13 Incredible Curing Benefits of Castor Oil

Castor Oil Health Benefits, Processing of Oil, Medicinal Properties, Various Uses, Possible Side Effects and FAQ

What is Castor Oil? 

Castor oil is a thick, odorless oil made from castor plant seeds. Its use began in ancient Egypt, where it was first used as lamp fuel and later for medicinal and beauty treatments.

castor oil benefits

This oil can be colorless to pale yellow and has a distinct taste and smell. It is commonly used in making medicines, and is used to make skin and hair care products.

Health Benefits and Uses of Castor Oil

Today, most of the world’s castor oil is produced in India. Modern research supports some of its traditional uses, including laxative effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and the ability to help induce labor. Castor oil can help relieve constipation, treat eye irritation, and reduce arthritis symptoms.

The following article will discuss the health benefits of Clove oil and other related things.

Also Read: Amazing Health Benefits of Guava

Health Benefits of Castor Oil

  1. May Help Relieve Constipation

Castor oil is a natural stimulant laxative. Fatty acids in castor oil cause the intestinal muscles to contract and cleanse the intestines. As a result, there is temporary relief from constipation. This benefit is mainly through oral use of this oil. A study on older adults shows that the use of castor oil reduces constipation symptoms. Castor oil is also beneficial as a laxative – when taken orally, ricinoleic acid is released into the intestine and then it starts working as a laxative. Heat generated by castor oil begins the operation by helping the digestion process and cleaning the system by helping the proper intestinal movements.

  1. May Reduce Inflammation

Due to the presence of Ricinoleic acid, castor oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties. In an observational study, ricinoleic acid has anti-inflammatory effects. Another study said that applying gels containing risinolic acid to the skin reduces pain and inflammation compared to other treatments.

  1. Moisturizes Skin

Castor oil is a common element in some cosmetics such as moisturizer, cleanser etc. Ricinoleic acid has hydrating and moisturizing properties that are present in this oil. Here, ricinoleic acid acts as a humectant by preventing water erosion and maintaining moisture. In addition, it can help relieve dry, burning skin in people with psoriasis.

  1. May Aid in Dental Health

Castor oil has antifungal properties that can help improve dental health. It can help fight fungi that cause tooth problems such as root canal infections, excessive growth of plaque, etc. For example, a test-tube research study has suggested that castor oil can help remove candida albicans (a type of fungus) from contaminated tubes. Another study conducted on older adults with tooth-related stomatitis shows that using treatment with castor oil reduces its symptoms.

  1. Help Reduce Acne

Castor oil can help in dealing with the specific symptoms of acne. As mentioned in the coming, castor oil has every quality, which helps in removing the symptoms of acne related to all the manifestations. There is also the quality of antimicrobial that prevents the development of bacteria related to acne. In addition, the presence of ricinoleic acid, it can help relieve burning sensation and inflammation.  A recent study indicated that castor oil can help treat acne.

Also Read: 11 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Acne (A Common skin disease)

  1. Help Heal Wounds

Castor oil can be used to help in the formation of contamination or the removal of wounds. Moreover, it can help stimulate the development of cells, reduces dryness, and removes dead cells from skin.

  1. Improves Hair Health

Castor oil is excellent for dry and damaged hair. Studies show that fat like castor oil softens hair. As a result, it helps reduce the chances of hair breakage. Castor oil can help moisture dry, flaky and inflamed skin of the scalp. Since it has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis.

  1. Treat Joint Pains

Castor oil is known for its treatment of arthritis, its anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal massage oil to relieve joint pain, nerve inflammation and aching muscles. Massaging the joint with castor oil and keeping a bag of hot water helps relieve pain. In the case of arthritis, repeating castor oil massage twice a week will ensure better results.

  1. Reduces Symptom of Arthritis

Castor oil has been used as a natural treatment for arthritis pain, inflammation and joint pain since ancient times. Castor oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal massage oil that can be applied to aching muscles and joints.

You can try massaging the affected area with castor oil and then give a hot water pack. If you follow this habit for a week you will sometimes feel pain reduction.

