A big-up for organic castor oil (Ricinus Communis) from the castor bean. If you have very dry skin or need an oil to help soften and soothe dry eczema, this is a great oil. I buy this beautiful one from Shea Butter Cottage, it comes from India. (click image to buy it)
Benefits of castor oil are its antioxident and anti-inflamatory properties, It is highly antibacterial, antiviral and anti fungal too. Great for those who work a lot with their hands, gardeners, kitchen workers etc. When used on dry and very dry skin is its thickness and viscosity, make it a good barrier, But with nutritional benefits for the skin, unlike petroleum or paraffin based products which are just and only a barrier. Especially suitable now in as the weather gets colder and skin can get very dry. Although do only buy a good quality organic one to ensure its properties are still intact and of high standard.
Suggested very dry skin blend (can also help Eczema):
Makes 100ml
40ml Sesame (organic NOT TOASTED!!)
25ml Shea butter oil
20ml Castor
15ml Avocado.
5ml Vitamin E (natural)
For very dry skin you could add 6 drops of Benzoin and 6 drops of Lemmon
If you are using it to soothe dry itchy eczema add 4 drops of Peppermint oil and 4 drops of Patchouli oil to 150ml of base oil. (I use this blend on my young 2yr old son when he has a flare up, its very soothing and he asks me for it when he wants it)
NOTE!!! ALWAYS PATCH TEST FOR 24hrs BEFORE USE. NOT SUITABLE DURING PREGNANCY. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT SUGGESTED AS A CURE OR A MEDICAL TREATMENT I AM NOT A DOCTOR, PLEASE ALWAYS GET MEDICAL ADVICE FROM AN EXPERT FIRST.
More interesting facts about castor oil on these sites
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/74566_awesome-benefits-of-castor-oil#ixzz13VBLvIso
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http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-castor-oil-5250.html
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-castor-seed-oil.html
Other oils and eczema healing
http://menscookeryclub.com/2007/03/16/sesame-oil-and-eczema/
