If you have a look at the ingredient list of your favorite skin and hair care products, you often come across a common name. That’s castor oil which has created some buzz in recent times. However, castor oil benefits include a lot more than skin or hair care. From being just a part of beauty treatments to an essential medicinal ingredient- castor oil has indeed come a long way!
Castor Oil Benefits
Including castor oil in your everyday routine can is a healthy decision you are taking for yourself. But how beneficial is castor oil for your health? Let’s take a look!
1. Castor Oil for Constipation
One of the oldest, traditional uses of castor oil is stimulating digestion and providing relief from constipation. Due to the presence of ricinoleic acid, castor oil acts as a natural laxative.
If you have castor oil orally, ricinoleic acid gets released into the intestine. The heat created by castor oil inside your body helps the process of digestion and cleanses your digestive system as well.
Uses: Drinking castor oil in the right and prescribed amount can work wonders if you are trying to get relief from constipation. You can mix it with fruit juices to avoid the raw taste of castor oil.
2. Castor Oil for Joint Pains
According to some studies, the ricinoleic acid in castor oil can reduce swelling and pain caused by inflammation. Therefore, massaging with castor oil is considered an ideal treatment to get relief from arthritis, joint pain, sore muscles, or even nerve inflammation.
Uses:- Try to massage the inflamed areas with castor oil and then place a hot water bag to get the most effective results. In fact, try to repeat this entire process twice a week to get a long-term solution.
Also Read:- Rice Bran Oil Benefits
3. Help Treat Joint Pains
According to some studies, the ricinoleic acid in castor oil can reduce swelling and pain caused by inflammation. Therefore, massaging with castor oil is considered an ideal treatment to get relief from arthritis, joint pain, sore muscles, or even nerve inflammation.
Uses:- Try to massage the inflamed areas with castor oil and then place a hot water bag to get the most effective results. In fact, try to repeat this entire process twice a week to get a long-term solution.
4. Castor Oil for Healing Wounds
One of the most crucial benefits of castor oil is its potential to accelerate wound healing. This oil is basically a triglyceride with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. So, when applied to the skin, it can heal wounds quickly by reducing the risks of infection, and inflammation, and improving blood flow.
Uses:- If you are trying to heal your skin from bug bites, rashes, or itches, soak a bandage with castor oil and put it on the affected area. However, in most cases, castor oil is mixed with a combination of ingredients to heal any wound. So, make sure to check with a healthcare professional first.
5. Castor Oil for Skin
Among its many health-benefiting properties, castor oil’s benefits for the skin are simply undeniable. The fatty acids present in castor oil work as a natural moisturizer for the skin by preventing water loss.
Also Read:- Natural Remedies for Dry Skin
Additionally, castor oil also works as an anti-pigmentation and anti-aging agent. It soothes skin inflammation, relieves dryness, and prevents acne.
Uses:- You can directly apply castor oil to your face and massage it gently in circular motions. Some prefer to leave it overnight but it is important to consult your dermatologist and use it according to your skin conditions.
6. Castor Oil Good for Hair
Along with its uses in skincare, there are several benefits of castor oil for hair growth as well. While most of the oils offer just external nourishment, castor oil looks after your scalp. Massaging your scalp with castor oil helps in increasing blood circulation and therefore improves hair strength.
Uses:- While most people prefer using castor oil as a hair conditioner, it is also used for preventing or treating dandruff. Applying castor oil once a week along with methi seed powder can prevent hair fall by making the roots stronger.
7. Castor Oil for Weight Loss
One of the most surprising and enriching castor oil benefits is its ability to keep you in shape. Being a good source of ricinoleic acid, it offers anti-obesity as well as laxative properties. Moreover, it can also manage your weight by stimulating metabolism and better water retention.
Uses:- You can use castor oil for weight loss by consuming a tablespoon of the oil. But if it is a little too strong for you, mix it in with fresh fruit juices or ginger concoctions. However, always consult your physician before including castor oil in your diet.
Castor Oil Nutrition Facts
A tablespoon serving of castor oil offers,
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 0 gms |
| Fat | 14 gms |
| Carbohydrates | 0 gms |
| Fiber | 0 gms |
| Sugar | 0 gms |
In addition to that, castor oil is also a good source of Vitamin E, Omega-9, and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Castor Oil Side Effects
Although castor oil benefits are impressive, make sure to include it in your daily routine cautiously. It is not advisable to use or consume castor oil daily. Generally, oral consumption takes about 2 to 6 hours to relieve constipation. Whereas, external application of the oil can take around 2 to 3 months to show its effects.
Some possible side effects of castor oil due to its excessive consumption are,
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Muscle weakness.
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Castor oil pregnancy side effects can be quite serious. So, pregnant women should avoid both oral consumption and external application to induce labor.
Avoid castor oil by any means if you are taking an adrenal corticosteroid, liquorice root, or diuretics. It can cause excessive potassium loss which can be hazardous to your health.
So, get the amazing benefits of castor oil but always after consulting a healthcare professional. It will not only help you live a healthy life but also protect you from any possible side effects.