  1. For Stretch Mark

Stretch marks are often caused by pregnancy and rapid weight gain, but can also be caused by aging, hormonal imbalance, sudden weight loss, and swelling. Castor oil is known as the best treatment for various skin conditions. Its rich products and various fatty acids make it an excellent moisturizer and effective treatment to get rid of unseen stretch marks.

  1. Improve Immune Function

Regular use of castor oil is believed to improve the functioning of the immune system, including lymphatic extraction, thymus gland health, and blood flow. Lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell found in the body’s immune system) feel threatened by the body and external invaders such as bacteria and toxins. The use of castor oil helps the body produce the right level of lymphocytes, which are stored and released from lymph nodes, thymus glands and small intestines into the lymphatic tissue. Apply castor oil to your abdominal area to increase body oil absorption.

  1. Treating Ringworm

Ringworm- relatively common skin condition caused by fungus, ring shaped and increases to red rash. Studies have shown that nearly 20 percent of people suffer from ringworm at least once in their lives. While it may be difficult to deal with, castor oil is a great treatment for ringworm. The undecylenic acid found in castor oil acts as an antifungal agent that cures the infection.

  1. Heals Dry, Cracked Heel

Castor oil’s ability to hydrate the skin makes it a perfect remedy for treating cracked heels. It is rich in vitamins, and essential nutrients which help hydrate dry, cracked skin. Just rub castor oil on your feet, wear a pair of socks, and leave overnight.

Also Read: Immune System of Human Body

Uses of Castor Oil

  • Castor oil is a popular skin care product. It treats dry and flaky skin and keeps it soft and moisturized. It also helps in reducing acne.
  • Castor oil is a perfect alternative moisturizing cream. 
  • You can apply castor oil to your hair to prevent split ends, reduce dandruff and maintain hair moisture.
  • You can eat castor oil. It works as an effective laxative.
  • Used as food preservatives.

Side Effects of Castor Oil

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), excessive consumption of castor oil can be harmful. It can lead to a loss of fluid and potassium from the body when used for more than a week or more than 15 to 60 milliliters of doses are consumed every day. Note such symptoms in the body to find out if you have consumed castor oil more than the limit-

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Hallucinations
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath and chest pain
  • Throat stiffness

Some people develop a rash after using castor oil on the skin. In addition, there is evidence that excessive hair application of castor oil can be unsafe.

Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before consuming castor oil. Parents of children should consult their pediatrician before giving castor oil to their children.

Also Read: Argan Oil Benefits: 12+ Curing Properties

NOTE: It is unsafe to consume whole castor seeds. Castor seeds have a deadly poison in the outer layer that can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration, shock and even death.

It should be used in the right quantity keeping in view the benefits and disadvantages of castor oil as excessive use of any product can harm our health. The above mentioned information is provided only for general knowledge based on the information.  It is advisable to consult a doctor before using castor oil.

Conclusion

The information included above about the benefits of using castor oil are only for knowledge purposes and based on trusted sources and studies. Please approach a doctor or specialist if you face any side effects from using it. 

Also Read: Castor Oil Benefits (Assamese)

FAQ

1/ Is it safe to eat castor oil every day?

Ans: Too much castor oil for a long period of time should be avoided. Over time, it can reduce the tone of your intestinal muscles and lead to chronic constipation. 

2/ Is it safe to drink castor oil?

Ans: Although castor oil is considered safe, high amounts can lead to stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

3/ Is castor oil safe for kidneys?

Ans: Taking castor bean plant alkali can cause liver and kidney damage, contraction, hypotension and dit.

4/ Can you put castor oil on your face overnight?

Ans: Gently apply castor oil on your face and massage at a circular motion. You can even leave it overnight and wash it off in the morning. You can use steam to open your pores and help your skin absorb oil well.

5/ Can castor oil remove dark spots?

Ans: Castor oil is helpful in getting rid of acne, inflammation and hair loss. Gently massage castor oil on your skin areas, leave it on for a few hours and wash it off twice a day so that they slowly fade away.

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