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Simple Recipes

Good Ingredients for a Cleaner Kind of Life

Featherweight Hot Almond Oil Therapy for Fine to Medium Hair

Ingredients
6 tbsp sweet almond oil 1 tbsp castor oil
Instructions
Heat the sweet almond oil in a 1-cup Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave for 20 seconds. Do not overheat. Stir in the castor oil. Test the oil’s temperature before applying. Transfer to a 4-oz dropper bottle.
To Use
Fine hair may require just a few hours of treatment instead of overnight. It will depend on the level of dehydration and the extent of damage to your hair. Part the hair, then add a few drops at a time directly to the scalp and massage thoroughly. For light exfoliation, use a small soft brush or a toothbrush. Next, use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the oil throughout the lengths and ends, focusing on dry areas. If the scalp is balanced, move directly to the lengths. Cover the head with a shower cap to keep the oil in place. Protect the pillow with a towel. In the morning, wash with your favorite botanical shampoo.
Frequency of Use
Use 1–2 times per week.
Shelf Life
Store the dropper bottle in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to 12 months.

Moroccan Silk Hot Oil Mask for Very Dry or Wavy Hair

Ingredients
2 tbsp argan oil 2 tbsp castor oil
Instructions
Heat the argan oil in a 1-cup Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave for 10 seconds. Do not overheat. Stir in the castor oil. Test the oil’s temperature before applying. Transfer to a 2-oz bottle and shake well.
To Use
Part the clean, damp strands. Work the mixture through the hair at least 2 inches away from the scalp, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the mixture evenly, paying special attention to dry areas. Cover the head with a shower cap to keep the mixture in place. Protect the pillow with a towel if you lie down to rest. Leave it on for 30–60 minutes, then rinse with warm water. For severely dry hair, you may also apply this recipe overnight. Follow up with your favorite botanical shampoo, either liquid or powder, and condition as usual.
Frequency of Use
Use 1 time per week to moisturize and for a fantastic shine. Use it as a spot treatment, applying it only to the outer layer of hair.
Shelf Life
Store the dropper bottle in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to 12 months.

Midnight Mend Hair & Scalp Oil

Ingredients
2 tbsp coconut oil 2 tbsp castor oil 2 tbsp olive oil 5 drops tea tree essential oil 5 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops rosemary essential oil
Instructions
Heat the coconut and olive oils in a 1-cup Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave for 10 seconds. Do not overheat. Stir in the castor and essential oils. Test the oil’s temperature before applying. Transfer to a 4-oz bottle and shake well.
To Use
Part the hair, then add a few drops at a time directly to the scalp and massage thoroughly. For light exfoliation, use a small soft brush or a toothbrush. Next, use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the oil throughout the lengths and ends, focusing on dry areas. If the scalp is balanced, move directly to the lengths. Cover the head with a shower cap to keep the oil in place. Protect the pillow with a towel. In the morning, wash with your favorite botanical shampoo.
Frequency of Use
Use 1–2 times per week.
Shelf Life
Store the dropper bottle in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to 12 months.

Chamomile Body Oil

Ingredients
2 tbsp castor oil 2 tbsp coconut oil 20 drops chamomile essential oil
Instructions
Heat the coconut oil in a 1-cup Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave for 10 seconds. Do not overheat. Stir in the castor oil and chamomile essential oil; mix well. Transfer to a 4-oz dropper bottle.
Frequency of Use
Use sparingly. Apply to warm, damp skin after a shower for a relaxing and hydrating boost.
Shelf Life
Store the dropper bottle in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to 12 months.

Fresh Cucumber Eye Serum

Ingredients
1/2 fresh cucumber 1/2 tbsp castor oil 1/2 tbsp jojoba oil
Instructions
Prepare a fresh cucumber by washing, peeling, and cutting it into small pieces. Blend until smooth. Strain the fresh cucumber pulp through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter, collecting the juice in a bowl. Add the castor and jojoba oils to the juice. Blend well.
To Use
Avoid direct eye contact. Apply to the delicate under-eye area, use your ring finger to lightly tap the product into the skin to encourage absorption without pulling or tugging. Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water. I personally apply the remaining serum to my face and neck, so as not to waste anything.
Frequency of Use
Apply daily for a refreshing, calming effect under the eyes.
Shelf Life
Best if used immediately.

Happy Feet Peppermint Soak

Ingredients
1 cup Epsom salt 1/2 cup baking soda 1/2 cup castor oil 20 drops peppermint essential oil 20 drops cedarwood essential oil
Instructions
This makes several servings. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl or a 16-oz wide-mouth jar with a lid. Mix well.
To Use
Add 1/2 cup of the mixture to a tub or basin large enough to accommodate your feet comfortably, but not so large as to dilute the mixture. Add enough warm water to cover the feet. Soak feet for 20 minutes. Use sparingly. Rinse well with warm water.
Frequency of Use
Up to three times per week.
Shelf Life
Store the wide-mouth jar or tin with an airtight lid in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to 12 months.

Turn Back Time Face Serum

Ingredients
1 tbsp castor oil 1 tbsp black seed oil (not an essential oil) 1 tbsp rosehip seed oil 9 drops frankincense essential oil
Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a 2-oz dropper bottle.
To Use
Use sparingly. Warm a few drops between your fingertips and apply to damp skin on the face and neck. Gently massage the oil in, starting at the center of the face and moving outward and upward. For the delicate under-eye area, use your ring finger to lightly tap the product into the skin to encourage absorption without pulling or tugging.
Frequency of Use
May use daily, morning, and night.
Shelf Life
Store the dropper bottle in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to 12 months.

Sweet Surrender Massage Oil

Ingredients
3 tbsp castor oil 10 drops chamomile essential oil 5 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops bergamot essential oil
Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a 2-oz dropper bottle.
Frequency of Use
Use sparingly. Apply to warm, damp skin after a shower for a relaxing massage.
Shelf Life
Store the dropper bottle in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is castor oil safe for all skin types?

Castor oil is generally safe for most skin types. However, it's always recommended to do a patch test before full application. Those with very oily skin may want to use it sparingly or mix with a lighter carrier oil.

How long before I see results?

Results vary by use case. Hair growth improvements typically appear within 3-4 weeks of consistent use. Skin improvements can be noticed within a week. Gut health benefits from castor oil packs often begin within the first two weeks.

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