14 Castor Oil Benefits You Probably Never Heard Of
Here are 14 Castor Oil Benefits and uses - from helping you poop more to enriching your skin and hair
What is Castor Oil | Laxative | Skin moisturizer | Wound Healing | Anti-inflamattory | Hair & Scalp | Helps giving birth | Immune System | Antimicrobial| Fights Acne | Skin| Arthritis | Sunburns | Menstrual Cramps | Eyes | Side Effects | Where to Buy | What to look for | How To use
The first thing that comes up when we talk about castor oil is hair treatment. It’s a great natural alternative if you want your hair to grow long and thick without resorting to commercial products filled with chemicals.
But, is that all? I mean, what other benefits does castor oil offer if we chose to add it to our wellness routine?
With its high ricinoleic acid content, castor oil can help with digestive issues, support skin health, and even aid in wound healing.
But that’s not all – its benefits extend to menstrual cramp relief, hair and scalp health, and antimicrobial effects.
In this post, I taking a deep dive into castor oil, it’s benefits, potential side effects and uses.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Castor oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and laxative properties, making it a versatile natural remedy for various health issues.
- It supports digestive health by stimulating intestinal muscles, promoting bowel movements, and providing relief from constipation.
- Castor oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, while also promoting skin hydration.
- The oil’s anti-inflammatory effects provide natural pain relief, reducing swelling and discomfort in joints and muscles, making it a potential treatment for conditions like arthritis.
- Castor oil also supports hair and scalp health, stimulates hair growth, and enhances lymphatic drainage and circulation, promoting overall health and wellness.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and remains popular today.
Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis, which is mainly grown in India, Africa, and South America.
Castor oil is thick and has a distinctive color, ranging from clear to amber. Its unique feature is its high content of ricinoleic acid, making up about 90% of its fatty acid profile. [1]
This compound gives the oil its therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and laxative properties.
Castor oil is used in various ways, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications, making it a valuable product in both health and manufacturing sectors.
Castor Oil Benefits
For those of you who don’t want to go through the full article (although I suggest you do), here’s a table that summarizes castor oil benefits:
Here’s a user-friendly table summarizing the benefits of castor oil:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Laxative Properties | Helps relieve constipation by stimulating bowel movements. Use cautiously to avoid cramps and diarrhea. |
| Skin Moisturizer | Hydrates and soothes dry skin, reduces inflammation, and protects against bacteria. Great for conditions like eczema and psoriasis. |
| Wound Healing | Promotes wound healing by keeping the area moisturized and preventing infections with its antibacterial properties. |
| Anti-inflammatory Effects | Reduces inflammation and pain, especially useful for arthritis and sore muscles. |
| Hair and Scalp Health | Moisturizes the scalp, fights infections, and promotes hair growth. |
| Inducing Labor | Sometimes used to naturally stimulate labor contractions. Consult a healthcare provider before use. |
| Immune System Support | May enhance lymphatic drainage and support immune function. |
| Antimicrobial Properties | Fights bacteria and fungi, helpful for oral health and treating acne. |
| Acne Treatment | Reduces acne by targeting bacteria and inflammation. |
| Treats Dermatitis and Eczema | Soothes and reduces symptoms of dermatitis and eczema by calming inflammation. |
| Eases Arthritis Pain | Alleviates arthritis pain by reducing joint inflammation and stiffness. |
| Soothes Sunburn | Reduces redness, swelling, and pain from sunburn, while keeping skin moisturized. |
| Reduces Menstrual Cramps | Eases menstrual discomfort with its anti-inflammatory effects. |
| Miracle Eye Cream | Used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce eye irritation and improve vision. |
1. Laxative Properties
Sometimes, your body needs a little help to stay on track. Constipation can leave you feeling off and uncomfortable, but castor oil might be just what you need.
It works by gently stimulating your intestines to get things moving again. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil is what gives it its natural laxative power, providing relief without being too harsh.
However, it’s important to be careful with how much you use. Too much castor oil, or using it too often, can cause cramps and diarrhea, which is definitely not fun.
The FDA has approved castor oil for temporary relief from constipation, so it’s safe to use as long as you’re responsible with it. [2]
2. Skin Moisturizer
Using castor oil as a natural moisturizer can do wonders for your skin.
Its high triglyceride content locks in moisture, while its humectant properties draw hydration from the air, making it perfect for dry skin.
Applying castor oil can soothe irritation and inflammation, which is especially helpful for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Plus, its antimicrobial properties protect against bacteria on irritated skin. By adding castor oil into your daily routine, you’re nourishing your skin naturally, leaving it soft, radiant, and more resilient over time.
3. Wound Healing
Castor oil’s benefits go beyond skin moisturizing. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable tool in wound care. When applied to a wound, castor oil creates a healthy environment for healing.
