Castor oil serves as a natural remedy for treating various health conditions, including constipation, fungal infections, eases arthritis pain and enhances skin and hair health. Thus, castor oil serves as a versatile ingredient and a must-have natural healer in every house.
Castor oil is classified by the Food and Drug Administration which is recognized safe and Effective for both external and internal use.
Therapeutic Benefits Of Castor Oil
1. Natural Laxative
Castor oil is highly valued as a natural laxative, like cumin and aloe vera. The laxative properties of castor oil increase the movement of muscles, which freely push bowel materials via the intestine and clear the waste. Castor oil, when ingested, is broken down to ricinoleic acid in the small intestine and is absorbed well.
Several studies have revealed that castor oil can treat constipation by reducing symptoms, lessening the strain during defecation, and reducing the feeling of incomplete bowel movements. However, castor oil is safe for use in small doses; large amounts may cause abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
2. Supports Wound Healing
Castor oil, when applied to wounds, provides a moist environment that fosters healing and prevents sores from drying out. Many ointments used in clinical settings to heal wounds contain castor oil. Castor oil promotes tissue growth that creates a barrier between the wound and the environment, lowering the risk of infection. In addition, it also aids in lowering the dryness, cornification and prevents the buildup of dead skin cells that may delay wound healing. Evidence strongly supports that an ointment containing castor oil may be beneficial in healing pressure ulcers.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
The goodness of ricinoleic acid, the major fatty acid in castor oil, exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Castor oil, when applied topically supports in lowering inflammation and alleviating pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil may be specifically beneficial in treating inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, the moisturizing properties of castor oil may be potent to ease dry and irritated skin issues in people with psoriasis.
4. Treats Acne
Acne or pimples is a common skin disorder affecting teens which results in blackheads, whiteheads and bumps on the face and back. Acne is caused when the skin becomes clogged with dead skin or bacteria. Castor oil possesses amazing medicinal properties that are beneficial in lowering acne symptoms. The potential antibacterial properties of castor oil battle bacterial overgrowth when applied topically and clear acne.
5. Battles Fungal Infection
Fungal infection caused due to Candida albicans results in dental problems like plaque growth, gum infections and root canal infections. The strong antifungal properties of castor oil facilitate to ward off bacteria and maintain mouth fresh and healthy. It is also effective in treating denture-associated stomatitis, a painful condition caused due to Candida albicans from the infected tooth root. Moreover, brushing and soaking dentures in castor oil solution exhibited a remarkable reduction in Candida among elderly people using dentures.
6. Promotes Immunity
Castor oil is highly valued in traditional medicine for strengthening the immune system by increasing white blood cells. Evidence revealed that castor oil has the potential to boost the count of T11 cells and promote the secretion of lymphocytes in the blood within a few hours of use. Lymphocytes are the body’s natural disease-fighters, which can bout toxins, bacteria, fungus, viruses and other outside invaders and keep diseases at bay.
In addition, it also promotes lymphatic system drainage, improves blood flow, the health of the thymus gland and triggers immune system functions. Studies reveal that castor oil serves as an essential detoxification ingredient and treating digestive problems.
7. Lessens Wrinkles
Castor oil acts as an amazing remedy for lessening wrinkles. It diffuses into the skin and stimulates the production of collagen which smoothens and hydrates the skin. Apply castor oil over the wrinkled area, let it stay overnight and rinse well. This can revamp the skin by making it look supple and radiant.
8. Moisturizer
The potential anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in castor oil assist in healing skin problems, shield the skin from bacterial infections and thwart off microbes causing skin issues.
The abundance of triglycerides in castor oil confers to maintain skin moisture and helps in treating dry skin. In addition, the humectant properties can retain the moisture by preventing the water loss and keep the skin well hydrated throughout the day.
9. Cleanser
The natural astringent properties of castor oil help in clearing off the impurities from the skin and it is suitable for cleansing oily skin too. The richness of essential fatty acids in castor oil facilitates in reinstating natural moisture balance of the skin. Gently apply castor oil on your face and massage in circular motions, allow it to stay overnight and wash off in the morning. This clears the clogged pores and heals acne.
10. Maintains Complexion
The richness of monounsaturated fatty acids in castor oil makes the skin smooth and softer when applied as a facial oil. It can also stimulate the growth of healthy skin tissues and revamp the uneven skin tone, thus enhancing the skin texture and complexion.
Castor oil has a very low comedogenic score; it lowers the risk of developing blackheads and has a very low chance of clogging pores in the skin, thus suitable for all types of sensitive skin.
To promote better absorption of castor oil into the skin, always dilute castor oil in the ratio 1:1 with other agents like olive and coconut oil, which allows castor oil to penetrate deep within the skin.
Source from Research