20 Strange but Effective Everyday Uses for Castor Oil WOW !

your parents ever gave you castor oil as a child, you know just how unpleasant it can be. What is great about this medicinal concoction is that it is filled with Vitamin E which makes it perfect for a number of things, although taking it orally may not be one of them. It is also filled with proteins, minerals and has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that make it virtually a cure-all for anything that ails you.

 

1. Lubricate Scissors

 

Castor oil makes a wonderful lubricant for scissors. Because it actually can be ingested, it is much better for use on metals that touch food than other lubricants that should never touch your mouth. Just rub a bit on your scissors or other utensils and let it sit for a while and then wipe clean with a paper towel or clean cloth.

2. Soothe Eyes

 

Castor oil works great to remove tiredness from around your eyes. It works much like petroleum jelly but without the mess. Before you go to bed at night, just rub a little around your eyes and even on your eyelashes. Be careful not to get it in your eyes. It will soak in overnight and leave you looking and feeling a bit more refreshed in the morning.

3. Hair and Scalp Treatment

 

If you tend to have dry scalp or dandruff, you can rub a little castor oil into your scalp and massage it in to alleviate the flakes and itchiness. Incidentally, the oil works really well as conditioner, too. Just mix 2 teaspoons with an egg white and a teaspoon of glycerin and massage into your wet hair. After a few minutes, rinse with warm water.

4. Arthritis Pain Reliever

 

Massaging castor oil into achy joints will give you a bit of relief from the pain of arthritis. You can mix castor oil with enough turmeric or cayenne powder to make a paste and then rub it into your joints. Be sure that you don’t get this in your eyes, especially if you choose to use cayenne pepper instead of turmeric.

5. Repeal Moles in the Yard

 

Moles hate castor oil, probably as much as children do. If moles are tearing up your yard or your garden, must mix ½ cup of castor oil with about 2 gallons of water and pour into the molehills. Note that the castor oil will not kill the little creatures but it will definitely make them start looking for somewhere else to hang out.

6. Healthy Bowels

 

While you should use caution anytime you actually ingest castor oil (because it works so well as a laxative), mixing just a teaspoon into orange or cranberry juice each morning will keep your bowels working regularly. You can also take a teaspoon if you want to detox your intestines but again, be sure that you limit how much you actually ingest.

7. Perk Up Ferns

 

If your ferns seem to be a bit less than healthy, a mixture of castor oil will perk them right up. Just combine a tablespoon of the oil with 4 cups of warm water and a tablespoon of baby shampoo. Drip about 3 tablespoons into the dirt around the fern and then follow with regular water.

8. Healthy Skin

 

You can apply castor oil directly to your skin if you want a more youthful glow. Many people don’t know that this oil is great for eliminating and preventing wrinkles and for pregnant women, castor oil rubbed into the skin can help to improve elasticity and prevent stretch marks caused by pregnancy.

9. Calluses and Corns

 

Castor oil applied directly to the affected areas can help to relieve calluses that are caused by a number of things. You can also massage a bit of castor oil into corns to help alleviate the pain and swelling that they cause and ultimately make them disappear over time. This takes a few applications but definitely works.

10. Make Hair Grow

 

If you have balding areas on your scalp, or you just want thicker hair, you can massage a bit of castor oil into the affected area for about 6 minutes every day to promote natural hair growth. This also works on eyebrows so if you want thicker eyebrows, just massage a few drops into your eyebrows for a couple of minutes every day. 

11. Repair Split Ends

 

Another hair benefit of castor oil is its ability to help prevent and repair split ends. Just apply a few drops of the oil directly to the ends of your hair to reduce the amount of breakage that you see. It helps to restore health to your hair and will make it much less brittle so there is less breakage.

12. Healthy Lips

 

Even though you may not want to have castor oil anywhere near your mouth, it does wonders for dry and cracked lips. In case you didn’t already know, castor oil is actually added to many lip remedies that you buy over the counter. You can simply rub a bit on your lips and it will help to heal cracks and prevent further chapping.

