Castor oil comes from the castor seed, native to India. It is extremely high in ricinoleic acid, which is thought to be responsible for its health promoting abilities. Ricinoleic acid, an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid and a hydroxyl acid, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Castor oil pack is the best way to utilize this oil for health benefits. Here is how you can make and use a castor oil pack, before that let us see some benefits of using these packs:
BENEFITS:
MOISTURIZE DRY SKIN
Castor oil works as a great moisturizer for dry skin. As it penetrates deep into the skin, it is effective at treating dry, flaky skin patches. The high concentration of fatty acid also promotes healthy and glowing skin and helps with skin conditions like dermatitis, which can cause severely rough, dry skin.
HELPS WITH STRETCH MARKS
When used during pregnancy, castor oil prevents the formation of stretch marks. Basically, it works as a humectant, helping your skin retain moisture and maintain elasticity. The fatty acids in it maximize the ability of the skin to regenerate tissues to improve the skin strength and texture.
SOOTHES SUNBURNS AND LIGHTEN SPOTS
The soothing and anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil are beneficial in treating sunburns. The ricinoleic acid in it will protect any sunburn-induced blisters. Along with sunburn, castor oil is even effective at treating hyperpigmentation and clears the skin of spots and marks.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Castor oil packs helps increases circulation of blood and lymph, enhances the immune system, improves elimination of toxic substances, and promotes the healing of tissues. Due to these effects, it can be used to decrease pain, improve digestion, and help in the treatment of many conditions including uterine fibroids, non-malignant ovarian cysts, headaches, migraines, constipation, intestinal disorders, and gallbladder and liver conditions.
CASTOR OIL PACK RECIPES:
Recipe 1: You need equal quantities of coconut oil and castor oil. Combine and use it for castor oil packs.
Recipe 2: Take 1 ½ cup castor oil. Add 1 tablespoon of vitamin C oil to it. Combine properly and use it for castor oil packs.
Recipe 3: For extremely dry skin, this pack can be used. Mix up 1 cup castor oil, 1 cup glycerine and 3 tablespoons lemon juice.
Recipe 4: You need 1 ½ cups castor oil and ½ cup sweet almond oil. Combine the 2 ingredients and use it for castor oil pack.
HOW TO USE THE CASTOR OIL PACKS:
- You need to get hold of castor oil or the homemade castor oil mask (as mentioned above), a big sized woollen felt or thick cotton sheet, hot water bottle and transparent sheet/film.
- Fold the cloth into 3 layers and soak it into the bowl of castor oil/castor oil mask. Keep it that way until the entire cloth is saturated with the oil.
- This pack is mainly used on the abdomen, lower abdomen and thighs.
- Lie on your back with your feet elevated (use of a pillow under your knees and feet works well), placing oil-soaked cloth over abdomen or the concerned area, cover with a small sheet of plastic and then an old towel. Place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top.
- Leave pack on for 45-60 minutes. Practice relaxation breathing by placing one hand on your diaphragm and the other hand on your lower abdomen. As you breathe in, force your lower abdomen to swell like a balloon. With each breath out, practice relaxing your jaw and shoulders.
- Recycle your plastic and put the “wool pack” in a mason jar in the fridge and re-use for up to two months, adding more oil as needed to keep it wet but not dripping. If it looks weird or seems discoloured before then, its time for a new one.
- You can wash off the castor oil with a little baking soda in the shower. However, soap can do the work as well.