How Castor Oil Can Benefit You
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is derived from the castor bean (Ricinus communis). Historically, it was known as “palma christi” because its leaves resemble the hands of Christ. The seeds of this plant are the source of castor oil, which is used for both medicinal and industrial purposes.
To produce castor oil, the seeds are cold-pressed. These seeds contain 30 to 50 percent oil, rich in triglycerides. The majority of the oil is ricinoleic acid, an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Castor oil also contains oleic acid, linolenic acid, flavonoids, terpenoids, and other nutrients, making it a powerful healing agent.
Top Benefits of Castor Oil
Castor oil’s versatility makes it beneficial for various issues. Here are some of its top benefits:
Moisturizes Skin
Castor oil is excellent for moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin, making it smoother and softer. Its primary fatty acid, ricinoleic acid, works with the oil’s amino acids to nourish and condition the skin. Due to its thick texture, castor oil stays put when applied and deeply penetrates the skin’s tissue. This is particularly soothing for dry, patchy skin caused by eczema, as the anti-inflammatory properties in the oil help reduce itching and discomfort. Additionally, the antioxidants present in castor oil help prevent skin damage caused by sunburn.
Soothes Inflammation
Thanks to its high concentration of ricinoleic acid, castor oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties. This acid helps decrease inflammation while increasing circulation in the body. When applied topically, castor oil reduces inflammation and relieves pain and swelling, including sore joints from arthritis and gout, muscle tension and sprains, menstrual cramps, and tendinitis.
Helps Clear Phlegm
Castor oil packs are incredibly helpful for clearing phlegm from the lungs, making them great for lung cleanses. These packs are beneficial if you’re trying to breathe easier from allergies, recently quit smoking, or for any other reason. The active ingredients in castor oil, including ricinoleic acid, reduce inflammation and stimulate the liver and gallbladder. Taking castor oil internally can also aid in detoxification by helping your body’s lymphatic system flush toxins.
Resists Harmful Organisms
The ricinoleic acid in castor oil may prevent the growth of harmful organisms, including bacteria, yeasts, viruses, and molds. The castor seed protein has antibacterial and even anti-cancer properties. When combined with ginger, castor oil can significantly reduce the number of bacteria growing in the mouth, making it helpful after oral surgery. This method is similar to oil-pulling, where you swish oil in your mouth. Take a tablespoon of castor oil and a quarter teaspoon of fresh ginger, juiced or minced, and swish in your mouth for 10 minutes, then spit it out.
Boosts the Immune System & Heals Wounds
Applying castor oil packs on the abdomen may stimulate the immune system, increasing the production of lymphocytes — white blood cells that help defend the body against invaders. Topically, castor oil can also stimulate wound healing. It resists harmful organisms common to wounds and has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
Promotes Eye Health
Humans have used castor oil to improve eye health for thousands of years. It is said that Cleopatra used castor oil to brighten the whites of her eyes! Castor oil promotes collagen and skin cell production when taken by mouth. The high content of ricinoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids protect the eye’s “tear film” layer that keeps moisture from evaporating. Some naturopathic doctors recommend castor oil for eye health. However, over-the-counter castor oil may not be sterile, and using it in the eye could lead to an infection. Always check with your healthcare provider before using any new remedy.
Stimulates Hair Growth
Rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and other proteins and minerals, castor oil can nourish hair follicles and moisturize your hair down to its roots. The antibacterial and antifungal properties in the oil can reduce dandruff and scalp infections. An olive oil-castor oil combination works well for split ends in your hair. It can even prevent hair loss and improve your hair’s thickness and shine when used as a conditioner. If you are looking for a supplement to promote hair growth, consider biotin, also called vitamin B7.
Relieves Constipation
Castor oil is a well-known stimulant laxative used for thousands of years as a treatment for constipation. Just one tablespoon can clear out your stopped-up insides. The oil has a strong taste, so imbibing a spoonful is not usually an enjoyable experience for children. But it works — and quickly! Castor oil’s primary fatty acid (ricinoleic acid) binds to the receptors on your intestinal walls, causing your bowel muscles to contract and push out stool. Most experts agree that you should not take it long-term. In the short-term, it can cause uncomfortable uterine cramping and dehydration. A safe, gentle alternative is oxygenated magnesium.
Popular Castor Oil Uses
With all these varied benefits, castor oil provides, here are some great DIY recipes for you to use:
Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil packs are an effective and easy home therapy option for various conditions. They help reduce inflammation throughout the body, balance your digestive system, relieve pain from headaches or sore joints, and improve your overall health. They also work great for detoxification and clearing phlegm from the lungs. To do so, place warm castor oil packs on your chest for one to two hours. You will want to cover your bed with a waterproof sheet, as the oil can be messy.
Ingredients
Cold-pressed castor oil
Flannel
Hot water bottle or heating pad
Plastic wrap or bag
Directions
Buy cotton flannel cloth. There are specific flannels you can buy for creating castor oil packs, or you can use an old flannel sheet or pillowcase. Avoid wool flannel. Make sure the pieces are big enough to cover the area where you intend to place it — most commonly, the abdomen or chest. Pour castor oil on the flannel cloth. You can do this by folding them and placing the flannel into a jar or bowl and adding enough castor oil to soak them. You’ll want the fabric to be saturated but not completely soaked and dripping. Unfold and place the flannel cloth over the desired area. Cover the flannel cloth with a plastic wrap or clean cotton fabric. You can buy special wraparound packs online. You’ll want any plastic covering to be larger than the flannel to prevent oil dripping on your bed, couch, or floor. You can also place plastic underneath you, so that if oil does drip, it does not get onto any furniture. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle over the plastic. If you’re using a heating pad, set it on low heat. Relax for one to two hours with the castor oil pack in place. This is a great time to practice deep breathing, meditation, or other relaxation techniques. When finished, shower or wash the excess oil from your body. Repeat as desired, up to four times per week. Castor oil packs can be stored in a plastic bag and re-used up to 30 times.
Natural Laxative
If you are stopped up, you can take castor oil to provide quick relief. However, there are several precautions to this. The strong taste of castor oil can be off-putting to some. You can mix it with warm milk, ginger tea, or orange juice to mask the flavor. Refrigerating your castor oil for an hour can also remove the strong taste.
How to Use
Adults can take one to a maximum of four tablespoons of castor oil a day when using it as a laxative, depending on your body weight. Children should take no more than one teaspoon. It will generally work within two to three hours. If you are pregnant, avoid castor oil as it may induce labor.
Acne Treatment
While it may go against everything you’ve been told about skincare, applying certain oils to your face can actually be good for your skin. Some cosmetics and acne products strip skin of its natural oils, causing inflammation, which leads to pimples. The essential fatty acids in castor oil help restore your skin’s natural moisture balance, help deter acne-causing bacteria, and clear facial blemishes. It also encourages the growth of healthy skin tissue.
How to Use
As an acne treatment, apply 2 to 3 drops of castor oil gently on your face and massage in circular motions. Leave it on overnight and wash your face in the morning with a mild soap. If you prefer, you can wash it off after 5 minutes, instead of leaving it overnight.
