Health benefits Of Castor Oil
Health benefits Of Castor Oil
Vegetable
oil known as castor oil is made by pressing the seeds of the castor bean plant.
Castor oil, which has historically been produced in Western India but is now
widely utilized in China and Brazil, has long been used in lubricating cosmetic
items like soap. But castor oil has uses beyond aesthetics; current research is
pointing to a variety of established health advantages, including its ability
to treat wounds and fight viruses.
But
what exactly is castor oil and is it safe to slather on your skin? We spoke to
the experts to get the lowdown on castor oil benefits, uses and potential
side-effects:
What is castor oil?
Castor
oil is a vegetable oil pressed from castor beans. It is a colourless or pale
yellow liquid with a distinct taste and odor. It includes a mixture of
triglycerides in which about 90% of fatty acids are ricinoleates. Oleic acid
and linoleic acid are the other important components.
Castor
oil and its derivatives are used in the manufacturing of soaps, lubricants,
hydraulic and brake fluids, paints, dyes, coatings, inks, cold-resistant
plastics, waxes and polishes, nylon, and perfumes
Castor
oil is a thick oil, which is either colourless or pale yellow. 'It has a
distinctive smell, and has an unpleasant taste, like Vaseline,' Dr Lee adds.
'The main component of castor oil is ricinoleic acid - a monounsaturated fatty
acid.'
Castor oil health benefits
There
are quite a number of health benefits and uses of Castor Oil, some are science
backed, according to the experts. These include the following:
1. Castor oil can help treat constipation
Due to its laxative qualities, a few spoonfuls
of castor oil can be exactly the thing, for anyone feeling backed up
Dr.
Ana, an aesthetic physician at Kat & Co., asserts that castor oil is a
potent laxative for treating constipation temporarily.
Dr.
Lee concurs that "many people will have heard of the laxative properties
of castor oil." "Once consumed, intestinal lipase enzymes break down
castor oil, activating EP3 and EP4 smooth muscle cell receptors and promoting
intestinal movement."
2. Benefits dry skin
For
people suffering with a dry skin ,Castor oil can be rubbed directly onto the skin,
this contributes to its natural
moisturising benefits.
'Castor
oil has many hydrating properties for the skin due to its high fatty acid
content.
3. Treatment of acne
Castor
oil can help treat acne,according to some studies, castor oil has anti-inflammatory
properties which can help dampen the inflammatory process in acne breakouts and
sensitive skin.
Some
Research findings indicate that castor oil's antibacterial actions on skin
germs may make it effective for treating acne. It also contains a lot of
triglycerides, which are good for moisturizing skin and aiding in water
retention. Additionally, it can aid in clearing blocked pores and help maintain
the skin well-hydrated.
Patients
are advised to "gently apply castor
oil using a cotton pad directly to the skin." Even while it can be
utilized in its concentrated form, you can dilute it by combining it 1:1 with
other oils.
4. Good for Hair
Although
there isn't much proof, castor oil is good for your hair and is supposed to
promote healthy hair growth if your locks need a boost. Castor oil can,
however, be used to condition hair.
According
to Dr. Lee, it enhances the luster and gloss of the hair and helps condition
the scalp's skin. Castor oil is a method for nourishing hair and enhancing its
quality that is advised by hair specialists.
5. Good for feet
Castor
oil benefits feet, and can be used to cure athlete's foot, a little-known fact.
'It contains undecylenic acid, which has been discovered to be a successful
treatment for the fungus Trichophyton rubrum, which is the primary cause of
athlete's foot.
Castor
oil is a great moisturizer and aids in the skin's ability to retain water, thus
it can also be used to treat dry, cracked heels.
6. Help heal wounds
Studies
have found that castor oil can speed up healing of wounds. 'Castor oil can help
support the wound healing process.
Some
Research studies involving rats, ricinoleic acid - the main ingredient of
castor oil - has been demonstrated to stimulate wound healing in chronic wounds
such as skin ulcers.
It
is always advisable to consult a medical professional before applying oil onto broken skin as you could easily
exacerbate it.
7. Castor oil could help with cancer treatment
While
research is still limited, there's encouraging evidence to suggest that castor
oil could help with some types of cancer treatment.
'Laboratory
studies have shown castor oil may have a positive effect against some types of
cancer cells.
A
study on castor oil packs showed that they increased a type of protective white
blood cells called T-11 lymphocytes. A body with high inflammation and high
sugar can set the environment for cancer to grow. Castor oil packs help control
inflammation similar to the action of capsaicin and fish oils.
8. Insect repellent
Castor
oil is used to keep insects away, conducting a battle against mosquito and
midge bites in the summer? According to some Research studies, castor oil has
demonstrated a considerable effect as an insecticide against a variety of bugs
and weevils, including the adzuki bean weevil. "It has also been used to
deter moles with some success."
Pour
the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to your arms, legs, and other
exposed regions.
9. Anti-inflammatory
In
animal studies, topical application of ricinoleic acid, the primary component
of castor oil, to areas of acute or chronic inflammation produced an
anti-inflammatory effect, with noticeably less tissue oedema (swelling), making
it useful for treating irritated skin.
10. Stimulates immune response
Castor
oil may improve the immune system by boosting white blood cell production,
which helps the body fight infections.Castor oil applied topically to the skin
may activate T cells and trigger a specific or broader immunological response.
11. Natural painkiller
Castor
oil can be used externally to treat joint pain and menstrual cramps due to its
anti-inflammatory effects, according to research studies and conclusions.
Castor oil might function as a natural analgesic.
Castor oil side-effects
Castor
oil is thought to be safe to use, but use caution and consult your doctor
before using it because it may have adverse effects.
Diarrhoea,
gastrointestinal pain, abnormal heartbeats, muscle cramps, and confusion are a
few of the potential adverse effects, according to Research studies. It should
only be taken sparingly and for brief periods of time. Always seek medical
advice when necessary.
Some people should avoid castor oil.
These include:
People
with allergies: 'Be aware that castor oil contain some allergens so make sure
to use it with caution, monitor for signs of an allergic reaction and check the
label carefully if you have any known allergies,according to some Research
studies
Pregnant
or breastfeeding women: 'Castor oil is not recommended in pregnancy, because
although this has not been proven, there is concern that it may cause uterine
contractions and premature labour.
Anyone
with gastrointestinal disease: 'Avoid if you have a history of GI disease, such
as intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, bowel perforations, or inflammatory
bowel disease.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castor_oil
