Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained by pressing the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). The common name "castor oil", from which the plant gets its name, probably comes from its use as a replacement for castoreum, a perfume base made from the dried perineal glands of the beaver.
Castor oil and its derivatives are used in the manufacturing of soaps, lubricants, hydraulic and brake fluids, paints, dyes, coatings, inks, cold resistant plastics, waxes and polishes, nylon, pharmaceuticals and perfumes.
When liquid is extracted from castor seeds (Ricinus Communis) a pale yellow liquid is collected called castor oil. Castor oil has many uses and is seen in a variety of industries. Castor oil is am anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant oil, which has been around for centuries.
The Egyptians were among the first to dive in the many uses and benefits of castor oil. Cleopatra used it to brighten the whites of her eyes, as well as use it for ointments and wounds. Castor oil was also used to light torches and lamps.
The majority of castor oils benefits are derived from its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. Although used in cosmetics, soaps, textiles, medicines, massage oils, castor oil has powerful medicinal benefits.
Castor oil can be taken orally and topically, and is known to strengthen the immune system. Without further ado, lets dive right in and see what castor oil has to offer.
What is Castor Oil used for?
The therapeutic uses of castor oil can be broken down into six sections:
Antimicrobial agent
Remedies for gastrointestinal problems
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic
Immune system stimulant
Lymphatic stimulant
Hair stimulant
Castor oil is considered a great remedy for major illnesses and can treat the following:
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson’s Disease
Cerebral Palsy
Hair loss
Arthritis and Rheumatism pain
Inflammation
Skin Abrasions
Sunburn
Athletes foot
Acne
Migraines
Menstrual Disorders
Yeast Infection
Constipation
Gastrointestinal problems
Multiple Sclerosis – is a disorder involving the inflammation and degeneration of myelin in the brain and spinal cord. Myelin is a fatty material that insulates the brain and spinal cord. This causes the disruption of electrical impulses to and from the brain. The resulting symptoms are balance and coordination problems, weakness throughout the body, fatigue, visual disturbances, bladder and bowel problems, as well as emotional and cognitive disturbances.
Parkinson’s Disease – is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. Famous people like Muhammad Ali have longed battled Parkinson’s. Parkinson also causes stiffness and slowing of movement. Although a cure has been hard to find for scientists, castor oil has been found to be effective in treating and managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s. The oil was also massaged in joints and tendons throughout the body.
Cerebral Palsy – Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects movement, motor skills, and muscle tone. Cerebral palsy mostly caused by brain damaged that occurred before or during birth, or during the first 5 years of a child’s life.
Castor Oil Uses for Hair & Skin
When comparing castor oil benefits, some stand out more than others. Although castor oil uses are subjective and different for everybody, it’s worth mentioning that the benefits it offers for the hair and skin are quite impressive. Many have claimed that castor oil works much better than most costly products, providing much healthier and stronger looking hair and skin.
Castor Oil for Hair Growth – one of the best uses for castor oil is without question for hair loss. Research has shown castor oil to be effective in treating hair loss and even for thickening your eyelashes. Castor oil is an old beauty treatment that has lasted the test of time.
Castor oil has all the right sources of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, omega fatty acids, to restore and revitalize your hair and scalp. It’s antibacterial and anti fugal components is great against folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), dandruff, and even scalp infection.
The antioxidants in castor oil help support keratin in hair causing it to be stronger, smoother and shinier.
Hundreds and thousands of testimonials can be found online of people raving about the hair growth properties of castor oil.
Treats infections – When it comes to the skin benefits of castor oil, it is most commonly known for being an effective natural remedy for rashes, ringworm, and other fungi/infections. This is why many people have claimed that castor oil uses are parallel to none when it comes to the variety of benefits it provides – both internally and externally.
How to Use Castor Oil on Hair
To use, simply pour some castor oil on your palms and gently massage into hair. You can leave it on as long as you wish (many suggest 30-60 minutes). Simple as that ?? If you’re looking for the best castor oil for hair, your best bet is your local organic grocery store or amazon.
Other Castor Oil Uses
Arthritis and Rheumatism pain– caused by chronic inflammation, arthritis and rheumatism affects the small joints in your hands and feet. The lining of your joints is primarily affected; causing painful swelling that can sometimes result in joint deformity.
Arthritis and Rheumatism is an autoimmune disorder, which causes the immune system to attack the body’s tissue.
Castor oil fights arthritis and rheumatism by joining its powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, to boost the immune system causing a response to the inflammation.
It’s anti-inflammatory property drives inflammation out of joints.
