What Is Castor Oil?

Have you ever used castor oil? Extracted from the Ricinus communis plant, castor oil is used in skin care products, medications, and shampoos. It is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid which is potent at treating constipation, arthritis, and a number of other health conditions. We will discuss 20 reasons you should use castor oil, leggo!

20 Health Benefits of Castor Oil

Treats Acne and Scars

Castor oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties that treat acne and clear scars. To apply castor oil for treating acne:

• Cleanse your face.
• Wet a cloth slightly with some lukewarm water.
• Add a few drops of castor oil to it.
• Rub this cloth gently over your face in circular motions.

Castor oil is also beneficial for treating wounds and sunburn; clearing scars and stretch marks. The oil sheds damaged skin cells and stimulates blood flow.

Treats Arthritis

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid which possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The oil particularly treats knee osteoarthritis.

Combats Infertility

Castor oil unblocks fallopian tubes, hence combats tubal factor infertility. Women who suffer the condition may use castor oil as prescribed by their doctor.

Treats Psoriasis and Eczema

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid which relieves pain and inflammation. Castor oil also combats melasma, a condition characterized by brown patches on the face. What`s more? Castor oil`s undecylenic acid content makes it potent at treating ringworm. Simply cleanse your face, and apply the oil on affected areas before bedtime to enjoy its benefits.

Treat Moles

To treat moles, you may apply castor oil topically. Here`s how to do this:

• Just before bedtime, mix three drops of castor oil with some baking soda until it feels gummy.
• Apply the mixture on the mole.
• Put an adhesive bandage over the mole, and leave it overnight.
• Take off the bandage in the morning and wash that part of the body.

Heals Chapped Lips

Castor oil is potent at healing chapped lips because it contains antioxidants, minerals, and vitamin E which boost skin health. Be careful as you apply this oil on your lips, so you don`t swallow it.

Treats Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the knees. Topical application of castor oil combats this condition.

Boosts Hair Growth

You may apply castor oil to your scalp and leave it on for about two hours before washing it off with some shampoo. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it potent at treating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Also, mixing castor oil with mustard seed oil and jojoba oil reverses hair greying.

Treats Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus which cause much discomfort and bleeding. Castor oil and seeds possess anti-inflammatory properties that relieve hemorrhoids.

Treats Constipation

Castor oil is a stimulant laxative, hence it is potent at relieving constipation. Note, however, that you should get a doctor`s prescription before using castor oil for this purpose, as it may cause nausea and vomiting as side effects.

Induces Labor

Castor oil has labor-inducing properties which are connected to its laxative properties. It helps overdue pregnant women jump-start their labor.

Aids Endometriosis Treatment

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue lining the uterus grows outside of it. This comes with menstrual irregularities, severe pain, and some other symptoms. Massaging the oil directly on the abdomen helps relieve the pain associated with endometriosis. You may also mix castor oil with a relaxing essential oil to get some relief in your pelvic muscles. It is not safe to use castor oil for this purpose during your menstrual period.

Reduces Aging Symptoms

Castor oil combats free radicals that cause early aging. You may apply the oil topically on your forehead, under your eyes, around your mouth, and on your neckline and chin. These are areas where there are usually more wrinkles. For effectiveness, wash your face and neck in the morning, apply the oil with a gentle massage, and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing with some water.

Eliminates Foot Corns

Castor oil is hydrating, hence it eliminates foot corns. To use this oil for this treatment, soak your feet in some warm water for about 15 minutes, dry them, then apply the oil on the foot corns. You may do this consistently, and in less than two weeks, you can easily peel the foot corns off.

Improves Immune Function

Regular use of castor oil improves various immune functions such as thymus gland health, lymphatic drainage, and blood flow. Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell present in the immune system, combat foreign bodies that try to attack the human body. Castor oil boosts the production of lymphocytes. The body absorbs the oil when you apply it onto your abdominal area.

Thickens Eyebrows and Lengthens Eyelashes

We know that castor oil improves hair growth, however, there`s more to that because it thickens eyebrows and lengthens eyelashes also. Its antioxidants, vitamins, protein, fatty acids, and other nutrients nurture hair follicles and give you thick and beautiful eyebrows. It also accelerates the growth of eyelashes and prevents them from breaking.

Great for Nail Health

Castor oil softens cuticles and improves nail health. It is rich in vitamin E which is great for nail health. Massage the oil into your cuticles and nails every evening to have soft cuticles and healthy looking nails.

Eliminates Toenail Fungus

Castor oil contains undecylenic acid which makes it effective at relieving fungus in the body. To treat toenail fungus with castor oil:

• Add some Epsom salt to some warm water.
• Soak your feet in it for five minutes.
• Apply some castor oil to the affected toenail.

Relieves Symptoms of Migraines

Castor oil relieves headaches and migraines. Massaging a teaspoon quantity of the oil into your forehead for about a minute relieves aches.

Relieves Insomnia

Do you have difficulty sleeping? Simply rub some castor oil along your eyelids before going to bed, and as your body absorbs the oil, you feel some relaxation, then sleeping gets easier.

Side Effects of Castor Oil

May Induce Labor

This could be a benefit or a side effect, depending on the situation. For those who actually desire to induce labor, it is a benefit, however, for pregnant women who use it for other purposes, it may be a side effect if the oil induces labor, contrary to their will. This is a reason pregnant women should be careful using castor oil; a doctor`s prescription would be highly beneficial.

May Cause Dizziness

Castor oil overdose may cause dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and even fainting. This is a reason to consult your doctor before using it, so you know the appropriate quantity to use.

May Cause Allergies

Some people have allergic reactions after applying castor oil to their skins, hence the need to do a patch test before using it, to ascertain its suitability for you. If you have allergies after using castor oil, then you may use coconut oil instead, because it has similar skin benefits with castor oil.

Now That You Know…

Castor oil has loads of health benefits, which makes it one of your go-to oils for better health. Remember that a doctor`s prescription is essential in your application of castor oil.