The oil’s antibacterial properties protect the wound from infection, while its moisturizing properties prevent the wound from drying out too much.
Using castor oil on a wound helps create a conducive environment for recovery. Some products, like Venelex, combine castor oil with other ingredients to effectively treat skin and pressure wounds.
Aren’t wounds suppose to dry out to close the wound and prevent bacteria from getting inside our bodies?
Yes, wounds need to dry and form a scab to heal, but if they get too dry, the skin can crack and slow down recovery. Castor oil keeps the wound moist enough to prevent cracking without stopping the scab from forming. Its antibacterial properties protect against infection, and the moisture helps keep the skin soft, reducing the risk of reopening the wound.
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Inflammation can be a real pain – literally. Many people rely on over-the-counter pain relievers to ease the discomfort.
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, carotenoids, and tocopherols, making it a powerful anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.
It helps soothe joint and muscle pain, reduces nerve pain, and fights harmful free radicals. Applied topically, castor oil can treat skin conditions like acne and rashes, while its antimicrobial properties protect against bacteria and fungi.
It’s also effective for eye conditions like dry eye and blepharitis. Whether used in massage or as a heated pack, castor oil provides a natural alternative for those seeking relief from pain and inflammation.
5. Hair and Scalp Health
Castor oil nourishes the scalp, reducing dryness and irritation while its antifungal properties help fight infections. Rich in ricinoleic acid, castor oil it probably THE oil for hair and scalp health, promoting growth and strengthening hair from the roots.
You can apply it directly or mix it with other oils for an added boost. Regular scalp massages with castor oil can lead to healthier, more vibrant hair, making it a must-have in your natural hair care routine.
6. Inducing Labor
As you prepare to welcome your little one, you might be exploring natural ways to help the process along. One age-old method is using castor oil to induce labor. The idea is that castor oil can stimulate contractions in the uterus, potentially kickstarting labor. [3]
While some midwives have shared success stories with castor oil, it’s essential to approach this method with caution.
The scientific evidence is mixed, and castor oil might not be suitable for everyone. Before considering castor oil, please discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. They can guide you in making an informed decision about whether this natural remedy is right for you.
7. Immune System Support
Castor oil can also support your immune system in various ways. By improving lymphatic drainage and circulation, castor oil may help your body get rid of waste and toxins more efficiently, which is essential for a healthy immune response. [4]
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in fighting off infections and diseases. Applying castor oil packs to the abdomen may increase the production of lymphocytes, which are important for combating infections. [5]
Incorporating castor oil into your daily life can be a proactive way to support your immune system and your body’s natural healing processes.
8. Antimicrobial Properties
Another well-known benefit of castor oil is its antimicrobial properties. This remarkable quality can be attributed to the presence of – you guessed it – ricinoleic acid, castor oil’s unique fatty acid. Ricinoleic acid has been shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and molds. [6]
For example, research has demonstrated that castor oil can be effective against certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, which is known to cause serious infections. [7]
The antimicrobial properties of castor oil have been recognized and utilized for centuries, making it a staple in traditional medicine and modern skincare routines alike. [8]
Whether you’re using it to treat minor cuts and scrapes or to maintain healthy skin, castor oil’s ability to fend off harmful microbes is truly impressive.
9. Acne Treatment
For those of you with acne problems, castor oil might be a natural remedy worth considering. Derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, castor oil has several properties that can help manage acne:
- Antimicrobial Properties: Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has antimicrobial properties. This can help reduce the bacteria that cause acne, potentially preventing new breakouts.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Acne often comes with redness and swelling. Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce this inflammation, making your skin look calmer.
- Moisturizing Benefits: Unlike some acne treatments that can dry out your skin, castor oil is a natural moisturizer. It helps keep your skin hydrated, which is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
- Exfoliation: Castor oil can also act as a gentle exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. This can prevent future breakouts and keep your skin looking fresh.
10. Treats dermatitis and eczema
Skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema can be painful and frustrating. They can leave you feeling raw and uncomfortable, and it’s hard to feel in control of your own skin.
Castor oil, however, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the discomfort and inflammation associated with these conditions.
When you apply castor oil to the affected areas, it can help reduce redness, swelling, and itching. This allows your skin to start healing.
With regular use, you may notice that your symptoms become less severe, and your skin starts to feel smoother and softer.
Using castor oil can help you take control of your skin’s health, and you may start to feel more confident.
11. May Ease Arthritis Pain
Arthritis can slowly take away your ability to move freely and comfortably as you age. Simple actions like walking, bending, or twisting can become painful.
