Castor oil is a thick and odourless oil extracted from castor bean plant seeds. It is translucent with a pale-yellow colour. The taste is unique, with a high boiling point and density. The use of the oil dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was originally used as lamp fuel and then for medicinal and beauty treatments.
Castor oil contains ricin, a harmful enzyme. However, when the oil is heated, the enzyme is deactivated, making the oil safe for use. The oil and its by-products are used for preparing soaps, paints, hydraulics, lubricants, nylon, cold-resistant plastic, perfume, and waxes. Its benefits range from medicinal and industrial to pharmaceutical and beauty. Its use as an additive is high in food, industrial lubricants, bio-diesel fuel components, and skincare essentials.
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Quick Facts on Castor Oil
- Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant, native to Asian and African countries.
- Today, India produces most of the world’s castor oil.
- You can apply the oil to your skin using a cotton ball or take it orally in small amounts.
- Using the oil is relatively safe, with few reports of allergies and side effects from applying the oil to the skin.
- Castor oil is believed to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, moisturising, and other beneficial properties.
Castor oil is a popular home remedy for treating common skin issues such as pigmentation and acne. It consists of many beneficial components like vitamin E, flavonoids, amino acids, phytosterols, terpenoids, phenolic acids, ricinoleic acid, and omega 3 fatty acids. The oil helps to treat several skin disorders, including acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Generally, people take castor oil as a laxative, but the oil also has potential benefits for the skin and hair.
Uses of Castor Oil
In Ayurvedic medicine, castor oil is thought of as a Master because of its ability to treat arthritis, asthma, constipation, piles, ovarian cysts, wrinkles, and alopecia, among others. Ayurveda believes that the oil possesses pungent, astringent, and sweet tastes. The astringent and pungent properties flush out toxins and salt from the body, while the sweetness provides nourishment. The cooling quality helps in reducing pita and skin problems like prickly heat.
Pure castor oil has strong immune boosting, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, fungicidal, laxative, labour inducing, anti-ageing, anti-allergic, anti-rheumatic, anti-viral, and analgesic properties.
- Laxative
Castor oil is appreciated as a natural laxative. It helps in increasing muscle movement, which makes it easier for bowel materials to pass via the intestine and clear the body off its waste. When one takes castor oil orally, it breaks down to ricinoleic acid in the small intestine for improved absorption.
As per several studies, castor oil can facilitate the treatment of constipation by reducing symptoms. It lessens the strain during bowel movements and reduces the feeling of incomplete evacuation. But, you must understand that you can use the oil only in small doses. Taking larger quantities can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps.
- Boosts wound healing
Applying castor oil on wounds creates a moist environment. As a result, it promotes healing and does not let sores dry out. Many topical creams available in the market for wound healing contain castor oil. The oil aids tissue growth which serves as a barrier between the environment and the wound, thereby lessening the chances of infection.
Additionally, the oil reduces dryness and cornification. It avoids the accumulation of dead skin cells that may restrict wound healing. Studies indicate that creams containing castor oil can help in healing pressure ulcers.
- Treats acne
Many teens suffer from the problem of pimples or acne. The skin disorder leads to the development of blackheads, whiteheads, and bumps on the back and face. The cause of acne is clogging of the skin by bacteria or dead skin cells. Castor oil has strong medicinal properties that help in lowering acne symptoms. Its potential anti-bacterial quality fights the growth of bacteria when applied topically and helps to treat acne.
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, a major fatty acid possessing anti-inflammatory properties. Applying the oil topically helps in alleviating pain and reducing inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties specifically help in treating inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, the oil’s moisturising properties help ease dry and irritated skin problems in people suffering from psoriasis.
The Use of Castor Oil for Hair
Castor oil is used by many as a natural hair treatment. It is because the oil has moisturising properties, which support the lubrication of the hair shaft, decrease breakage, and increase flexibility. Enriched with proteins, omega fatty acids, and vitamin E, the oil prevents premature greying of hair and hair fall. It helps to battle irritated scalp problems and promotes hair growth.
- Promotes hair growth
The oil is an elixir for keeping mane lustrous. It is one of the best oils for boosting hair health. The nutrition of omega-6 fatty acids and ricinoleic acids improves blood circulation during scalp massage and boosts hair growth. Moreover, it hydrates and conditions hair naturally. You can apply castor oil once a month to boost hair growth by five times the regular pace.
- Treats dandruff
The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of castor oil help in treating all kinds of dandruff and scalp infections.
The oil is heavy and sticky, which makes its removal difficult. You must understand that excessive use of the oil can cause accumulation and lead to concerns like matting. It is advised that you use the oil on your hair only once a week.
Buying Castor Oil
You can use castor oil in many ways – applying it topically, taking it orally, mixing it with massage oils or oil packs, and blending it with different essential oils popularly used in skin care routines and treatment. When you buy castor oil, always choose brands of the highest quality. The common varieties available in the market and online include cold-pressed, deodorised, refined, low moisture, hydrogenated, pharmaceutical grade, and blown castor oil.
Ending notes
Castor oil has been in use for thousands of years as a natural remedy for a variety of health concerns. It helps in tackling conditions like constipation and fungal infections. Moreover, it is beneficial as a natural skin moisturiser and denture treatment. The oil eases arthritis pain and improves skin and hair health. Many use castor oil for hair growth and dandruff treatment.