13. Relieve Sore Muscles

 

Castor oil is wonderful as a general massage oil or you can use it to alleviate sore muscles. Just apply directly to the sore area and then massage for as long as you like. Do the same for general massages. It feels great even if you don’t have sore muscles and the Vitamin E content is great for your skin.

14. Scratches

 

You can relieve the pain from scratches and other abrasions by using castor oil, too. You don’t have to mix it with anything. Just add a few drops to your scratches and the healthy properties of the oils will begin to heal them, much more quickly than without adding anything. It also works great at curing ringworm and other fungal ailments.

15. Acne Treatment

 

Castor oil works great as a treatment for deep cystic acne. It helps to decrease the inflammation from the acne and kills bacteria which helps the acne to clear up. It works really quickly, too so put it on before you go to bed and you will notice a drastic improvement when you wake up in the morning.

16. Insomnia Treatment

 

You can help to cure your sleepless nights with castor oil as well. Just rub a bit on your eyelids before you retire for the night, making sure that you don’t actually get any in your eyes. The castor oil will help to bring about a peaceful night’s sleep and you will wake up refreshed in the morning.

17. Alleviate Colic in Babies

 

Ok, so you don’t actually give the castor oil to babies who have colic. Instead, warm just a bit by rubbing it in your hands and then gently massage baby’s belly area. This will help to alleviate the pain of gas and other tummy troubles in your infant and help them to sleep without causing any adverse side effects like many over the counter medications.

18. Hemorrhoid Treatment

 

Castor oil works great on shrinking hemorrhoids and alleviating the pain and itching that they cause. You just have to soak a cotton ball in castor oil and then apply it to your hemorrhoids. Note that this really only works for hemorrhoids that are outside the body. Just leave the cotton ball on your hemorrhoids for about 15 minutes or so and you can do this multiple times each day if needed.

19. Beautiful Nails

 

Massaging just a small amount of castor oil into your cuticles and on your fingernails each day for a couple of months will give you long, healthy and beautiful nails. You can also use it on your toenails so if you are already getting ready for warmer weather, now is the time to start those pedicures with castor oil.

20. Remove Warts and Skin Tags

 

Castor oil can be used to remove unsightly warts and skin tags. You just have to apply the oil to the wart or skin tag every day for a few weeks and you should begin to see that mark disappear. Note that this will not work on moles on the skin so make sure you know what you are trying to remove before you begin using it.

Homemade Creams for Old Stretch Marks

Ingredients for the homemade stretch mark cream
The lavender and lemon essential oils in the following home remedy for stretch marks have excellent healing powers on the skin. They help to reduce the redness of stretch marks and optimize the skins natural regenerative powers.

Ingredients you will need:

1/2 oz (15g) Beeswax
1/2 oz (15g) Cocoa butter
2 oz (50g) Coconut Oil
2 tablespoons (30ml) Evening Primrose Oil
1 teaspoons (5ml) Ylang Ylang essential oil
1/2 teaspoon (3ml) Lavender essential oil
1/2 teaspoon (2ml) Lemon essential oil
4 tablespoons (60ml) mineral water

Equipment you will need:

Heavy stainless steel saucepan
Wooden spoon
Dark or clear glass jars

How to make the homemade stretch mark cream

Over a low heat melt the beeswax, cocoa butter, coconut and evening primrose oils in a large, heavy based stainless steel saucepan.
With a spoon beat in the spring water until you have a smooth mixture.
Take the saucepan off the heat and stir it until it has cooled to body temperature (37 C).
Add the ylang ylang, lavender and lemon essential oils then mix thoroughly to make a smooth cream.
To stop the oil and water separating stir until the cream has completely cooled, then spoon into airtight jars. In order to ensure the essential oils are well preserved, clear jars need to be kept in a dark place

.

Massage the cream gently into your skin where your stretch marks are. Use this homemade stretch mark cream daily after either a bath or shower and your skin will feel softer after just a few days.

How to Remove Blackheads with Glue

Blackheads can appear on their own, but there are cheap beauty tricks  against them! You don’t need to buy expensive premium beauty products or visit famous professionals. You can do it at home, on your own and all you need is glue!

