What Is Haitian Black Castor Oil Good for – Use, Benefits, Side Effect

Also known as Lwil maskriti, palma christi or L’huile, Haitian black castor oil is harvested from farms in Haiti. It has been used for different medicinal purposes. People, especially the elders living in Haiti, have been acquiring the oil through traditional methods. This includes roasting, grinding and cooking the castor seeds. The oil is further sent for screen filtration skipping the refining method. 

The oil is beneficial for everything including hair, and skin, soothing pain as well as sore muscles. Enriched in omega-6 fatty acids and Ricinoleic acid, the Haitian black castor oil does have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that make the oil all the more beneficial. 

In this article, we are going to discuss the different levels of using Haitian black castor oil and how it is beneficial for you. Before we read about the oil, let us know each detail step by step. 

What is Haitian black castor oil good for? 

Just like Jamaican black castor oil, Haitian black castor oil is good for a lot of reasons. In Haiti, people have been still using the oil for beauty and medicinal benefits. Its key beneficial factors hold the ability to act as a healer and carry moisture to the body, skin as well as hair. If we are to segregate here is what the oil does for every part – 

Hair – 

The presence of Ricinoleic acid tends to carry the other beneficial ingredients omega-6 and 9 fatty acids and vitamin E directly to the scalp. Application of the Haitian black castor oil on your scalp helps in boosting blood circulation and increases hair growth.

Skin – 

It does have moisturising and hydrating properties that will penetrate the upper layer of the skin. It helps in unclogging the pores when used with a carrier oil. Furthermore, it helps in reducing acne, acne scars, scarring and hyperpigmentation. 

Body – 

Your body tends to undergo a lot of stress. And it needs inner healing. If you are suffering from joint pain and oxidative stress. The ricinoleic acid in the oil helps in promoting healthy skin and relieves from joint pain. 

What is the difference between Jamaican and Haitian black castor oil? 

If you go by the history of castor, you will know that at the biological level, all the castor seeds are almost the same. It is the process of acquiring the oil that differs. It is cold-pressed, solvent-extracted or heat-extracted. Due to this, it differs in color. 

Both the Jamaican and Haitian castor oil are black. The process of extraction is somewhat the same. The former undergoes the process in a step-by-step process. First, it is roasted, grounded, boiled and extracted heat from the wooded fire. Through the heat extraction process, the Jamaican black castor oil is taken. 

On the other hand, Haitian black castor oil has somewhat the same objective. In comparison to Jamaican black castor oil, the ash present in the Haitian is less. In the process of oil extraction, the Haitian one undergoes a refined process to add zero ash value. 

Other differences – 

• Jamaican castor oil has 0.014% of lower water content than Haitian castor oil. 
• Haitian castor oil has a higher saponification value. 
• Jamaican black castor oil is more prone to soap-making. 
• More amount of Ricinoleic acid and Iodine is present in Haitian castor oil. 

How to use Haitian black castor oil? 

For different parts, you need to use the Haitian black castor oil differently. Here is how you will use the Haitian black castor oil for – 

Hair – 

• Take 5-10 drops of the oil and apply it directly to your scalp. 
• Damp your hair to better seepage. 
• Apply the oil twice a week, and keep it overnight to see the best results. 

Deep Conditioner – 

• You may opt for hot oil treatment. You can mix a little carrier oil with this. 
• Heat the oil and with the help of your fingertips massage the entire oil to your scalp, roots and tips. 
• Let it sit for 30-60 min. 
• If you have extremely damaged hair, leave it overnight. 
• Shampoo and condition your hair the next morning. 

Skincare – 

• Use it as an overnight treatment. 
• Cleanse and dampen your skin. 
• Add 20 drops of the oil in bath water to hydrate your dry or sensitive skin. 
• Bathe in the same water. 
• Or you may add 3 drops of it after cleansing your skin. Let it be there for 15-20 min. 
• Wipe it off with dampened soft cloth. 

Body Ache – 

For tissue and organ healing, soak a flannel in castor oil. Place the thing in the area where you are experiencing extreme pain. 

