Castor oil, extracted oil from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, is a multipurpose vegetable oil that has been used for thousands of years. This oil is most well known for its laxative property and other reported benefits such as in uterine contraction, antimicrobial activity and lipid metabolism.Castor oil has a number of industrial, medicinal, and pharmaceutical uses such as commonly used as an additive in foods, skin care products, medications, and as well as biodiesel fuel component and industrial lubricant.

Castor Oil has been used for many centuries as a natural remedy for various health issues dating back to 1500BC in the Egyptian records.

Benefits:

For Constipation:

Castor oil is a natural laxative to relieve temporary constipation. Its ricinoleic acid attaches to a receptor in the intestines which causes the muscle to contact pushing poop through the colon. It’s also normally used for cleansing the colon before a procedure like a colonoscopy. Long term use may not be ideal as that could have side effects like cramps and bloating.

Anti-inflammatory effects:

Researches on animals show that ricinoleic acid may assist in fight pain and swelling caused by inflammation when applied on your skin. One research in humans found it was effective at treating symptoms of knee-arthritis as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). But still much more research is needed into this.

May help heal wounds:

Castor oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that may help healing wounds quickly, when it’s mixed with other ingredients especially. Venelex, which consists of castor oil and balsam Peru, is an ointment that is used to treat skin and pressure wounds.

The oil may help to thwart infection by keeping the wounds moist, whereas the ricinoleic acid decreases inflammation.

For Skin:

As it is rich in fatty acids, the castor oil has moisturizing effects. It is used in many commercial beauty products. This oil can be used in natural form, which is without perfumes and dyes. It may help fight acne as this oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and moisturizing effects. But more research is needed in this field.

Hair growth:

May help as a treatment for dry scalp, hair growth and dandruff, as the oil may moisturize scalp and hair.  Scientific research is still needed for more detail outcomes.

It is always recommended to consult a health professional before the use of the castor oil as all the natural products have side effects if not used with proper direction, and I think this product has been very useful to many customers who use it for various reasons.

Kiran Rana
Ayurveda Doctor
Membership: ANTA
Dubbo, NSW