• Make sure you have washed your face thoroughly with a cleanser and water and dry it out well with a towel.
• Apply a layer of Elmer’s glue or another similar product on your nose and extend a little to the cheeks.
• Wait for about 15-20 minutes for the glue to dry. Try not to wrinkle your nose.
• After that peel it from the bottom near the cheek and away from the face. Be gentle and slow, so that the layer does not tear. You will be able to see dirt and blackheads on the layer of glue after you remove it.

Wash your face again to remove any remaining traces of glue.

4 Natural Remedies for Peeling Skin

Very dry skin can start peeling with time and that is definitely a sign that something is not right. Maybe your regular moisturizer is not helping anymore and you want to try something new, or you are switching to all-natural remedies and want to check out what the methods against peeling skin are. Here are a few pure items that might help you out with very dry peeling skin:

• Bananas: make a banana cream using a ripe banana and yougurt. Apply the mixture to the affected area. The skin will get softer and smoother after you wash it out, but it’s better to repeat the procedure in a few consecutive days for better results.
• Almond Oil: the “skin” oil will definitely help you with dry patches of skin by simply applying it to the affected area.
• Lemon Juice: not only it is refreshing and can be used in cooking, but lemon juice will help to reduce the peeling of skin. It can be turned into a scrub if you combine it with sugar or in a pure form to serve as a moisturizer
• Aloe Vera: it is one of the best components of beauty products for sensitive skin. You can use it in a gel form or the Aloe Vera pulp to enhance moisturizing and help easing the blood flow.

DIY Homemade Biore Straps

Everyone loves smooth skin and hates blackheads. Thankfully there are lots of products to fight them. In this tutorial we`ll show you how to make your very own Biore straps at home. What`s more – these are not single strips, but will cover the whole face at once. They are natural and will brighten up your skin.

Here is what you need to do: 

• A table spoon of unflavored gelatin should be mixed with 1 1/2 – 2 tablespoons of milk. It is better to prepare the mix in something you can throw away immediately.
• Microwave the concoction for 10-15 seconds and apply to the face immediately. If you don`t have a microwave, simply heat the milk, before mixing it with the gelatin.
•  Wait until the mixture on your face has dried completely and then gently peel it off.

Actually that`s all – milk, gelatin and heat and your skin looks and feels amazing. Enjoy it!

How to Remove Blackheads with Glue

Blackheads can appear on their own, but there are cheap beauty tricks  against them! You don’t need to buy expensive premium beauty products or visit famous professionals. You can do it at home, on your own and all you need is glue!

• Make sure you have washed your face thoroughly with a cleanser and water and dry it out well with a towel.
• Apply a layer of Elmer’s glue or another similar product on your nose and extend a little to the cheeks.
• Wait for about 15-20 minutes for the glue to dry. Try not to wrinkle your nose.
• After that peel it from the bottom near the cheek and away from the face. Be gentle and slow, so that the layer does not tear. You will be able to see dirt and blackheads on the layer of glue after you remove it.

Wash your face again to remove any remaining traces of glue.

How to get rid of dark circles

Dark circles can really make you look lethargic. But it's only a few simple things to follow that can help you get rid of them

The first place you body starts to show the side effects of stress is under your eyes, where your skin is the thinnest, in the shape of dark circles. And you might think once you get those unwanted dark circles, it is a tough job to get rid of them. But it takes only a few basic precautions to mend the damage. Here's how to do it.

Problem area

Dark circles are one of the most common symptoms that your body is not getting enough of what it requires. And they can result due to various factors like fatigue, stress, dehydration, poor circulation, inflammation, poor genes or melanin accumulation. Though it's easy to fix them, little care is necessary.

How to tackle it

If dehydration is causing you dark circles, then you would want to increase the moisturizing quotient in your skin. You can use green tea bags and sliced cucumber as they help in cooling off the skin. Potatoes, that contain enzymes called catalase, can help in lightening the dark circles. Vitamin C intake will also help in discoloration. Drinking a lot of water or other healthy fluids always helps to better your skin.

How to beat oily skin woes in summer

With the scorching sun and heat of summer, we end up washing our 'shiny' faces so often that does more damage than good. 

