Castor oil has been a staple in home remedies for generations. Derived from the seeds of the castor plant, this versatile oil has been used to address a variety of health and beauty concerns.
If you’ve ever wondered about its benefits, here are six ways castor oil might just become your go-to solution.
A Gentle Natural Laxative
If you’ve struggled with occasional constipation, you might already know about castor oil’s reputation as a natural laxative.
Thanks to a compound called ricinoleic acid, it stimulates the intestines to get things moving, per WebMD. A little goes a long way, though, so it’s best to use sparingly and consult your doctor before trying it out.
Soothes and Moisturizes Skin
Dry, itchy skin can be a hassle, especially during the colder months. Castor oil’s rich, fatty acids make it an excellent moisturizer for parched skin. Apply a small amount to dry areas, and you’ll notice softer, smoother skin in no time. Some even swear by it for taming redness and irritation.
Boosts Hair Health
Want shinier, healthier-looking hair? Castor oil has you covered. Its nourishing properties help moisturize the scalp, reduce flakiness, and bring a lovely shine to your hair, Healthline details. Many women have found that regular application to the scalp can even promote healthier hair growth — a welcome bonus!
Relieves Inflammation Naturally
For those dealing with joint or muscle discomfort, castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may offer relief. Massaging it onto sore areas can help ease inflammation and provide a soothing sensation. It’s a simple, natural way to care for your body.
Encourages Wound Healing
Castor oil has long been used to promote healing for minor cuts and scrapes. With its antimicrobial and moisturizing properties, it helps keep wounds clean while encouraging the skin to heal. Just apply a small dab to the affected area and cover with a bandage.
Supports Your Immune System
Some studies suggest that castor oil may give your immune system a boost by improving lymphatic circulation. The lymphatic system plays a key role in detoxifying your body, and better circulation means toxins are flushed out more efficiently. It’s an intriguing benefit that’s worth exploring.
Castor oil is more than just an old-fashioned remedy; it’s a tried-and-true solution with plenty of modern-day uses. Whether you’re looking for a natural moisturizer, a way to ease discomfort, or a boost to your overall wellness, castor oil has something to offer.
As always, check with your doctor before introducing new treatments into your routine—especially if you’re using it internally. Happy healing!
Taylor Swift’s five-word response to being jeered is revealed by a lip reader
The Kansas City Chiefs’ hopes of creating history were dashed on Sunday in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles. Pop sensation Taylor Swift, the girlfriend of superstar Travis Kelce, was jeered when she appeared on the big screen, and Kelce had a quiet night. Her genuine five-word response is now public knowledge.
Born in West Reading, Pennsylvania, Taylor Swift was observed walking around New York City a few years ago sporting a Philadelphia Eagles hoodie. But when she began dating superstar Travis Kelce, she instinctively switched her loyalty to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Swift has been to several Chiefs games since the pair went public, and she was there on Sunday to cheer on her boyfriend as the Chiefs tried to create NFL history.
The Chiefs were crushed by the Eagles in a 40–22 thumping in Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, which ended their aspirations of becoming the NFL’s first-ever “three-peat” Super Bowl champions.
Travis Kelce just managed 39 yards on four catches during his lacklustre game. The Eagles were ahead 24-0 at the half, and Kelce had not yet caught a pass. Taylor Swift was the target of a severe backlash, as if things weren’t already awful for the Chiefs and Kelce. Swift’s prior support for the Eagles before moving to the Chiefs appears to have stuck in the minds of the New Orleans Eagles fans.
Fans booed loudly at the superstar singer when she stepped onto the big screen. Many on social media conjectured that she responded to people around her with a heartfelt five-word statement as cameras focused on her: According to multiple media agencies, she said, “Aww what, what’s going on.”
Many people think that Swift’s change in team loyalties was the reason for the jeers, but Donald Trump had a different opinion and praised “MAGA” followers for opposing her. Taylor Swift was the only one who had a more difficult night than the Kansas City Chiefs. She was jeered as she left the stadium. MAGA is quite harsh! Trump posted on Truth Social.
Serena Williams, her buddy, swiftly defended her on X, posting: “I love you @taylorswift13.” Don’t pay attention to those booo! In the event that the Chiefs won Super Bowl LIX, there was conjecture that Travis Kelce may pop the question to Swift. After the game, though, Swift was nowhere to be seen as Kelce left the arena by himself.
Using Cloves and Bay Leaves for a Whiter Smile Naturally
Turmeric is a root that has a bright orange or mustard color. It is usually dried, ground into a powder, and stored for a long time. Turmeric has been used for centuries in cooking because of its health benefits and woody flavor, especially in curries.
The main ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has antioxidant, antibacterial, and healing properties. While turmeric is useful for health when eaten or applied to the skin, there is little proof that it can whiten teeth.
However, studies show that applying turmeric to the gums can help heal them, reduce plaque, and improve oral health by fighting bacteria and infections. But don’t expect it to be an effective teeth whitener.
