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Castor Oil: The 3 Benefits You Need To Know About

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at MNSU chapter.

The other day I was at TJ Maxx (a place I tend to visit a couple times a week) and I was browsing the beauty section. I came across a bottle of castor oil and immediately remembered reading that it had a ton of great benefits, so I thought I would give it a whirl and I am NOT turning back. Castor oil is a type of vegetable oil made from castor beans that have undergone numerous processes to make them safe for consuming. From internal to external benefits, here are some reasons you should get out and buy a bottle for yourself.

 

1.     Promotes Healthy Hair

The number one reason I wanted to try castor oil was because of the hair benefits. Since castor oil has so many fatty acids, it can be used as a moisturizer for you hair. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties which, when applied to the scalp, can reduce dandruff and soothe your scalp. Applying castor oil to your hair regularly can increase the flexibility and shine of your hair. It has been rumored that castor oil can help your hair grow faster, but that is a myth. There is no scientific evidence backing up this claim. However, I have been applying castor oil to my lashes and brows for about a month now and I do have to say that I noticed a difference. I just use a lash wand and dip it in the oil, then brush it across my brows and lashes before bed, then wash it off in the morning. And while there is no scientific evidence backing it so I can’t guarantee it will work for you, I’ve noticed a difference and it’s far cheaper than lash extensions!

 

2.     Helps Fight Against Acne

I mentioned before that castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties which is HUGE. Inflammation can occur in many places in the body which can cause discomfort. Acne is something that many people struggle with and sometimes it can be hard to get it under control. If you struggle with acne, try putting castor oil on your face before bed and sleep with it on. Not only does castor oil have those anti-inflammatory properties which will reduce the redness and painfulness, but it also has antimicrobial properties. These properties will fight off the overgrowth of bacteria on the face that may be causing acne. Castor oil can help reduce the appearance of pimples and blackheads and help you gain your confidence back.

 

3.     Aids in Digestion

Castor oil isn’t only for your external health, you can actually eat it! Aiding in the digestive process is one of the main reasons castor oil is so well-known. You can consume it when you are feeling bloated to increase the movement in your intestines. It can also be used as a laxative if you are having problems with constipation but be sure not to take too much as it can lead to diarrhea. There are guidelines on how much to consume depending on your age, medical condition and response to the treatment, so be sure to look up how much you should take before you do it!

 

Castor oil has many great health benefits, both internal and external. It is an all-around great moisturizer that can help your hair and skin. The anti-inflammatory properties can aid in the treatment of acne, digestive issues, and even dandruff issues. I have fallen in love with the benefits of castor oil and I bet you will too!

 

Olivia is a senior at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is double-majoring in Mass Media and English and has hopes to get into publishing. She is the current senior editor for the MNSU chapter of Her Campus and loves to write. In her free time when she's not writing or editing, she loves to sleep, hang out with friends, longboard, read and sleep some more.
Hannah is a Junior at Minnesota State University, Mankato and one of the Campus Correspondents for the HC MNSU chapter. She is currently double majoring in Marketing and Business Management with a Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.