7 BENEFITS OF CASTOR OIL
From the African continent, through the Mediterranean basin and even in the Indian sub-continent, for several thousands of years, castor oil has been known to have numerous benefits and has been used for many purposes ranging from industrial, pharmaceutical and even medical uses.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is obtained from the seeds of Ricinus communis ( 1) plants which are usually found in the tropical regions of the world. These plants are also grown in temperate regions as ornamental herbs and used recently for biodiesel production. Ricinus communis seeds also known as castor beans contains a toxic component known as ricin, however as the seeds are processed via cold pressing ( 2) to obtain the oil, it is completely neutralized making it very safe for use for different purposes. For instance, in ancient Egypt, it is used as a natural therapy against eye and skin irritations while the Indians, in ancient times, used castor oil for skin care, as an antibacterial agent and also to quell disturbances of the digestive system. It is usually administered by either topical application or consumed orally to effect faster healing and naturally give a boost to the immune system of the sick individual. That’s not all; it is also added to foods as additives and used as industrial lubricant due to
its high viscosity.
Benefits of Castor Oil
The different benefits of castor oil are tied to its chemical composition, based on research findings ( 3) it is known to contain high amounts of ricinoleic acid which is unique and rarely found in other triglyceride fatty acids. The following are some benefits of castor oil:
Enhances immune function
Castor oil has been proven to boost the production of lymphocytes which are responsible for the immune system of the body as it helps in fighting microbial cells, toxins, as well as other threats to the body system. Once the number of lymphocytes, are increased in the body they are dispersed to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, thymus gland, the villi of the small intestine. All these have been proven by research findings ( 4). For instance a research study ( 5) published in the Journal of a Naturopathic Medicine where 36 subjects were observed for the effects castor oil packs had on them. The oil packs were placed on a mapped area of the skin which measured 12” by 12’’ of the upper part of the right side of the abdomen. The oil packs were applied in this area and removed after 2 hours, during the experiment, blood samples of these subjects were taken and analyzed before and after the application of the castor oil. It was observed that the functioning of the lymphatic system increased significantly, compared to others who were not subjected to such treatment.
Improves digestion
Due to its ability to increase the movement of the intestinal muscles, it is effective against constipation, enhancing digestion ( 6) and ensuring the bowels are well cleared. But how does castor oil do this? When castor oil is consumed, it is broken down to liberate ricinoleic acid, which exerts a purgative effect on the intestine. A research study ( 7) also showed that elderly persons who consume castor oil rarely have symptoms of constipation and indigestion, when compared to those who don’t consume castor oil.
Serves as a natural skin moisturizer
Due to the high concentration of ricinoleic acid in castor oil, it acts as a humectant ( 12) as it has the capacity to prevent dryness of the skin whenever it is applied on the skin. Studies ( 8) have shown that it keeps the outer layer of the skin moist; hence it can be used as natural moisturizers in place of chemically synthesized products. This property explains castor oil’s vast application in the cosmetic industries as it is used in the production of skin hydrating cosmetic products ranging from lotion, cleansers, and makeups.
Improves blood circulation
The effective circulation of blood to all parts of the body is a function of a vibrant lymphatic system. There is a tendency for blood, fluids as well as toxins to accumulate whenever the lymphatic system is compromised leading to edema and other severe complications. Several research studies ( 9) have proven that castor oil has positive effects on the lymphatic system, it is also vital to enhancing the proper flow of blood in the body as well as the proper functioning of vital organs of the body like the heart.
Effective against skin infections and accelerates the healing of wounds
Apart from the moisturizing effect castor oil has on the skin, it also possesses antimicrobial properties ( 10). Therefore it is effective against skin infections caused by different microorganisms ranging from Staphylococcus aureus which is known to cause serious bacterial skin infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Propionobacterium acne which causes acne, and fungi like Candida albicans. That’s not all ,castor oil has been shown via research studies ( 11) to encourage the growth of tissues thereby hastening the healing process and minimizing the risk of wound infections.
Due to its moisturizing effect, it keeps skin well hydrated preventing cornification or the accumulation of the dead layers of the skin which drags the healing process. According to research findings, ointments that contain castor oil are effective against pressure ulcers, burns which otherwise usually take time to heal.
Conditions the hair and keeps the scalp healthy
Many people use castor oil as a natural hair conditioner( 12). The application of castor oil on the hair on a much more regular basis has been proven to condition the hair, making it more flexible less brittle and lessens the risk of hair breakage. It also lubricates the shaft, keeps the scalp healthy as it prevents the occurrence of dandruff, sebaceous dermatitis, scaly red patches that usually occur on a dry skin. It remains an ideal oil to ensure that your hair glows, remains soft and moist and all these have been traced to the anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of the castor oil.
Improves hormonal function and enhances libido
The endocrine gland which is responsible for the production and regulation of hormones in the body functions properly when the right kind of fatty acids such as the ones produced castor oil is assimilated into the bloodstream. Castor oil improves the functions of the hormones by ensuring a balance in hormonal activity ( 13). Also since castor oil improves blood circulation as well as regulates hormones, it enhances the sexual drives and ensures that sexual organs function perfectly. With this regulatory property, it eliminates mood swings, depressions, fatigue as well as lightens the symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Regardless of the numerous benefits that castor oil has, care must be taken in its use, professional advice can be sought for to avoid severe complications such as diarrhea, vomiting or allergic reactions arising from the excessive consumption or usage of castor oil. Castor oil has also been known to induce labor in post-date pregnancies according to a study in " Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives." ( 14)
References:
From the African continent, through the Mediterranean basin and even in the Indian sub-continent, for several thousands of years, castor oil has been known to have numerous benefits and has been used for many purposes ranging from industrial, pharmaceutical and even medical uses.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is obtained from the seeds of Ricinus communis ( 1) plants which are usually found in the tropical regions of the world. These plants are also grown in temperate regions as ornamental herbs and used recently for biodiesel production. Ricinus communis seeds also known as castor beans contains a toxic component known as ricin, however as the seeds are processed via cold pressing ( 2) to obtain the oil, it is completely neutralized making it very safe for use for different purposes. For instance, in ancient Egypt, it is used as a natural therapy against eye and skin irritations while the Indians, in ancient times, used castor oil for skin care, as an antibacterial agent and also to quell disturbances of the digestive system. It is usually administered by either topical application or consumed orally to effect faster healing and naturally give a boost to the immune system of the sick individual. That’s not all; it is also added to foods as additives and used as industrial lubricant due to
its high viscosity.