However, castor oil offers potential relief for this joint pain condition. As I mentioned earlier, its key component, ricinoleic acid, possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that may help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. [8]
When massaged into the skin, castor oil can improve blood circulation, potentially decreasing stiffness and promoting healing. Its deep moisturizing effect may also contribute to pain reduction and improved mobility. [9]
Castor oil can be applied directly, used in warm compresses, or mixed with other oils for massage.
12. Soothes Sunburn
Excessive sun exposure can lead to sunburn, causing discomfort, redness, pain, and peeling skin. Castor oil is effective in soothing sunburned skin, reducing inflammation, and promoting the healing process.
Applying castor oil to sunburned skin utilizes its anti-inflammatory properties to decrease redness and swelling. The oil’s moisturizing properties help retain hydration, keeping the skin soft and supple during the healing process.
Castor oil creates a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, shielding it from further damage and allowing it to recover from the sun’s intense rays. By using castor oil, individuals can experience relief from sunburn discomfort.
13. Reduces Menstrual Cramps
Menstruation can be a challenging time for many women. Can Castor oil really help alleviate menstrual pain?
Yes, castor oil can help reduce menstrual cramps. It’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can alleviate pain and discomfort. One effective method is to use a castor oil pack.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Soak a piece of flannel in high-quality castor oil.
- Place the flannel on your lower abdomen.
- Cover it with a plastic sheet to prevent any mess.
- Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle on top for about 30-60 minutes.
This method can help improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation, providing relief from menstrual cramps
14. Dry Eyes
Castor oil has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for possibly helping with certain eye issues, but it’s important to be careful when using it.
This natural oil might help with dry eyes by adding moisture, and it could reduce eye irritation due to its soothing properties.
Some people say it has helped with eyelid problems and even made their eyelashes grow longer.
However, it’s not risk-free. The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that castor oil can sometimes cause eye redness or discomfort. Since eyes are very sensitive, it’s really important to talk to an eye doctor before trying castor oil for your eyes.
Potential Side Effects
As you learn about the benefits of castor oil, it’s also important to consider the potential drawbacks. While castor oil is a natural remedy with many uses, being aware of its possible side effects is crucial for safe and effective use.
To understand the potential risks, consider the following:
- Digestive problems: Taking castor oil orally may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may experience skin rashes, itching, swelling, dizziness, or breathing difficulties, although this is rare.
- Low blood pressure: Castor oil can lower blood pressure, leading to dizziness and fainting.
- Skin irritation: Applying castor oil to the skin may cause irritation or rashes in some individuals.
Where To Buy Castor Oil?
You can buy castor oil from various online and physical stores. Here are some options:
Amazon: They offer a wide range of castor oil products, including:
- US+ 10Oz 100% Pure Castor Oil – Cold-Pressed, Unrefined, Hexane-Free for $6.991.
- Handcraft Blends Organic Castor Oil – 16 Fl Oz for $9.991.
- NOW Solutions, Castor Oil – 100% Pure Versatile Skin Care, 16-Ounce for $7.341.
Target: They have options like:
- Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil – 4Oz for $6.991.
- Horbaach Organic Castor Oil – 4 Fl Oz for $12.991.
Walgreens: They offer Walgreens Castor Oil U.S.P. – 4.0fl oz for $8.992.
Whole Foods Market: They have HERITAGE STORE Castor Oil Organic3.
Vitamin Shoppe: They offer Pure Castor Oil – Cold-Pressed Natural Emollient, 32 Fluid Ounces4.
What to look for when buying Castor oil?
Buying castor oil can be confusing, especially with so many options available. To choose a high-quality product, consider the purity and quality of the oil.
Look for 100% pure, cold-pressed, and virgin castor oil, as it keeps more of its nutrients and therapeutic properties.
Check where the oil comes from and if it’s USDA Certified Organic, meaning the castor plants were grown without harsh chemicals.
Also, consider the packaging. Dark glass bottles protect the oil from light and air, keeping it fresh.
Look for USDA Organic and Fair Trade certifications, which mean the oil is produced in a responsible way and meets high standards.
The Goodbye Company Extra Virgin Castor Oil – 16.9oz USDA Certified Organic / Source: Amazon
How to Use Castor Oil?
Three effective ways to utilize castor oil can improve your daily life. You can use its healing properties to care for your body internally and externally.
- To support digestive health, take a small amount of castor oil, about 15 milliliters, in the morning. Mixing it with juice can make the flavor more tolerable.
- When using castor oil topically, it can be applied directly to the skin or combined with other oils to create a soothing remedy. Your skin will benefit from the nourishment.
- For a hair treatment, massage castor oil into your scalp and hair, leaving it on for a few hours or overnight before washing it out. This treatment can promote hair growth and reduce the need for harsh chemicals.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before using castor oil for medical purposes to ensure safe use.
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