Health Benefits of Castor Oil

Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from castor beans of the plant Ricinus Communis. It is one of my go-to products that I always keep in my cosmetic shelf as an alternative to over-the-counter antibiotic creams and moisturisers. Additionally, I find it extremely useful as a natural remedy for relieving constipation, treating eye inflammation, and promoting wound healing due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Through this article, you will discover its health benefits, usage, safety measures, potential side effects, and a few key facts.

First, we need to ensure that we are identifying our oil correctly. Let’s begin – 

1. Pure castor oil is typically thick and viscous, with its colour ranging from light yellow to almost colourless.
2. Pure castor oil is tasteless and has a slight, unpleasant odour.
3. Make sure that the castor oil packaging has a label which says “Cold-pressed” or “100% pure” as it indicates a less processed product.
4. Jamaican castor oil is dark in colour because of the ash content due to roasting which makes it relatively more processed than the usual castor oil.

Let’s dive deep into the health benefits of castor oil

Castor oil is widely recognized for its effectiveness as a natural laxative for relieving constipation and is also approved by the FDA for this purpose. Apart from that, there are a plethora of benefits that come with its prescribed usage. Scroll down to learn more!

Arthritis Treatment:

Castor oil comes with a high Ricinoleic Acid content, which is researched to have anti-inflammatory effects. According to a study in 2009, a comparative clinical trial was performed to check the potency of castor oil against primary knee arthritis, where 100 adults ranging from 40 to 90 years of age were given castor oil capsules (0.9 ml) three times a day for four weeks. The results showed a significant improvement in the adults proving the efficacy of castor oil with no reported adverse effects. 

Hair growth:

Castor oil comes with the benefits of Vitamin E which aids in keeping hair problems like breakage, dry scalp and irritation at bay. Its antibacterial properties help in keeping the hair follicles from dandruff and other hair issues. To apply, dilute it with coconut oil and warm it up using the double boiler method and then gently massage in circular motion for 5-10 minutes, resulting in an improved blood circulation. After leaving it on for 30-45 minutes, wash your hair thoroughly with cold water to make sure the oil is removed properly. Repeat it twice a week for better results.

Acne and scar prevention:

Battling acne breakout is a common phenomenon in most of our lives and applying any sort of oil would sound very counterintuitive in this scenario. However, castor oil with its refreshing and antibacterial properties is not only safe but actually favourable in such conditions. Its high ricinoleic acid content keeps the acne causing bacteria at bay and the other fatty acids like the triglyceride type and undecylenic acid are effective in cleansing the skin. On top of that, it locks moisture in the skin and unlike other oils it prevents oily skin and helps in cleansing the pores.

Treating stretch marks:

Stretch marks occur whenever there is growth or a lot of stretching involved with the skin. It is commonly seen with pregnant women and teenagers during their puberty and even though they diminish over time, they don’t actually go away completely. Castor oil comes into the picture as a deep moisturising treatment for the skin, improving the skin elasticity and getting the skin tone back.

How to apply it?

Castor oil can be used alone or in combination with aloe vera. 

It should be heated until lukewarm and then applied to the stretch marks. After leaving it on the skin for 30 minutes, it should be washed off with some lukewarm water. This process should be repeated for three to four weeks until evident results are observed. While being used with aloe vera, it should be mixed together till it forms a smooth 

Consistency is achieved with equal parts of both ingredients, and the mixture is heated until lukewarm. It should be applied and left overnight, and repeated every day till the results are observed.

Dry eye treatment:

Dry eye diseases are as painful as they look. They come with a burning sensation and irritation which could cause severe discomfort. According to a 2010 study, castor oil content in eye drops have proven to be useful in retaining lubrication in the tear lipid layer of the eye, promoting a significant decrease in the disorder symptoms during the testing period. Castor oil is effectively used as a component in a few clinically tried eye drops, which should be applied at least three to four times daily until results are observed.

Precautions:

Individuals with specific health conditions, such as appendicitis, intestinal blockages or inflammatory bowel diseases, should avoid using stimulant laxatives like castor oil, as they may lead to severe complications.  

Additionally, castor oil should only be used under medical supervision and is not recommended for treating any medical condition per se without a doctor’s guidance. Improper use can be harmful, so it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using it for any health-related concerns.