What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a supplemental extract derived from the seeds of Ricinus communis plant. This plant is native to the tropics of Asian and African countries. It is widely known and consumed traditionally for its remedial and restorative characteristics. This natural elixir is having been well-studied and researched time and again by various healthcare research programs in the UK.

In this article, we will discuss seven remarkable and well-understood health benefits of castor oil for health incorporation into everyday life.

What are the Health Benefits of Castor Oil?

Castor Oil is enriched in ricinoleic acid that has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory functions. Enlisted below are the health benefits of castor oil with the help of its active component.

1. Skin Revitalization:

Castor oil packed in small bottles is a common sight in our homes. It is applied on the skin as an emollient to enhance skin elasticity. It is highly concentrated in ricinoleic acid (fatty acid) that promotes skin hydration and moisturizing effects for longer periods.

Interestingly, the anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil make it a recommended option for most inflammatory conditions of the skin. It is safe for application on itchy or scaly skin such as that in eczema and psoriasis. It alleviates the symptoms of inflammation and provides a layer of protective sheath against the potent allergens in individuals with eczema.

2. Hair Health Restoration:

Natural oils are often tried and tested to discover its benefits in hair health. Castor Oil is known for strengthening the hair follicles. Stronger hair follicles promote lustrous hair with reduced hair fall and minimum hair breakage. The Centre for Dermatology and Genetic Medicine in UK’s leading institute University of Edinburgh studied and verified the role of castor oil in hair restoration and overall hair health improvement.

The recommended method of use is simple:

• Apply castor oil on dry hair, massage the scalp to make sure it reaches the root hair.
• Cover the head with the help of a disposable cap.
• After 02 hours, wash the hair with shampoo until it lathers.

Consuming castor oil for hair health benefits requires patience and consistency as the results are often evident after weeks of regular application. Welzo offers organic castor oil for topical application on acne-prone skin, wound or hair.

3. Rapid Wound Healing:

Wound formation occurs due to an array of processes i.e., compromised skin defence, bacterial invasion and onset of inflammation. In cases of greater tissue damage, wounds must take weeks to heal along with scar formation. The characteristic antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory features provided by castor oil makes it the best natural remedy for wound healing. Various research has proven the efficiency of castor oil in rapid wound closure and reducing the risk of infection or superposition of bacteria. The fatty acids in castor oil creates a non-penetrative patch on the wound to mediate its healing while gatekeeping it from the foreign intruders (bacteria).

4. Relieves Constipation:

The potential and traditional use of castor oil for better gut health is not unknown to many. It was originally used as a laxative in individuals with recurrent bouts of constipation. Research conducted in University of Glasgow concluded that the laxative effects of castor oil are due to its active effect on promoting gut motility. This study encourages the consumption of castor oil for better gut health. However, it also cautions against the excessive use of castor oil since overactive intestinal contractions leads to impaired absorption of the nutrition, continuous diarrhoea, and chronic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. To avoid such adverse outcomes, it is recommended to consume the castor oil in diluted form or taken in combination with foods rich in dietary fibres.

5. Immunity Boost:

A strong immune system ensures protection and safeguarding against harmful pathogens, infections and diseases. Infections by foreign intruders do not limit to inflammatory process and symptoms only. The infections cause by certain bacteria and viruses are carcinogenic as well. For example, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is involved in increasing incidence of cervical cancer in sexually active females. Similarly, inflammatory process triggered by Schistosoma haematobium often leads to bladder cancer. These examples highlight the importance of protection from potent microorganisms. Castor oil ensures immunity boost by regulating the body’s natural defences and promoting resilience by strengthening the overall immune system. Research conducted in University of Cambridge has successfully discovered the immunomodulatory properties or ricinoleic acid in castor oil. Inclusion of castor oil into healthy diet fortifies the immune system and enhances the general health wellness.  

6. Fights Acne:

Propionibacterium acnes is the causative pathogen of acne vulgaris. Also known as acne, it is the most prevalent skin condition that has long term effects on both skin and self-esteem. The course of medications used to treat acne are complex that follow a series of testing medications and observing if the acne is getting treated by them. The unique antimicrobial properties of castor oil prevent the superimposing bacteria on the present acne. This benefit significantly reduces the progression of acne and prevent scar formation.

Researchers from University of Bristol has studied the role of castor oil in regulating the production of sebum from sebaceous glands. Moreover, the non-comedogenic properties (won’t clog skin pores) makes it an ideal adjunctive therapy for acne treatment and management. Inclusion of castor oil in regular skincare is more pocket-friendly than the expensive skin creams that often has comedogenic properties. Topical application of castor oil helps individuals achieve clear and healthy skin.

7. Mitigates Joint Inflammation:

Joint pain often occurs after traumatic blow or inflammation in the joint that significantly impairs the quality of life. Certain auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis also cause severe joint pain as the body’s immune system eat away at the joint space. Individuals with joint pain are recommended long-term use of analgesics that has its own set of side effects. Nature has provided us with castor oil to apply on such pain sensitive areas. The esteemed University of Oxford has studied the analgesic properties of castor oil and verified its safe use in patients with chronic joint pain. Its application is simple:

• Put castor oil to heat until it warms up enough to not cause skin burns.
• Gently massage the affected joint with warm castor oil.
• Cover the joint with cloth and let it rest.
• Repeat the massage regularly until improved.

With its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, castor oil is an ideal choice for relief from intractable joint pain. Welzo offers organic castor oil that is hexane-free in affordable price.

People Also Ask

What are the side effects of Castor Oil?

Castor oil has no known side effects if it is used in moderation and upon recommendation from a healthcare expert. Excessive intake of castor oil has a set of side effects due to its potentiating impacts on gut motility. The side effects due to increased intake includes diarrhoea, nutritional deficiency, abdominal discomfort and electrolyte imbalance due to inadequate absorption.  

What is the recommended dosage of castor oil for various health needs?

The recommended dosage varies from an individual to another based on their health needs. Topical application requires only a small amount of castor oil to cover the zone of acne or wounds. For oral intake, it must be used upon consultation with a healthcare expert and get the exact dosage prescription as castor oil has potential laxative properties.

Conclusion

The traditional use of castor oil over the past centuries and multiple research projects based on understanding its healing properties makes it a useful natural extract. It is extracted from Ricinus communis plant found in tropical regions of the world. The health benefits of castor oil extend from skin to the gut health. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties that makes it ideal against skin infections and inflammatory pains in the joints. Oral intake of castor oil capsules improves gut health, relieves constipation, and significantly boosts the immune system. Welzo recommends consultation with a healthcare professional before use in cases of allergies or previous episodes of sensitivity to natural oils.