According to Rod Anker, creative director of Monsoon Salon and Spa, over-cleansing really dehydrates the skin, signaling the body to produce more oil. 

Actress Sonakshi Sinha, who is a fan of holistic beauty and hence consumes plenty of water, says that she learnt the trick of rubbing ice on her skin from her mother which not only feels good in the heat but also reduces the pores. 

Anker advises that one should get cooling facials as they refresh and cleanse the skin without drying it.

Anti-acne treatment at home

Acne, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads appear usually on oily skin due to clogged skin pores.

Though it's impossible to control all the factors that cause acne breakouts, you can take measures to reduce the problem.

Many dermatologists will ask you to go for antibiotics or creams. However, there are a number of all-natural homemade masks that you can apply to get rid of or reduce the breakouts.

Baking Soda: 

It is considered the best home remedy for acne as it sooths itching and inflamation around zits. It also removes blackheads and whiteheads.

Mix one part of baking soda and two parts of water (preferably warm), and leave this mixture on your face for about 10 minutes. You may add some honey to the mix as it moisturizes the skin. After rinsing your face, if your face feels dry, apply an oil-free moisturizer.

Tea tree oil: 

It is an excellent antiseptic and anti-microbial, thus it is great for the skin.

Make a face mask by mixing two tablespoons of distilled water, one tablespoon each of baking soda and honey, and five to six drops of tea tree oil.

Apply this mask once a day in case you have a severe acne problem.

Coriander-mint juice: 

May sound like a summer cooler, but a teaspoon of coriander or mint juice is very good for your skin.

Add a pinch of turmeric to it and it becomes even more effective in removing pimples and blackheads. Apply mixture on your face every night before retiring to bed.

Honey and cinnamon: 

Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder and apply it on the pimples before sleeping. Wash it next morning with warm water.

Bruise cabbage leaves: 

Just mash 'em up and rub them on the offending area. Leave the juice on for at least 30 minutes or more and rinse off. Apply an astringent and see the difference in a few days.

Salt and lemon juice: 

Lemon has a drying effect, in case you need something even dryer, then mix half teaspoon salt in two teaspoon lemon juice, rub on the zit and leave on for 20 to 30 minutes. Make sure you don't step out after applying it as lemon juice has a bleaching effect and can cause sensitivity to the sun.

Essential oils for summer

Essential oils are great for summers, Apart from soothing the skin, they even work as natural insect repellents, while keeping the skin healthy and moisturized. Here, we list a few...

Rose oil: 

Rose Oil is one of the best essential oil for skin. It moisturizes and cleanses the skin pores. Regular message even reduces wrinkles and fine lines.

Chamomile oil: 

It is good for sensitive skin and the regular use calms your skin.

Tea tree oil: It is the best for acne prone skin. Tea Tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal and is a natural antiseptic.

Lemongrass: 

It works as an all-purpose insect repellent, but it can cause skin irritation to those with sensitive skin.

Lavender oil: 

It is one of the best oils for summer as it is treats sunburn. Spray lavender mist directly onto the skin or put a few drops in luke warm water and soak for 10 minutes.

Combat dark circles naturally

Are dark circles bothering you? Here are some simple ways to deal with them.

Go the milky way

Grand mom's recipes always included milk because it lightens skin. Using cold unboiled milk on your face and over your eye-lids can help brighten skin there.

Let aloe work its magic

Aloe Vera can help your under-eye skin look healthier. Use it on clean skin before your retire for the night. Pick organic restorative gels and creams with aloe vera.

Say yes to antioxidants

Have nuts, berries, beans, fresh leafy colorful vegetables and fruits. Antioxidants will make your skin healthy and combat dark circles.

Wear Sunglasses

Harmful sun rays can damage and irritate sensitive under-eye skin. Wear sunnies.

4 ways to apply face cream properly

If you are not sure how to apply a face cream the right way, here's how to find out

You might find it weird when we say that there's a right way to apply a face cream, but there actually is one. Here is what you need to do —

Wash your face first

No matter what time of the day you apply the face cream, you need to wash your face. This way you get rid of sweat, grime, makeup etc. This will allow the cream to penetrate into your pores and work its magic. Also use a gentle face cleanser to wash it off properly.

