Castor oil: what it is, properties and what it is for

He Castor oil It is a vegetable oil that has been used for a long time as a natural treatment for various health problemsspecially for relieve constipation and care for skin and hair. But it has many other properties and possible uses.

What is castor oil?

He Castor oil is extracted from the castor beans (Ricinus communis) which is cultivated mainly in Africa, South America and India. The main producing countries of this oil are Brazil, China and India.

His use as a natural remedy for various indications (from skin care to constipation) dates back thousands of years. Today, it is used in countless Cosmetic products (soaps, creams, shampoos and hair softeners…) and you can often find him with his Name in english: castor oil. It is also used in medicines, in food (as an additive, flavoring or preservative) and has many other industrial uses: it is found in paints, dyes, lubricants, cold-resistant plastics, etc.

The castor beans contain a toxic protein, known as ricin, which means that they should never be consumed directly. However, the heating process used to make castor oil inactivates the ricin, allowing it to be used safely.

castor oil properties

castor oil has multiple health benefitsamong them:

Is anti-inflammatory.Has laxative effect.Is antioxidant.antimicrobialantifungal.Analgesic.Moisturizing.Stimulates the collagen formation and strengthens the structure of the tendons.

What is castor oil used for?

Castor oil has been used from ancient egypt for combat constipation, since it increases the muscular contractions that push the stool through the intestines. However, the recommended dose should not be exceeded because it could cause the opposite effect and cause frequent bowel movements, Colic, diarrhea and bloody stools.

It has also been used in traditional medicine to induce laborsince it is believed to help dilate the cervix. However, and despite the fact that various studies indicate that it is effective and safe, some doctors advise against it because can have side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea…) and could increase the chances that the baby will pass meconium (his first bowel movement) before birth and this would increase the risk of meconium aspiration and, consequently, neonatal respiratory problems.

Topically can be used for:

reduce inflammation, for example in carpal tunnel syndrome or plantar fasciitis. In Ayurvedic medicine it is also used to improve the arthritis pain.Take care of eyebrows and eyelashes, thanks to its moisturizing properties. It is believed that its use can help hair groweyebrows and eyelashes.remove brown spots on the skin of the face, hands and neckline (lentigo): apply twice a day giving a gentle massage until absorbed. It can also be mixed with baking soda and applied every night.Take care of dry hair and eliminate dandruff. In addition, its lubricating properties add shine to the hair and prevent split ends.Reduce pimples and blackheadsthanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.Keep skin hydrated: Acts as a humectant that locks in moisture and helps keep skin soft, smooth and hydrated. It can also help accelerate healing of wounds.

On the other hand, thanks to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, it can be effective (in a 10% solution) for clean dentures and eliminate bacteria and oral fungi.

Although generally considered safe for topical use, can cause an allergic reaction in some people, with redness, swelling, itching, or a rash. That is why it is advisable to try it first in a small area to see how the body reacts. In the same way, it can cause allergy when ingested.