Castor oil, the "enemy of dryness" - an oil that protects skin and hair with a film
oil stories — castor Thick and sticky, it effectively protects the skin's surface. Castor oil is a rather unique vegetable oil. And most of its protective power comes from a single ingredient. From the plant Ricinus communis Castor oil is pressed from the seeds of the plant Ricinus communis. It belongs to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) and, despite its Japanese name containing the word "goma" (sesame), it is entirely unrelated to sesame. In English, it's known as castor oil. It is also listed as "ヒマシ油" (castor oil) in cosmetic ingredient labels. Widely cultivated in India, Brazil, China, and other countries, it is also produced in large quantities for industrial use, making it a common and familiar oil. 90% is a single fatty acid This is the most unique aspect of this oil. Ricinoleic acidapprox. 85-90% Other fatty acidsapprox. 10-15% Typical vegetable oils are composed of several fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid, each mixed in varying percentages. One could say they are based on a balance. Castor oil is different. A single fatty acid makes up90% of the oil. Furthermore, this fatty acid, ricinoleic acid, is rarely found in other vegetable oils. It's an ingredient that can be said to be unique to castor oil. The reason lies in the fact that this fatty acid possesses a hydroxyl group, a structure unusual for oils. Strong viscosity and soluble in alcohol The presence of a hydroxyl group changes the characteristics of the oil. Firstly, it increases viscosity. Castor oil is one of the thickest vegetable oils, and when you tilt the bottle, it moves slowly like honey. Secondly, it dissolves in alcohol. Most vegetable oils do not dissolve in alcohol, but castor oil does. While being an oil, it has a slightly water-like quality. Very strong protective power In a word, what ricinoleic acid does is protect. Hydroxyl groups weakly attract molecules to each other. That's why castor oil is thick and heavy. And that thickness creates a thin film on the surface of the skin and hair. Dry skin and frizzy hair are caused by moisture escaping from within to the surface. The film of castor oil seals off that exit. For hair, there's another benefit. The thick oil smoothly coats the surface, making it easier to run your fingers through and adding shine. It also helps to smooth down cuticles and prevent split ends and breakage. This is why castor oil is known as "the enemy of Vata (wind), which causes dryness." It stays on the surface andcontinues to protect. There are many vegetable oils, but not many work so effectively by remaining on the surface. The reason castor oil has been used for thousands of years is due to the strength of its protective power. However, used on its own, it is a heavy oil. Traditionally, it was used in combination with other oils. How Ayurveda viewed it Let's talk a little more about the previously mentioned term, "enemy of Vata." In Ayurveda, this oil is called Eranda. Among its many alternative names is Vatari — "enemy of Vata." Vata is one of the three doshas (constitutions) in Ayurveda. It represents dryness, coldness, and instability. This term collectively describes conditions that are dry, cold, and restless. QualityWarming AddressesDryness and cold (Vata) / Heaviness and stagnation (Kapha) In other words, Ayurveda has used this oil to address dryness and coldness. Therefore, its uses are clear. It's an oil that comes in handy during dry seasons, in rooms with air conditioning or heating, for dry skin, and for frizzy hair. In India, it's also an ingestible oil Castor oil has uses beyond topical application. In India, it has long been traditionally used by ingesting a small amount to regulate the body internally. This usage appears repeatedly in ancient Ayurvedic texts. In Japan, it was once an oil found in pharmacies. Why it works when ingested has been clearly elucidated. Ricinoleic acid is separated in the intestines, triggering switches in the intestinal muscles. The thickness when applied and the effect when ingested are all connected. However, it is a potent oil. Please do not consume it on your own without the judgment of an expert or doctor. Usage based on body type Vata Dry, rough, frizzy, cold. — As the name suggests, this oil is for addressing this body type. It possesses both warming properties and smoothness. Kapha Greasy, heavy, feeling constricted. — It falls into the calming category. However, since it's a very viscous oil, a small amount is sufficient. Pitta Accumulated heat, prone to redness. — As it is a warming oil, use sparingly. Traditionally, it's used in combination with cooling ingredients. Oils blended with Castor Oil HAIR & SCALP OIL Scalp & Hair Oil- dusk till dawn - 30ml ¥3,960 (tax incl.) View Details SCALP OIL Scalp Oil- awaken your roots - 30ml ¥4,850 (tax incl.) View Details