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If you are wondering what the buzz about Jamaican castor oil is or you are hearing about Jamaican castor oil for the first time, then you may not be alone. As much as this special care oil is receiving attention right now, the Jamaicans have been secretly enjoying the outstanding benefits for so many years.
Amongst the numerous benefits of this oil, here are some prominent ones- Dandruff is treated with Jamaican black castor oil. This oil also moisturizes hair, encourages hair growth, treats skin acne, and relieves muscle pain. These characteristics set it apart from other nourishing oils such as coconut or argan.
Little wonder why natural-haired women, massage therapists, and moms can’t seem to get their hands off this magical oil? It’s about time for the Jamaicans to let the rest of the world enjoy the goodness of the Jamaican Black castor oil.
How is Jamaican Black Castor Oil locally made?
Traditional castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil are both made from castor beans (Ricinus Communis), which explains why they have the same name. However, the extraction process is distinct, resulting in a completely different oil with specific applications.
The following steps are involved in making traditional Jamaican black castor oil.
- The selected castor bean seeds are roasted.
- Then placed in a mortar and crushed with a pestle.
- Water is applied to the mashed beans.
- The whole mash is slowly cooked over an open flame at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius.
This procedure produces a dense, dark brown syrupy oil known as Jamaican black castor oil (1).
Jamaican Black Castor Oil vs. Regular Castor oil
The processing method is the most significant distinction between Jamaican black and regular castor oil. Castor oil is usually processed more commercially, while its Jamaican counterpart is processed more traditionally (the purity is preserved) (2).
There are three main differences between the two, which are as follows:
1. The Method of Processing:
Fresh castor beans are pressed to produce castor oil. We call it cold-pressed castor oil because the process does not require any heat. In the process of extracting castor oil, some manufacturers use chemicals. Jamaican black castor oil, on the other hand, is made by roasting the beans first. This produces a burnt-smelling oil. However, this oil is often regarded as pure and superior in nutritional value.
2. The Color difference:
Castor oil is light yellow, while the Jamaican castor oil is dark brown or black. The latter can be very dark in color.
3. The varying pH levels:
Its processing system determines the pH level of a castor bean. As a result, castor oil is mildly acidic, while its Jamaican equivalent is slightly alkaline due to the presence of bean ashes.
Also Read – How Do I Use Castor Oil for Eyelashes?
Jamaican Black Castor Oil For Skin
Jamaican black castor oil may be used to improve one’s health and beauty in several ways. The frequent users can attest to its goodness and are obsessed with it. Now, let us look at how Jamaican black castor oil is excellent for your skin.
1. For Acne Treatment
Yes, please! Applying oil to acne may sound a bit counter-intuitive. However, here’s how it can be beneficial in your fight against acne:
- Jamaican black castor oil aids in the removal of clogged pores by dissolving dead skin cells, bacteria, excess oil, and dirt (3).
- The Jamaican black castor oil’s antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral properties may help prevent breakouts.
- One of the most common causes of acne is excessive oil production. However, this oil also contains essential fatty acids, which keep your skin moisturized and prevent it from producing too much oil.
- The high fatty acid content present in this oil also assists in the fading of blemishes by penetrating scar tissue and encouraging the growth of healthy tissue.
2. Cure For Chapped Lips
The Jamaican black castor oil is perfect for the lips. However, our lips need to be shielded from harsh environmental conditions at all times. When left unprotected, our lips get dehydrated; they dry out and begin to peel, although they heal and recover quickly.
The fatty acids present in the Jamaican black castor oil helps to moisturize and protect the lips. It also protects them due to its dense, inert nature – this means it won’t budge unless it’s washed away. It also gives the lips a natural shine, making it a great choice if you want to make your lips feel soft and look healthy (4).
Also Read – How to Use Bhringraj Oil For Hair Growth? Pros, Cons, and DIY Recipe
Here’s a simple way to make an effective moisturizing lip balm with Jamaican black castor oil. You’ll need
- 3 tablespoons of Jamaican black castor oil
- 1 tablespoon each beeswax and butter
- 5 drops of your favorite essential oil
- A container – preferably a bowl for mixing
- Bain-marie (a container, water bath, or heated bath which holds hot water into which a pan is placed for slow cooking)
- Empty balm containers – with a proper lid for cover.
…to make this extraordinary chapped lip treatment.
DIY Recipe for Chapped Lips
- Combine the first three ingredients in a container and melt in a bain-marie
- Remove the pan from the heat until the mixture becomes uniform
- Add the essential oil
- Fill empty lip balm containers with the mixture now
- Enable them to cool before adding to your lips
3. Say Goodbye to Wrinkles
Aging is a natural process, but it happens way sooner than expected for some, and wrinkles are one bold feature that reminds us that our skin has begun to age. You don’t have to worry about aging too soon with the Jamaican Black castor oil. It has excellent emollient properties and absorbs quickly into the skin. It removes wrinkles by smoothing them out. It protects, heals, and moisturizes your skin perfectly (5).
How to Use
- Gently cleanse your face with a mild cleanser to open up your pores
- Pour a small amount of Jamaican black castor oil into your palm and gently massage your face, paying particular attention to the affected areas (like the wrinkles and fine lines)
- You may start at the outer edges of your eyes and work your way inward
4. Removal of Scars
If you have been battling with scars, especially scars associated with keloids or other scars that involves layers of hardened tissues, Jamaican black castor oil may be all you’ve ever needed to rejuvenate that area of your skin.
It assists in the breakdown of deep scar tissue, allowing it to be smoothed out. Jamaican black castor oil also promotes the production of white blood cells and minimizes the inflammatory response in subcutaneous tissue. This may explain why it seems to heal deep tissue scars quickly (6).
