Castor oil is a thick, odorless oil made from the seeds of the castor plant. Its use dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was likely used as fuel for lamps as well as for medicinal and beauty purposes. Cleopatra reportedly used it to brighten the whites of her eyes.
Today, most is produced in India. It’s still used as a laxative and in skin and hair products. It’s also an ingredient in motor oil, among other things. The FDA says it’s safe for treating constipation, but researchers are still investigating its other potential health benefits.
Castor Oil Benefits
There’s been little research into most of the traditional health uses of this oil. But some of its potential health benefits include:
Castor oil for constipation
The only FDA-approved health use for castor oil is as a natural laxative to relieve temporary constipation .
Its ricinoleic acid attaches to a receptor in your intestines. This causes the muscles to contract, pushing poop through your colon.
It’s also sometimes used for cleansing your colon before a procedure like a colonoscopy. But your doctor can prescribe other laxatives that could give better results.
Don’t use it for long-term constipation relief because you could have side effects like cramps and bloating. Tell your doctor if your constipation lasts more than a few days.
Castor oil to induce labor
It’s been used for centuries to help during labor and delivery. In fact, a survey from 1999 found that 93% of midwives in the U.S. used it to induce labor. But while some studies have shown it might help, others have not found it to be effective. If you’re pregnant, don’t try castor oil without talking to your doctor.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Research in animals shows that ricinoleic acid may help fight swelling and pain caused by inflammation when applied to your skin. One study in people found it was as effective at treating symptoms of knee arthritis as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
But we need much more research into this.
May help heal wounds
Castor oil has antimicrobial properties that may help speed wound healing, especially when it’s combined with other ingredients. Venelex, which contains castor oil and balsam Peru, is an ointment used to treat skin and pressure wounds.
The oil may help to prevent infection by keeping the wounds moist, while the ricinoleic acid reduces inflammation.
Don’t use castor oil on minor cuts or burns at home. It’s recommended for wound care only in doctor’s offices and hospitals.
Castor oil benefits for skin
Because it’s rich in fatty acids, castor oil has moisturizing effects. You can find it in many commercial beauty products. You can also use it in its natural form, which is free of perfumes and dyes. Because it can be irritating to skin, try diluting it with another neutral oil.
Some people think castor oil’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects could help fight acne. But there’s no research evidence to back this up.
Castor oil for hair growth
Castor oil is sometimes marketed as a treatment for dry scalp, hair growth, and dandruff. It may moisturize your scalp and hair. But there’s no science to back up claims that it treats dandruff or promotes hair growth.
In fact, using castor oil in your hair could cause a rare condition called felting, which is when your hair becomes so tangled it has to be cut off.
Post time: Oct-07-2023