Category Archives: Uncategorized

25 September 2023 | 4 min read

Castor Oil for Skin and Hair Care: Natural Remedies for Hairfall, Dry Scalp, Acne, Dry Skin and More

Castor oil, extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries. Known for its rich texture and high concentration of fatty acids, this versatile oil is making a comeback in modern skincare and haircare routines. Whether you’re dealing with hairfall, dry scalp, acne or ageing skin; castor oil might just be the natural remedy you’ve been searching for.

The Benefits of Castor Oil

Hair SerumHair Serum for Hairfall and Dry Scalp:

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that helps balance the pH of the scalp, improving blood circulation and promoting hair growth. Its moisturising properties combat dryness, making it an excellent remedy for flaky, irritated scalps. Regular application of castor oil can help reduce hairfall and promote stronger, shinier hair.

MoisturiserMoisturiser for Dry Skin:

The thick, emollient nature of castor oil makes it an ideal moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin. It penetrates deep into the skin, locking in moisture and providing a protective barrier against harsh environmental factors.

Acne TreatmentAcne Treatment:

Despite its thick consistency, castor oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Its antimicrobial properties help fight off acne-causing bacteria, while its anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness and swelling associated with acne. Regular use can help balance the skin’s natural oils, preventing future breakouts.

Anti-Aging SolutionAnti-ageing Solution:

Castor oil is packed with antioxidants, which protect the skin from free radicals that contribute to ageing. Its ability to penetrate deep into the skin helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

DIY Recipes for Skin and Hair

Hair Growth Serum:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons castor oil
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 5 drops rosemary essential oil

Instructions:

Mix the oils together in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to your scalp, massaging it in circular motions to stimulate blood flow. Leave it on for at least an hour, or overnight for deeper conditioning, then wash it out with a mild shampoo. Use this serum 2-3 times a week to promote hair growth and reduce hairfall.

Hydrating Face Mask:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon castor oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 mashed avocado

Instructions:

Combine the ingredients to form a smooth paste. Apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eye area, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and follow up with your regular moisturiser. This mask is perfect for hydrating and nourishing dry, dull skin.

Acne Spot Treatment:

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon castor oil
  • 1 drop tea tree oil

Instructions:

Mix the oils together and apply a small amount directly to blemishes using a cotton swab. Leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning. This treatment helps to dry out pimples and reduce inflammation without irritating the skin.

Anti-ageing Night Cream:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons castor oil
  • 1 tablespoon shea butter
  • 5 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

Melt the shea butter in a double boiler, then remove from heat and mix in the castor oil and lavender essential oil. Let the mixture cool and solidify before applying it to your face and neck before bed. This night cream nourishes the skin, leaving it soft and supple by morning.

05 September 2023 | 4 min read

Understanding Smoke Points: How to Choose the Right Cooking Oil for Your Health

When choosing cooking oil, its smoke point, i.e. the temperature at which the oil starts to smoke and break down is crucial. Understanding smoke points and how different oils behave under heat is important for ensuring that your meals are safe and nutritious.

What is a Smoke Point?

The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it begins to smoke and its molecules start to degrade. The smoke point of an oil varies depending on the source that it is extracted from, its purity and the processing method.

Oils with higher smoke points are ideal for high-temperature cooking methods which include frying and searing like pakodas or kebabs, while oils with lower smoke points are better suited for food items like salad dressings or emulsifiers for dips like mayonnaise.

Choosing the right oil based on its smoke point helps maintain the oil’s nutritional value and flavour while preventing the formation of harmful compounds.

Why should one be wary of smoke points?

When oils are overheated beyond their smoke points, they can release toxic fumes and harmful substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), acrylamides and aldehydes.

These compounds have been associated with health issues like respiratory problems, declining heart health and an increased risk of cancer. Moreover, overheating oils can destroy their beneficial nutrients obtained from the sources like groundnuts, mustard seeds, etc.

Choosing the right oil for different cooking methods

Here’s a guide to using groundnut oil, mustard oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil and cottonseed oil from the Rajgor Proteins range, to ensure you can lock in both nutrition and taste in your food:

High-Heat Cooking

groundnutGroundnut Oil:


Refined groundnut oil has a relatively high smoke point of around 450°F (232°C), making it suitable for deep frying, stir-frying and searing. It has a mild flavour and is commonly used in Asian cuisine, including Indian dishes. Its stability at high temperatures makes it a safe choice for various high-heat cooking methods.

Palm OilPalm Oil:


With a smoke point of approximately 455°F (235°C), palm oil is ideal for high-heat cooking. Palm oil is semi-solid at room temperature and is often used in frying and baking. It has a neutral flavour, making it versatile.

Medium-Heat Cooking

Mustard OilMustard Oil:

Mustard oil has a smoke point of about 480°F (248°C), making it suitable for medium-heat cooking like sautéing. Although it has a high smoke point, it is used in medium heat cooking. That is because, beyond its smoke point, mustard oil produces a bitter taste and is not ideal for high heat cooking like deep frying.

It has a strong, pungent flavour that is popular in Indian cuisine.

Rapeseed OilRapeseed Oil (Canola Oil):

Rapeseed oil, commonly known as canola oil, has a smoke point of 400°F (204°C).

It is versatile and can be used for baking, sautéing, and even grilling. Rapeseed oil is also known for its neutral flavour and heart-healthy profile, being low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Low-Heat Cooking

Cottonseed OilCottonseed Oil:

Cottonseed oil has a smoke point of 420°F (215°C), making it suitable for medium to low-heat cooking.

However, it’s more commonly used in processed foods and as a salad dressing or dip emulsifier ingredient due to its neutral flavour. Cottonseed oil is less popular for homemade salad dressings.