Inflammation – although inflammation is common among many diseases such as arthritis, inflammation can also be associated with flu like symptoms. Symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, loss of energy, loss of appetite, and muscle stiffness can be associated with inflammation.
Castor oil has strong medical anti-inflammatory components that treat and cure the associated symptoms listed about. Castor oils also taps into its anti fungal and anti-bacterial properties to cure inflammation.
Skin Abrasion – is minor injuries of cuts and wounds that can happen anytime and anywhere. We all heal from cuts and wounds in different rates. Treating cuts and wounds with castor oil has been shown to be very effective in the healing process.
Castor oil packs anti fungal, and anti-bacterial properties that keep infection away.
It also packs unsaturated fatty acids that help the regeneration of the skin. What’s even more useful is that castor oil goes on without pain.
Sunburn – overexposure to the sun can cause sunburn. Although sunburns can be really irritating, treating it with castor oil is definitely not. Castor oil on contact with skin affected by sunburn is quite effective. Castor oils anti fungal and antibacterial makes sure that infections don’t happen, and ricinoleic acid helps alleviate sunburn pain.
Alleviation of sunburn pain is one of the best properties of castor oil we found when it comes to sunburn. A lot of customers have said castor oil is more effective then Aloe Vera.
Castor oil is very effective in treating sunburn, and also helps the regeneration process of your skin.
Athletes Foot – is a fungal infection that most often begins between your toes. Athlete’s foot is common among sweaty feet and tight fitted shoes.
Athlete’s foot can cause itching, stinging, and burning sensation.
It should be known that athletes foot is contagious and can be spread via contaminated floors, matts, rugs, towels, and clothing. A common place that athletes foot can spread is in gym locker rooms, where majority of people are bare foot while changing.
Castor oil cures athletes foot with its strong anti fungal components. It’s also rich in anti-bacterial properties adding an added advantage in treating athlete’s foot. Castor oil also aids in relieving the symptoms of irritation, burning, and itching.
For that many health care professionals and athletes have recommended castor oil.
Migraines – can cause intense throbbing and pulsating sensations throughout the head. Symptoms of migraines are nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last for hours if untreated, and be severe.
Castor oil fights migraines by its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It aids in the treating of the symptoms of migraines such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
Castor oil also aids in the circulation of the immune system, adding to the alleviation of symptoms. It fights migraines on multiple fronts, and is very effective in treating migraines.
Menstrual Disorders – can affect many women. Although there are women who go through their monthly menstrual cycles without a problem, some women find themselves in many disorders.
Menstrual disorders can range from abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and premenstrual dysphonic disorder (PMDD). A lot of these issues can be tied back to hormones, reproductive hormones, estrogen, and certain medical conditions.
Castor oil is very effective in decreasing inflammation associated with menstrual disorders. Castor oil has also been effective in eliminating fibroids and cysts.
Castor oil does this by its ricinoleic acid, which aids in menstrual problems through multiple uses.
Ricinoleic acid is an emmenagogue found naturally in castor oil that helps open delayed, painful, or stopped menstruation. The antibacterial property of castor oil also fights of bacteria and yeast infection.
Constipation – is usually caused by slow movement of stool within the colon system. Many of us experience constipation a few times a year. Although constipation is common, some experience chronic constipation.
Castor oil has been known to treat constipation. Castor oil is a strong stimulant laxative, increasing the movement of the intestines. Castor oil lubricates your bowels without absorbing the moisture from the walls of your intestine.
Gastrointestinal problems – Just like constipation, gastrointestinal problems are disorders that affect the colon and rectum, such as constipation and irregular bowl syndrome.
What are the side effects of Castor Oil?
Castor oil has been shown to be safe when used in moderation. However pregnant and lactating women should consult their doctor before using, since its known to cause labor.
If you also suffer from intestinal blockage, acute inflammatory intestinal disease, appendicitis, and abdominal pain, make sure to reach out to your doctor before using. Castor oil is a strong laxative and can be discomforting if you’re dealing with other complications.
What type of Castor oil?
Majority of castor oil can be purchased from health food stores and online. Make sure to stay clear from industrial castor oil, which is meant for industrial use. Industrial castor oil can also be found if one needs it for its many other uses. Look for cold-processed or cold pressed bottles. The color of the oil should be very light or pale yellow.
How to use Castor oil
Castor oil can be taken orally or topically, Take this medication by mouth as directed by doctor or if self treating make sure to follow directions on the package. It’s best when taken on an empty stomach. It can also be taken with juice in order to improve taste.
