a small amount of baking soda to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and cover with a bandage. If you apply the paste daily for about six weeks, the mole or skin tag will disappear.

 

10. Fungal Infections

Castor Oil contains undecylenic acid – great for relieving fungus and yeast infections in the body. It’s also a powerful treatment for athlete’s foot and ringworm. Mix a few drops with coconut oil, apply to the infection and leave on overnight.

 

11. Menstrual cramps

Massage warm Castor Oil over your abdomen to relieve menstrual cramps and period pain. The ricinoleic acid is anti-inflammatory and analgesic. You can also make a Castor Oil compress to leave on your abdomen.

 

12. Insomnia

If you can’t sleep, rub castor in your belly button. Your body absorbs the oil and promotes healthy circulation, increasing relaxation.

Rubbing castor oil in your belly button may bring several benefits. These include easing pain, supporting digestion, fortifying the immune system, aiding detox, and helping to relax for better sleep.

 

13. Corns

Hard calloused corns on your feet are painful and irritating. Castor Oil’s hydrating power can soften and heal them. Soak your feet in warm water for about 15 minutes. Dry feet and apply castor oil to the corn. Repeat for 10 days. You should be able to peel the corn away easily.

 

14. Treatment of Cysts

Castor oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially beneficial in reducing the swelling and pain associated with cysts. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil can penetrate the skin and help in reducing inflammation. It’s also believed to improve lymphatic circulation, which might aid in reducing the size of cysts over time.

• Apply warm castor oil directly to the cyst and cover it with a clean cloth.
• Over this, place a hot water bottle or heating pad for 15-30 minutes. This heat helps in increasing circulation and promoting healing.

 

This treatment can be done daily. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially for persistent or painful cysts.

 

15. Relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may provide relief from the pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil is thought to have analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial in managing arthritis symptoms.

• Warm a small amount of castor oil and gently massage it into the affected joints.
• You can also apply a castor oil pack – soak a cloth in castor oil, place it on the affected area, cover it with plastic wrap, and then apply a heating pad or hot water bottle for about 30 minutes.
• This treatment can be repeated daily or as needed for pain relief.

 

It’s important to note that while castor oil can be a helpful complementary treatment, it should not replace conventional treatments prescribed by a healthcare professional.

 

How to use Castor oil for your hair

 

Bursting with Vitamin E and omega fatty acids, Castor Oil keeps your hair glossy and full of health. It helps prevent hair loss, improves blood circulation to the scalp and naturally hydrates and conditions your hair. It can increase hair growth, reduce hair damage from products and styling and prevent dry scalp.

By moisturising the hair shaft, it reduces hair breakage and gives your hair back its bounce and lustre.

Use it once or twice a week and in very small quantities. Less is more with Castor Oil. Never apply it directly to your hair. Always mix with Sweet Almond Oil or Golden Jojoba Oil before applying to the roots or scalp.

 

 

4 tips to use Organic Castor Oil for your hair

 

1. Hair Growth

Create a hair pack with:

• 1 teaspoon Castor Oil
• 1 tablespoon Sweet Almond Oil
• 5-8 drops of Rosemary
• 5-8 drops of Cedarwood Oil

 

Mix the oils well. Apply to your scalp. Avoid getting the oil on your hair strands because it is hard to wash out. Cover hair with a shower cap and leave oil on for 20 minutes, then wash out. You can also leave on overnight. Repeat weekly for 6 weeks to reduce hair loss and strengthen hair roots.

 

2. Dandruff

Castor Oil’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties work wonders on dandruff. Blend:

• 2 tablespoons Castor Oil
• 1 tablespoon Golden Jojoba Oil
• Lemon juice from half a lemon

 

Apply to dry scalp. Leave for 30 minutes before rinsing.

 

3. Thicker Eyebrows

The antioxidants and  fatty acids in Castor Oil nourish the hair follicles in your eyebrows and ward off bacteria that can slow down hair growth. Create a blend of Castor Oil and Golden Jojoba Oil and apply to your eyebrows each night before you sleep.

 

4. Longer Eyelashes

Castor Oil boasts Vitamin E as one of its ingredients. Apply as blend, with Sweet Almond Oil to moisturise and refresh the area, promoting quicker eyelash growth and stronger hair quality.

 

 

What are the Side Effects of Organic Castor Oil?

 

Castor oil is generally considered safe when used in moderation. However, certain groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with intestinal obstruction, acute inflammatory intestinal conditions, appendicitis, or any abdominal pain, should refrain from using castor oil without prior approval from their healthcare provider.

It’s important to exercise caution when consuming castor oil internally. Adhering to the instructions from a doctor or a professional in naturopathy before intake is recommended. A commonly suggested dosage for castor oil is typically no more than half to one full teaspoon daily. Excessive consumption of castor oil may lead to undesirable effects like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or cramps.

 

Botanica Culture’s Cold-Pressed Organic Castor Oil in Singapore?

 

As more individuals in Singapore turn towards organic solutions for their beauty and wellness needs, we’re proud to present our premium castor oil – a pure, effective, and environmentally conscious choice.

While there are several castor oil brands in the market, Botanica Culture sets itself apart. Unlike others, our oil is not just organic, but also conscientiously packaged and free from harmful hexane. These factors make our castor oil not only a choice for beauty but also an emblem of responsible consumption.

Our castor oil stands out with its organic and cold-pressed extraction, ensuring that every drop retains its natural efficacy. Packaged in amber glass bottles, we go the extra mile to prevent oxidation, preserving the oil’s freshness and potency. And most importantly, our commitment to a hexane-free process guarantees a product that’s as safe as it is effective.

Visit our website or find us at select stores across Singapore. Your journey towards natural beauty and wellness starts here!

 

Cautions

Do a skin patch test before using. Leave the oil on a small patch of skin on your arm or neck for 24 hours. If no rash occurs, you’re less likely to be allergic. If you experience irritation, rinse thoroughly and do not use again.

When taking Castor Oil internally, try a very small amount (5ml or less) to make sure you can tolerate it.

Please check with your doctor if you have pre-existing medical conditions and want to take Castor Oil.

• Do not use on wounds or broken skin.
• Keep out of reach of children
• If sensitivity occurs, discontinue use.
• Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas of the body.