Castor oil has been used since the dawn of time. It is in fact known that it is a very effective product for relieving various ailments, such as constipation. Since it doesn't taste good, mixing it with fruit juice (or drinking some juice after consumption) helps make it more palatable. It is also an excellent carrier oil for certain essential oils. Anyway, if you plan to take it for health reasons, talk to your doctor first.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Relieve Constipation
Step 1. Cool the castor oil
Although very effective, castor oil is known to have an unpleasant taste. Leaving it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before ingestion can help you take it with less difficulty. Sure, the taste won't change, but when it's cold, consumption tends to be less unpleasant.
You may also be able to find flavored varieties at the herbalist's shop
Step 2. Take castor oil early in the morning
It usually starts showing results within four to six hours, so it shouldn't be taken before bed or in the late afternoon.
Some people prefer to take it just before bed for the oil to work in the morning, but this option is not recommended for those who sleep longer than six hours
Step 3. Measure the oil
The exact amount to take varies according to age. You can usually find dosage instructions on the bottle label. If not, ask your doctor for advice.
- For example, about 15 ml is recommended for adults and less for children.
- To make it easier to measure the oil, use a syringe.
Step 4. Mix the oil with some juice
This is another effective way to make castor oil taste more pleasant. Orange juice and citrus-based carbonated drinks are particularly effective in masking the unpleasant taste that characterizes it. Measured the oil, pour it into the juice and mix well.
- Since it is difficult to mix an oily substance and a liquid, you could also try to swallow the oil quickly, then drink some juice.
- In addition to orange juice, you can also use grapefruit juice.
Step 5. Drink a glass of water or juice
As with many laxatives, castor oil can dehydrate. If you drink at least 250ml of cold water or fruit juice after taking it, you can prevent this from happening. It would be even better to drink a second glass of water or juice as well. As a result, it is always better to drink more fluids, even though you have already mixed the castor oil with water or juice at the time of consumption.
Method 2 of 2: Use Castor Oil as a Carrier Oil
Step 1. Get castor oil and your favorite essential oils
Since it is relatively inexpensive and has a long shelf life, some people like to use it as a carrier oil. However, being sticky, it does not lend itself to any use. In any case, it is excellent for skin treatments.
Step 2. Add essential oil to castor oil
The exact amount to measure depends on how you want to use the oil. To make a massage oil or moisturizer, try adding 40-60 drops of essential oil to 120ml of castor oil.
- If you have a large bottle of oil, pour some into a separate bottle, then add the essential oil.
- If you use castor oil to make aromatherapy or give it other uses in daily life, add more essential oil. Read the essential oil label to find out more.
Step 3. Prepare and use the mixture
Mix the oils with a wooden stick, spoon, or other tool. Make sure you mix all the ingredients evenly. At this point the oil will be ready to be used.
The oil can be poured into a glass bottle (preferably dark or opaque) with an airtight cap. It can be stored for up to a year, provided it is kept in a cool, dry place
Advice
- Use organic, cold pressed, virgin castor oil for best results.
- Castor oil can be used as a moisturizer if you don't have a problem with its pungent odor and sticky texture. Heating it with hot water can facilitate application.
- Castor oil can help relieve athlete's foot.
- Many people believe that the daily intake of castor oil is beneficial to health. But keep in mind that it also has a laxative function.