What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a multipurpose vegetable oil that people have used for thousands of years. It’s made by extracting oil from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. These seeds, which are known as castor beans, contain a toxic enzyme called ricin. However, the heating process that castor oil undergoes during production deactivates the ricin, allowing the oil to be used safely. Castor oil has a number of medicinal,
industrial, and pharmaceutical uses. It’s commonly used as an additive in foods, medications, and skin care products, as well as an industrial lubricant and biodiesel fuel component.

What can Castor Oil be used for?

Immune Functionality:

One of the major reasons castor oil has strong immune-enhancing effects is because it supports the body’s lymphatic system. The most significant role of the lymphatic system, which is spread throughout the whole body in small tubular structures, is that it absorbs and removes excess fluids, proteins, and waste materials from our cells.

 

Boosts Circulation in the body:
A healthy lymphatic system and proper blood flow go hand in hand. When the lymphatic system fails (or edema develops, which is the retention of fluid and toxins), it’s much more likely someone will have circulatory issues. This is due to the fact that the lymphatic circulatory system works directly with the cardiovascular circulatory system to keep blood and lymphatic fluid levels in an optimal balance.

Moisturizes skin & improves wound healing:
Castor oil is completely natural and free of synthetic chemicals (as long as you use pure 100 percent pure oil, of course), yet it’s rich in skin-boosting ingredients like fatty acids. Applying this oil to dry or irritated skin can help to discourage dryness and keep it well moisturized, since it prevents water loss. It can also help with wound and pressure ulcer healing thanks to its moisturizing as well as antimicrobial and
antibacterial properties. It mixes well with other ingredients like almond, olive and coconut oil, all of which have unique benefits for skin.

Helps Dry, Irritated, Sun-Burnt or Acne-Prone Skin
As a natural antibacterial agent, castor oil works similarly to coconut oil for boosting skin health. It also makes a great general skin moisturizer and anti-inflammatory blemish treatment. If you want to get rid of acne forever, you need to get to the source of the problem. Castor oil is a great natural home remedy for acne. As it penetrates deep into the skin, it fights bacteria overgrowth that can clog pores, while
softening and hydrating irritated skin at the same time.

Acts as a Laxative to Relieve Constipation
Castor oil works like a natural, mild stimulant laxative when taken orally. It can provide constipation relief, reduce strain during defecation and enhance the feeling of complete evacuation after a bowel movement. Its active ingredient, ricinolein acid, gets released into the intestine, where it helps with the process of digestion, nutrient absorption and cleansing the system. It increases movement of the muscles that push material through the intestines, helping to pass a bowel movement. One study conducted in Turkey looked at the effects of castor oil packs on elderly people experiencing constipation. The study participants were monitored for a week before, three days during and four days after the oil pack administration. A whopping 80 percent of the individuals studied had been experiencing constipation for 10 years or longer. The researchers found that the oil packs were able to decrease constipation symptoms, most specifically straining during defecation.

Lowers Symptoms of Arthritis
Castor oil is often used as a natural treatment for arthritis pain, joint swelling, and inflammation. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that make it an ideal massage oil that can be applied to aching joints, muscles, or tissue. Observational studies have even shown that topical application of ricinolein acid (the main component of castor oil), “exerts remarkable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.” A randomized, double-blind, comparative clinical study looked at the effects of castor oil capsules on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

Helps to Encourage Strong, Shiny Hair
What does castor oil do for your hair? Just like coconut oil benefits your hair, using castor oil may help your hair grow faster, thicker, stronger, and shinier. It can detangle hair as well and is even used to treat hair felting (a disorder in which hair becomes twisted and entangled as a hard stony mass). Does castor oil regrow hair? Because it can improve blood circulation to your follicles, it may help to speed up hair growth. This is why some people apply it not only to hair on their head, but also to eyebrows and eyelashes.

In conclusion, castor oil has many different uses for different ailments and conditions. While this product can’t be used as a guarantee cure for said conditions, it can help improve your quality of life. Always consult a doctor or health care specialist before using this in place of medications or when using as an alternate treatment.