How to Use
- First, use a mild soap to clean the affected area. This removes any surface oils and other debris that might otherwise clog the pores.
- Take a tiny amount of Jamaican black castor oil on your fingertips
- Apply the oil to the affected area and massage gently in a circular motion. The goal is to smoothen out the scar tissue and, if necessary, reduce any inflammation. This procedure improves circulation and helps in the healing process
- Avoid using the oil on any open wounds
- A cotton ball may be used to blot away excess oil from your skin
- Wipe and wash your hands properly after use
This may be done twice daily. Results may be visible in a few weeks; patience is required.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Skin
Jamaican black castor oil’s antibacterial and moisturizing properties may help treat a variety of hair problems. For example, using oil to massage your scalp may help to promote hair development. In addition, the oil may be used to detangle hair and treat split ends.
Here are a few benefits of Jamaica black castor oil and ways to use it to transform your hair into a statement that gets everyone talking.
1. Promotes a Healthy and Strong hair
There must be proper blood circulation in the scalp for healthy, long, and solid hair. Jamaican black castor oil may provide essential nutrients to the roots of your hair strands and boost blood circulation in the scalp (7).
How to Use
- Combine one tbsp (tablespoon) coconut oil, one tsp (teaspoon) black castor oil, and five drops of your favorite essential oil, such as peppermint oil
- Fill an empty container or jar with this mixture
- Scoop a tiny amount onto your fingertips and rub it into your scalp in circular motions to use
- Rub and massage gently
2. Keeps Hair Moisturized
Jamaican Black Castor Oil keeps the hair moisturized; it is rich in Vitamin E, Omega-6- fatty acid, and Omega- 9 fatty acid. These nutrients help make your hair have a softer texture, a cleaner look and may help treat dandruff and itchy scalp (8).
How to Use
- Use 1 tablespoon each of Jamaican black castor oil and extra-virgin olive oil, as well as half a lemon’s juice.
- Heat one tablespoon of black castor oil, one tablespoon of olive oil, and half a lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. (Don’t let the mixture get to boiling point)
- Remove the pan with the heated mixture from the heat until the mixture is warm.
- Pour mixture into your palm and massage this into your scalp for about 10 minutes.
3. Nourishes Hair and Prevents Hair Breakage
While scientific research on the subject is minimal, many people who use the Jamaican black castor oil sing its praises. It’s worth a shot if you have damaged and easily breakable hair.
Also Read – 10 Best Hair Volumizing Products For Thin and Flat Hair
How to Use
- Put a small amount of this oil in your hand and massage thoroughly into your scalp
- Cover your head fully with a plastic wrap for 2 hours, and don’t miss any patches
- Wash off after 2 hours
- If you want deep conditioning, you may leave your hair wrapped overnight.
4. No More Split Ends
Treating your hair with Jamaican black castor oil may prevent split ends. In addition, the Omega-3 and Omega-9 fatty acid components of the oil may help prevent the further occurrence of split ends while also detangling your hair for easy combing and styling (9).
Also Read – How to Use Clove Oil for Treating Acne? A Perfect Guide for You
How to Use
- Take an equal amount of Jamaican black castor oil and mustard oil
- Mix both the oils and the massage thoroughly into your scalp
- Cover your hair properly with a plastic bag or shower cap and leave it for about 30 minutes
- Rinse with a soft shampoo
- Do this twice a week to give you frizz-free hair and heal hair of split ends
Summary
Environmental conditions may put our hair and skin in a bad condition if we do not make a conscious effort to care for them. Sometimes, the artificial and chemical products we use on our skin/hair may also be a problem. Using Organic products that are pH balanced like Jamaican Black Castor oil saves the stress of dealing with harsh chemicals amidst the insane weather conditions most of the year. Unlike the regular castor oil, the health benefits of the Jamaican Black castor oil make it an awesome product to have if you are looking to step up your hair game and let your skin glow like never before. When next you walk into a health and grocery store looking for the best solution for your hair and skin; you may consider grabbing a bottle of Jamaican black castor oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Jamaican Black castor Oil be used for all hair types?
Yes. You may use Jamaican Black castor oil for ALL hair textures and types. It works directly from the root of the scalp and unto the hair follicle.
Is Jamaican Black Castor Oil Organic?
It is extracted from castor beans. No sulfate or artificial ingredient is added during the processing. The oil comes out pure and unadulterated. If you have allergies, kindly check with your doctor before use.
Can you drink the Jamaican Black castor oil?
You should consult your doctor for guidance before drinking.
Why choose Jamaican Black Castor Oil over Regular Castor Oil?
While Jamaican black castor oil tends to have the upper hand in this category, each variety of castor oil has its own set of advantages. The health benefits of both types of castor oil are similar. However, the Jamaican variant has more significant benefits due to its unadulterated method of processing.
References –
- “How to Make Jamaican Black Castor Oil the Traditional Way – Rooted Treasure” – youtube.com
- “Jamaican Black Castor oil vs. regular castor oil review” – thehairfuel.com
- “Dirt‐binding particles consisting of hydrogenated castor oil beads constitute a nonirritating alternative for abrasive cleaning of recalcitrant oily skin contamination in a three‐step programme of occupational skin protection” – onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- “Find Out How Castor Oil Can Benefit Your Lips?” – goodhealthacademy.com
- “Castor oil” – healthline.com
- “Subcutaneous tissue reaction to castor oil bean and calcium hydroxide in rats” – science.naturalnews.com
- “Distribution of Blood Flow within the Skin of the Rabbit with Particular Reference to Hair Growth” – ahajournals.org
- “How to Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth: Experts Weigh In” – cosmopolitan.com
- “Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Aerial Parts of Periploca aphylla and Ricinus communis” – hindawi.com