Coconut Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an old method of cleaning teeth that started in India. It involves swishing a tablespoon of oil—such as coconut, sesame, or any edible oil—around in your mouth for up to 20 minutes.
This practice helps reduce harmful bacteria, remove plaque, and improve oral health. Since plaque can make teeth look yellow, regular oil pulling may help your teeth appear whiter if you have plaque buildup. However, it is not very effective for removing stains from coffee or smoking.
Strawberries for Teeth Whitening
You might have heard that strawberries can help whiten teeth, but is it true?
Strawberries contain an enzyme called malic acid, which has natural bleaching properties. When applied to teeth, it can make them look whiter. A common method is to mash a strawberry, mix it with baking soda, apply it to your teeth for two minutes, then rinse. This can brighten your smile, but there’s a downside.
Malic acid is a mild acid that can wear down enamel if left on too long. Since enamel protects your teeth, using this method too often can cause damage. It’s safe only in moderation, and for long-term whitening, it’s best to choose a safer alternative.
On the bright side, strawberries are rich in vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium, which are great for teeth and gum health. While they might not be the best whitening solution, eating them can still support your oral health.
Natural Teeth Whitening Powders
Charcoal for Teeth Whitening
Charcoal has been used for cleaning teeth for centuries and has recently become popular online. It is made by slowly burning wood, coconut husks, or similar natural materials and then grinding them into a fine powder.
Because charcoal is mildly abrasive, it can help scrub away plaque, making teeth look whiter if the yellowing is due to plaque buildup. However, there is little proof that it can remove deeper stains.
Using charcoal too often can damage your enamel, the protective layer of your teeth. Once enamel wears down, teeth become more sensitive and prone to damage. So while charcoal may give temporary whitening results, it’s best to use it cautiously and not as a regular method.
Baking Soda for Teeth Whitening
Baking soda is often used as a natural teeth cleaner by mixing it with water or lemon juice to make a paste and applying it to the teeth. The American Dental Association considers baking soda safe, but it is not a strong teeth-whitening agent.
Like other natural remedies, it works mainly for mild plaque and surface stains. However, because baking soda is slightly abrasive, using it too often can wear down enamel, which protects your teeth. So while it can help with some discoloration, it’s best to use it in moderation.
Homemade Whitening Powders
Many homemade teeth whitening powders are made by mixing ingredients like baking soda, charcoal, turmeric, sea salt, calcium carbonate powder, or bentonite clay with essential oils like peppermint. Some may also include antibacterial ingredients like clove for added benefits.
While these mixtures help remove bacteria, clean teeth, and scrub away plaque, they are not effective for deep stains beyond the enamel. Since most of these ingredients are abrasive, frequent use can wear down enamel, making teeth more sensitive, prone to discoloration, and at higher risk for cavities and decay.
It’s no secret that Hollywood stars, particularly women, feel pressure to keep up their looks as they get older. We constantly hear about the latest cosmetic procedures and routines the celebs are doing to stay young.
But some decide to just embrace their own natural looks and age gracefully, like Justine Bateman, who recently spoke out about her decision to not have work done despite societal pressures…
Justine Bateman is an actress, director and writer best known for playing Mallory in the 1980s sitcom Family Ties when she was a teenager.
She also starred in Men Behaving Badly and had recurring roles in shows like Desperate Housewives and Still Standing. She’s the older sister of actor Jason Bateman.
“I just don’t give a s—,” she said in an interview with 60 Minutes Australia. “I think I look rad. I think my face represents who I am. I like it.”
“I feel like I would erase, not only all my authority that I have now, but also, I like feeling that I am a different person now than I was when I was 20. I like looking in the mirror and seeing that evidence.”
Justine Bateman is now 57, and like many actresses of her age she has faced pressure to get plastic surgery — but instead, she has decided to never get any work done and embrace her age.
Bateman said she received insulting comments about her looks from the time she was 40, and people compared her naturally-aging face to a “sea hag” and a “meth addict.” She felt pressure to get cosmetic surgery or botox.
“I thought my face looked fine,” she told People in 2021. “And then because of some of the fears I had, unrelated to my face, I decided to make them right and me wrong… I became really ashamed of my face, ridiculously so.”
But eventually Bateman decided to ignore the criticisms about her looks and embrace natural aging. “You’re not going to make that fear go away by changing your face,” she said.
“If you go and get plastic surgery, you’re going to look different. Okay. You’ll have that, but you haven’t dealt with what the fear was.
“That fear will continue… I think getting all this plastic surgery is just people pleasing.”
The actress, who previously wrote about this issue in her book Face: One Square Foot of Skin, said she feels “sad” for women preoccupied with cosmetic procedures and hopes they will embrace their natural beauty.
“I feel sad that they’re not just enjoying life,” she told 60 Minutes. “I feel sad that they are distracted from the things that they’re meant to do in life with this consuming idea that they’ve got to fix their face before anything else can happen.”
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We think Justine Bateman looks beautiful! No one should feel pressure to change the way they look — thank you to Justine Bateman for encouraging more women to age naturally.
Please share this story if you agree with Justine Bateman!