Jamaican Black Castor Oil Health Benefits

Introduction

Most people have probably heard about castor oil and its amazing benefits, but only a few may have heard about black castor oil. So, what is the difference between castor oil and black castor oil? For better understanding, first, we need to understand what castor oil is. 

Castor Oil

Castor oil is methodically extracted from the seeds of the castor oil plant. Castor oil comes in different colors such as yellow, black, and clear. The crude form of castor oil in the natural form comes in pale yellow color. This crude, raw, or unadulterated yellow oil gets extracted from the castor oil plant seeds. This process is carried out by squeezing the seeds at a very high pressure. This process of pressing the seeds at high pressure is also known as cold pressing. When the oil is extracted by conducting the cold-pressed method, the properties of the castor oil usually remain intact, which would be quite opposite when using heat since it can lower the essence of the oil.

Once the crude oil undergoes the refining and bleaching process, the color of the castor oil would become colorless or would become clearer. This oil is referred to as clear castor oil. This happens because as much as the oil is filtered, it becomes more and more refined and in a purer form. Thus, in the process of refining, the color of the oil lightens.

However, one should note that if the oil is clear, it does not guarantee that it is better. In the market, there are various versions of castor oil, which tend to be loaded with fragrance, additives, mineral oils, etc., causing it to lose its pure form. As a matter of fact, it would be useful to always check the list of ingredients before purchasing a castor oil bottle. Castor oil is loaded with some amazing beneficial qualities along with therapeutic properties.

What is Jamaican Black Castor Oil?

A misconception about the color of black castor oil is that the darker the oil, the less processed, the more concentrated, and the more natural it is. However, this does not hold true. The reason behind the oil's black color is due to the roasting of the castor seeds. The roasted ash that has been left out in the process is then added to the oil, thereby taking away its original yellow color and turning it into a darker version.

The reason why the oil is called Jamaican black castor oil is that the process of adding the leftover ash from the roasted castor plant seeds first originated in Jamaica. Apart from the color of the oil, the odor of the Jamaican black castor oil is also quite distinct. The black castor oil has a smoky scent to it, which is due to the burnt seeds' ash smell. The crude pale yellow oil also has a quite distinct odor, but this odor can be lifted during the process of refining.

Another difference between castor oil and the Jamaican black castor oil is their viscosity level. Most castor oil variants would have a certain thick consistency. However, the black castor oil is thicker when compared to other clear castor oils. 

Benefits of Jamaican Black Castor Oil

1. Hair

Black castor oil is known to contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are quite essential for the overall health of the hair. The black castor oil helps to moisturize the hair, leads to the growth of hair, and treats the issue of dryness in the scalp. This oil is also loaded with a lot of healing properties such as improved hair growth and an enhanced blood circulation in the scalp. Using black castor oil on a regular basis would lead to the prevention of hair fallout and also eliminate dandruff issues. 

The black castor oil has an emollient property, which helps soften the hair. This oil is very easy to apply. You can apply black castor oil on your scalp and hair. Massage your scalp and let it stay overnight before rinsing. It is better to apply the oil before bedtime. Black castor oil enhances hair growth and helps reduce hair fall issues. If you want to achieve voluminous and thick healthy hair, you should try this oil.

Black castor oil can also help detangle hair knots to prevent hair loss. Split ends can also be cured by black castor oil by providing a healthier and shinier hair. It would also help the hair become stronger to prevent weak hair strands, which easily break off. 

Our hair and scalp are more prone to various types of fungal infections due to pollution and dust exposure in the environment. Medicines work but the effect is only temporary. Moreover, they would have their own side effects. Black castor oil is a natural remedy that can help provide relief from hair and scalp problems. 

2. Skin Problems

The omega-3 fatty acids present in the oil is known to keep the skin clear as well as tighten pores. Jamaican black castor oil also helps heal the following skin conditions:

• Acne
• Ringworm
• Athlete's foot
• Stubborn warts 
• Eczema
• Cuts and wounds

Black castor oil acts as a good skin cleanser due to its vitamin E content. It also helps get rid of blemishes on the skin. It provides relief by removing impurities that are formed in the pores, thereby preventing blackheads and inflammation.

It can also be an effective facial cleanser. Along with its healing properties, black castor oil helps keep the skin hydrated and retain its moisture. The emollient properties found in black castor oil makes the skin look radiant and glowing. Due to its fatty acid content, the skin gets vital nutrients, thus making it look supple. The signs of aging in individuals start to appear during their 20's.

If you take care of your skin by regularly applying black castor oil, then it could prevent signs of aging such as wrinkles. It is also useful in the treatment of sunburn or yeast infections. Ringworm can also be treated using black castor oil since it has a compound called undecylenic acid, which helps prevent the growth of fungus. 

Scars are something everyone dreads. Scars can ruin the overall smooth appearance of the skin. You can use Jamaican black castor oil as a natural cure to get rid of scars.

3. Healing Properties

Due to the presence of roasted seed ash in black castor oil along with other types of fatty acids such as undecylenic acid and ricinoleic acid, it is said that the Jamaican black castor oil is loaded with healing properties that are beneficial for people's overall health.

This oil was earlier used as a laxative and for other medicinal purposes. The ricinoleic acid present in black castor oil acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, which makes it effective in suppressing inflammation in the body.

4. Antimicrobial Properties

The black castor oil is also considered rich in antimicrobial properties. It has antifungal, antiviral, as well as antibacterial properties, which makes it great when treating skin problems such as eczema, acne, fungal infections, skin rashes, dry skin, and inflamed skin. Because of the oil's antimicrobial properties, it is a great solution to get rid of common skin troubles.

5. Pain Relief

The black castor oil acts as an effective painkiller. The clear form of castor oil is also known to effectively relieve pain, but the black castor oil does this work much faster. Pain due to arthritis and rheumatism can be cured with the help of black castor oil. This oil can be used to provide relief from muscle pain, headaches, and back pain.

You can apply black castor oil on the affected region and massage it for 10 minutes. When black castor oil is rubbed on the stomach, it helps provide relief from stomach pain, which is usually caused by excessive gas buildup and digestive problems. For colicky infants, the application of black castor oil to their stomach can provide relief. 

6. Eyelash and Eyebrow Serums

Since black castor oil is very useful for hair growth, it can also be used to enhance eyelashes and eyebrows. It acts as a good growth serum, which makes the lashes luscious and long. The regular application of this oil on the eyebrows make them fuller and thicker.

7. Healthy Nails and Lips

Black castor oil can also be used to moisturize or heal chapped lips. Moreover, when this oil is applied to the nails, it would help strengthen the cuticles, thereby promoting healthy nail growth. 

8. Laxative

Similar to castor oil, black castor oil is also considered as an effective laxative. The ricinoleic acid present in black castor oil tends to stimulate bowel movements to provide a quick relief to the symptoms of constipation.

9. Reduces Autoimmune Disease Progression

This benefit is currently in the research stage, but it is thought that the use of black castor oil can help reduce a few negative effects caused by certain autoimmune diseases. Those illnesses would be from Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. Black castor oil is believed to act as an immune system stimulant.

10. Relieves Symptoms of Certain Medical Conditions

The lymphatic system is one of the vital systems in the body. It has the ability to fight against diseases. The oil's ricinoleic acid content can help speed up the circulation. In this process, it helps prevent or treat the lymphatic system’s drainage issues. Moreover, it helps remove any kind of toxins from the system.

Black castor oil has also been used in drugs to reduce the damaging effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients. If this oil is rubbed on the skin around the eyes, it helps treat people who have insomnia.