I've Loved Castor Oil as a Panacea Since Experiencing Its Effects

I first learned about castor oil when someone told me it was effective for swelling and pain. This was about five years ago, after I underwent surgery for periodontal disease. The dentist had warned me about post-operative pain and swelling, but it was far worse than I had anticipated. The gums around the surgical site and my face swelled up enormously, and the pain throbbed all the way to the top of my head. It was then that my massage therapist at the time recommended castor oil, saying, "Applying this will reduce swelling and pain." I thought, "Oil? Really?" But I was desperate for any relief, so I tried it with the hope of a drowning person grasping at straws. And lo and behold, it worked! When I dripped a little onto my gums near the surgical area, I felt a soothing sensation, as if being wrapped in soft cotton, and the pain subsided. Of course, the throbbing pain would return after a while. Each time, I would apply more oil.

The next morning, I looked in the mirror and saw that the swelling had significantly reduced. By then, the pain had also lessened. My assistant, who had seen how swollen I was the day before, was astonished, exclaiming, "Wow, it went down that much overnight!?" Furthermore, when I went to the dentist for suture removal ten days later, the doctor was amazed at how well I had healed, saying, "It's healing beautifully!" From that moment on, I developed complete trust in castor oil, thinking, "Wow, castor oil is truly amazing!" Since then, I've used it as a go-to remedy for cuts, blemishes, and even styes in my eyes, applying it directly into the eye.

My skin becomes soft and supple, and I feel as though the day's toxins are being eliminated.

However, this oil has an even more important use than for external injuries. It's the "castor oil pack therapy." To explain briefly, this involves applying a cotton flannel cloth soaked in the oil, along with a special heating pad, to the abdomen for treatment. I still vividly remember my surprise the first time I tried it. I felt a sense of profound calm wash over me, as if I were in a deep meditative state (though I've never meditated, I imagine it feels something like that). My mind became quiet and still. Captivated by this feeling, I continued the treatment for several days, and to my delight, my abdominal area began to feel slimmer. I wondered if my visceral fat had decreased.

Castor oil packs are said to have numerous benefits beyond dissolving and removing external injuries, reducing pain, and promoting mental relaxation, which I've personally experienced. They are also reputed to improve liver and kidney function and enhance lymphatic circulation. Perhaps these effects benefited my internal organs, which had been heavily taxed by alcohol (!), leading to the slimming of my abdomen. Knowing these benefits, I now regularly use warm compresses. It has become an indispensable ritual, especially on mornings after drinking, as a way to "take care of my liver."

The one I use is an organic, cold-pressed, unrefined, and unscented productcalled "Caster Care Massage Oil"(Temple Beautiful). It's important to note that not all castor oils are the same; the manufacturing method can significantly alter the product, so careful selection is crucial.

And for full-body oil massage, I use"Aura Glow"(Temple Beautiful). This is also a high-quality, pure olive oil, made with cold-pressed olive oil, peanut oil, lanolin, and vitamin E. It comes in unscented, citrus, menthol, and lavender varieties, and I choose them based on my mood. After a bath, I apply it and massage my entire body. Not only does my skin become soft and supple, but I also love the feeling that the day's toxins are being eliminated.



Now, there's another oil I enjoy using during my bath time.It's "Organic Argan Oil"(Organic Forest). Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, has antioxidant properties, and is said to cleanse pores and prevent dryness. Initially, following the instructions, I washed my face, then massaged it gently with the oil while in the bath, followed by a hot towel compress. To my surprise, my skin appeared clearer and more translucent, and felt incredibly soft and supple to the touch. It was as if my skin was radiating a "happy aura." I also appreciated its non-greasy, pleasant feel. Delighted by its effects and texture, I now make it a habit to massage my face with argan oil five days a week. However, preparing a hot towel compress each time is a hassle, so I've adopted a more casual method: I wring out a towel that's been soaking in the bathwater and use it to gently press against my face while the oil penetrates.

Having discovered the benefits of argan oil, I've recently become fond of the nail oil produced by manicurist Kiho Watanabe,"nail oil"(uka). This product has also been featured in OPENERS, so many of you may already be familiar with it. Its unique feature is that it's based on argan oil and blended with essential oils tailored to different times of the day. For example, the "7:15" blend, with calming sandalwood, hinoki, and refreshing yuzu, is perfect for the morning. "13:00" has a scent to invigorate you after lunch. "18:30" helps to ease tension and promote a gentle mood. "24:45" is designed to help you relax and feel happy. There's also an unscented "basic" option, making five varieties in total. It's a product born from the ingenuity of a manicurist and a woman's perspective, something that feels both novel and perfectly suited to our needs. The roll-on applicator also makes it convenient and fuss-free, which suits my lifestyle. As the dry season approaches, these will undoubtedly become indispensable items—or rather, five indispensable items.

I've come to realize that I'm relying on various oils for everything, from my internal organs and body to my skin, nails, and even my state of mind—from head to toe. Oh, that's right! I also use an oil for my hair. It's "Jojoba Oil" (Pylgrio), which I apply after shampooing and towel-drying to prevent dryness.
Thank you, dear oils!