Corns – 

Apply the Haitian black castor oil twice a day on the corn. Surround the area with the help of cotton pads for better healing. 

Haitian black castor oil – benefits

As you already know, castor oil is a very thick oil. It is sticky and tends to spread faster than other oils. But the speciality of the oil holds a lot of importance for both hair and skincare. Here is what you need to know about the benefits of Haitian black castor oil – 

Healthy scalp 

This oil is filled with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. If you have scalp-related infections like dandruff or scaling, Haitian castor oil works the best for you. 

What to do?

• Apply the oil on the pads of your fingertips. 
• Massage it directly on the scalp. 
• Focus on the scalp areas majorly. 
• Apply gentle pressure to avoid any scalp irritation or hair breakage. 

Prevents Hair Thinning

Hair thinning is a common issue among people. There are many issues. Haitian castor oil helps in preventing hair loss as well as hair thinning. The presence of omega-6 fatty acids and Ricinoleic acid seeps deep into the problematic section of your hair and treats it. 

What to do? 

• You can use a dropper or mix the oil with a carrier oil of your choice. 
• Apply the mixture on your scalp, especially to the thinning-prone areas. 
• You may opt for a hot oil massage and let it sit for 30 min. 
• Or keep it overnight and wash it the next morning with mild shampoo and conditioner. 
• Do this twice a week. 

Promotes thicker hair

The presence of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties in Haitian black castor oil promotes a healthier scalp. Due to this, you are bound to have thick hair growth. You may use the oil in two ways, as a hot oil massage or through deep conditioning. 

What to do? 

Oil Massage

• You can use a dropper or mix the oil with a carrier oil of your choice. 
• Apply the mixture on your scalp, especially to the thinning-prone areas. 
• You may opt for a hot oil massage and let it sit for 30 min. 
• Or keep it overnight and wash it the next morning with mild shampoo and conditioner. 
• Do this twice a week. 

Deep Conditioning

• Mix the 5-10 drops of the oil of the conditioner that you use. 
• After you shampoo your hair, apply the conditioner to your hair to avoid the roots. 
• Leave it for 10 min. 
• Rinse your hair well with cold water. 

Thicker eyebrows and eyelashes

Using castor oil for thickening eyebrows and eyelashes is common. The presence of the beneficiary properties also boosts the growth of hair to particular sections of the face. 

What to do? 

• Use your fingers or a spoolie brush for the oil application. 
• Apply the oil twice a day. 
• Make sure that it does not get into your eyes.

Skin Hydration

The Haitian black castor oil is filled with hydration and moisturizing properties. It seeps into the upper layer of the skin and provides you with the nourishment for a healthier and radiant glow. 

What to do? 

• You can go for an oil cleansing method. 
• Make sure that you are not using excess oil on your face. 
• Take two drops and mix them with jojoba or coconut oil and apply them to your cleansed face. 
• Massage your face well and let it sit for some time. 
• With the help of a dampened soft cloth wipe the oil off your face. 

Removes acne and scarring

The presence of omega 6 fatty acid, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties helps in reducing acne, acne spots, scarring and premature aging. It hydrates your skin from deep within. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, it restricts the growth of bacteria causing acne or pimples. Locking the moisture in, restricts the growth of melanin production and oxidative stress, preventing hyperpigmentation or other skin infections. 

What to do? 

• Apply little oil along with the carrier oil on cleansed face. 
• Massage it well. 
• You may keep it overnight or clean your face with a dampened soft cloth. 

Haitian black castor oil – side effects

Not everybody can inhale the strong smell of the oil which may lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping as well as diarrhea. 

Pregnant women, children or new mothers should not be using the oil either through a supplement or topically. 

It may cause mild skin irritation and discomfort to the eyes or skin. 

Conclusion

It is better to do a patch test before the application of the product. Not all products suit everyone. Test a little amount of the black castor oil on your inner arm. After the application, wait for a day or 24 hours to see if there is any sign of irritation. If so, stop using the product immediately. Better to consult a dermatologist before application. 

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