Application on damp skin

Always apply your face cream on damp skin. If you wait for your face to dry off completely, it won't work. Creams are better able to lock in moisture when you apply on damp skin. After you finish, pat your skin dry.

Use small quantities

The best way to apply a face cream is using small quantities. Using more doesn't always show the benefits. It takes a long time to rub the cream on your face as opposed to when you use less. Your face should be able to absorb the cream rather than feel sticky.

Dab it smooth

Instead of taking a finger full of it, apply small spots all over your face and then smoothen it out. This way you will be able to apply the cream on every bit of your face.

Tips for glowing skin

Your skin is a clear indicator to your lifestyle and internal well being, here are a few popular beauty tips to give you that much elusive glowing skin.

Exercise: 

Exercising can do wonders to your skin. Indulge in some sort of physical activity on a regular basis and notice how it affects your skin for the better. Running, jogging, walking or swimming, take out around 30 minutes from your daily schedule and unwind.

Drink water: 

Probably one of the most advised beauty tips, keeping yourself hydrated on a daily basis is absolutely essential. Juices and other liquids are also highly beneficial. Drink around 10-15 glasses a day and it is sure to positively affect your skin. Additionally, excessive consumption of alcohol should also be avoided.

Go green: 

A healthy diet can do wonders to the quality of your skin. Incorporate a healthy dose of vitamins and proteins in your daily diet and notice the condition of your skin change for the tremendously. Figs, radishes, spinach etc are great for healthy, glowing skin. Nuts like almonds are also known to improve the quality of your skin.

Detoxify, sleep well for radiant skin

Hectic work schedules often keep women away from spending any time on nurturing their skin. But it's easy to do it at home by detoxifying the body and getting proper beauty sleep.

Sun, stress, pollution and dirt leads to several skin concerns like uneven skin tone, blemishes and dull looking skin. However, an expert at cosmetic brand Lakme has shared tips on how one can get the desired flawless and radiant skin in the comfort of your home, said a statement.

Detox your body: 

Your body is a result of what is going on inside it. Skin problems develop when your skin can't do its job of eliminating toxins efficiently. Drink warm water with lemon every morning to help flush toxins from the body. Reduce your intake of alcohol for a few days to give your body and skin a break. Up your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and water to boost the amount of skin-saving nutrients you're getting.

Get some beauty sleep:

Sleep affects your physical and mental well-being. When you sleep, you're allowing your body to begin the healing process. Good sleep directly leads to fresh looking skin. Try and hit the sack earlier than you usually do and you will see the result within no time on your skin.

Skin serum is in: 

Gone are the days when serum was only for your hair. Skin serums are the latest trend in skin care. Whoever thought skin serums were only used by experts at the salon, think again. You can now use skin serums even in the comfort of your home with ease. Vitamins in these serums help make your skin even and radiant.

Strip off your make-up before going to bed: 

Leaving make-up and dirt on skin doesn't just clog pores but it also causes skin dullness. Always wipe off your make up and wash your face with a face wash to remove all the dirt and grime that your skin has collected throughout the day. Massage your face with a hydrating creme after you wash your face to help replenish your skin while you sleep.

Don't forget to apply sunscreen: 

We know, you've heard it a million times, but stepping out of the house during the day without wearing sunscreen is like directly forcing your skin to dullness. Sunscreen not only prevents your skin from tanning but also keeps it moisturized and hydrated throughout the day. Applying sunscreen everyday helps your skin retrieve its natural moisture.

How to get rid of your suntan

While a tan may be attractive for some, for others it's just one of the dreaded hazards of summer. Besides darkening your complexion, it can also harm your skin. Here are a few remedies to help you fight tanning.

• A mixture of lime juice and glycerine helps remove freckles and pigmentation spots.
• Aloe Vera gel soothes sunburnt skin.

• Applying caladryl helps fight skin rash caused by sunburn.
• A mixture of curd and lime helps lighten a tan.
• A mixture of milk powder, sandalwood powder, lime juice and a few drops of honey, when applied twice a week also helps lighten skin.