Benefits of Castor Oil
The different benefits of castor oil are tied to its chemical composition, based on research findings ( 3) it is known to contain high amounts of ricinoleic acid which is unique and rarely found in other triglyceride fatty acids. The following are some benefits of castor oil:
Enhances immune function
Castor oil has been proven to boost the production of lymphocytes which are responsible for the immune system of the body as it helps in fighting microbial cells, toxins, as well as other threats to the body system. Once the number of lymphocytes, are increased in the body they are dispersed to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, thymus gland, the villi of the small intestine. All these have been proven by research findings ( 4). For instance a research study ( 5) published in the Journal of a Naturopathic Medicine where 36 subjects were observed for the effects castor oil packs had on them. The oil packs were placed on a mapped area of the skin which measured 12” by 12’’ of the upper part of the right side of the abdomen. The oil packs were applied in this area and removed after 2 hours, during the experiment, blood samples of these subjects were taken and analyzed before and after the application of the castor oil. It was observed that the functioning of the lymphatic system increased significantly, compared to others who were not subjected to such treatment.
Improves digestion
Due to its ability to increase the movement of the intestinal muscles, it is effective against constipation, enhancing digestion ( 6) and ensuring the bowels are well cleared. But how does castor oil do this? When castor oil is consumed, it is broken down to liberate ricinoleic acid, which exerts a purgative effect on the intestine. A research study ( 7) also showed that elderly persons who consume castor oil rarely have symptoms of constipation and indigestion, when compared to those who don’t consume castor oil.
Serves as a natural skin moisturizer
Due to the high concentration of ricinoleic acid in castor oil, it acts as a humectant ( 12) as it has the capacity to prevent dryness of the skin whenever it is applied on the skin. Studies ( 8) have shown that it keeps the outer layer of the skin moist; hence it can be used as natural moisturizers in place of chemically synthesized products. This property explains castor oil’s vast application in the cosmetic industries as it is used in the production of skin hydrating cosmetic products ranging from lotion, cleansers, and makeups.
Improves blood circulation
The effective circulation of blood to all parts of the body is a function of a vibrant lymphatic system. There is a tendency for blood, fluids as well as toxins to accumulate whenever the lymphatic system is compromised leading to edema and other severe complications. Several research studies ( 9) have proven that castor oil has positive effects on the lymphatic system, it is also vital to enhancing the proper flow of blood in the body as well as the proper functioning of vital organs of the body like the heart.
Effective against skin infections and accelerates the healing of wounds
Apart from the moisturizing effect castor oil has on the skin, it also possesses antimicrobial properties ( 10). Therefore it is effective against skin infections caused by different microorganisms ranging from Staphylococcus aureus which is known to cause serious bacterial skin infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Propionobacterium acne which causes acne, and fungi like Candida albicans. That’s not all ,castor oil has been shown via research studies ( 11) to encourage the growth of tissues thereby hastening the healing process and minimizing the risk of wound infections.
Due to its moisturizing effect, it keeps skin well hydrated preventing cornification or the accumulation of the dead layers of the skin which drags the healing process. According to research findings, ointments that contain castor oil are effective against pressure ulcers, burns which otherwise usually take time to heal.
Conditions the hair and keeps the scalp healthy
Many people use castor oil as a natural hair conditioner( 12). The application of castor oil on the hair on a much more regular basis has been proven to condition the hair, making it more flexible less brittle and lessens the risk of hair breakage. It also lubricates the shaft, keeps the scalp healthy as it prevents the occurrence of dandruff, sebaceous dermatitis, scaly red patches that usually occur on a dry skin. It remains an ideal oil to ensure that your hair glows, remains soft and moist and all these have been traced to the anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of the castor oil.
Improves hormonal function and enhances libido
The endocrine gland which is responsible for the production and regulation of hormones in the body functions properly when the right kind of fatty acids such as the ones produced castor oil is assimilated into the bloodstream. Castor oil improves the functions of the hormones by ensuring a balance in hormonal activity ( 13). Also since castor oil improves blood circulation as well as regulates hormones, it enhances the sexual drives and ensures that sexual organs function perfectly. With this regulatory property, it eliminates mood swings, depressions, fatigue as well as lightens the symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Regardless of the numerous benefits that castor oil has, care must be taken in its use, professional advice can be sought for to avoid severe complications such as diarrhea, vomiting or allergic reactions arising from the excessive consumption or usage of castor oil. Castor oil has also been known to induce labor in post-date pregnancies according to a study in " Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives." ( 14)
References:
- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/castor_oil
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282641536_EXTRACTION_AND_CHARACTERIZATION_OF_CASTOR_SEED_OIL_FROM_WILD_RICINUS_COMMUNIS_LINN
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5015816
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19853843
- https://drprincetta.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Castor-Oil-Packs-Immunomodulation.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3384204
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21168117
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3141305/
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2755111/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4942971
- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/castor_oil#section=Therapeutic-Uses
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5596646/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16053495
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28750937
