Castor oil is a plant-based oil that is extracted from the seeds of the castor plant. It was first used by ancient Egyptians and Indians. The several benefits of castor oil for the health made it still applicable today.
There are various kinds of castor oils available in the market. Not all of them are safe for your eyes.
The best one to use is a cold-pressed castor oil. Make sure the castor oil you use is sterile and has no impurities (refined).
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties. Here are the benefits of castor oil for eyes:
1. Treats eye allergies
Castor oil encourages lipid production in your eyes which prevents dryness. Anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil also help prevent eye allergies.
2. Treats bloodshot eyes
If your eyes become bloodshot and show red veins, castor oil will ease your ailment. Simply put a drop of castor oil in each eye. The anti-inflammatory property of castor oil will work its magic.
3. Supplements cataract treatment
Sometimes cataract surgery is the only option you have left. Use castor oil before the surgery to reduce the damage. You can also use it post your surgery to aid the recovery of your eye.
4. Treats itchy and irritated eyes
The oil is a natural emollient and moisturizer. So, apply it in your eyes to do away with itchy and irritated eyes.
5. Treats puffy eyes
Castor oil has soothing properties that can better puffy eyes. Simply take a few drops in your palm and use your fingers to massage your eyelids. Regular application will make the puffiness subside.
6. Removes dark circles under your eyes
There are several benefits of Castor oil for your skin. There are important fatty acids in castor oil that have a nourishing effect on your skin. They remove dead skin cells and make your skin lighter. Massage your dark circles with castor oil and watch those dark circles fade away with time.
How to apply castor oil in your eyes
- Buy an eyedropper (empty one if possible)
- Clean the eye dropper thoroughly (Ensure it is sterile)
- Suck the castor oil into the eyedropper
- Drop just one drop in each eye before going to sleep
- Your vision may become blurry but will subside by the time you wake up in the morning.
Reduces wrinkles around your eyes
The emollient properties of castor oil can work their magic on the wrinkles around your eyes. Here is how to use castor oil to remove wrinkles.
- Clean your face properly
- Pat your face to dry it
- Take some castor oil in your palm
- Apply it on the wrinkles around the eyes using your fingers
- The oil will get absorbed in your skin in 15-20 mins
- Do not wash it away.
