Castor oil is made from Ricinus Communis, the castor bean plant. Many years ago, this plant was called “Palma Christe”, since the leaves resembled palms of Christ.
Castor has been used by ancient Egyptians for eye irritation, hair care and as a healing skin remedy. In India it is also used for digestion and skin repair, both topically and internally.
It has been found to boost the immune function by increasing white blood cells and T cells.
Castor bean oil is made up of a 90% fatty acid known as, ricinoleic acid. This compound is very rarely found in any other substance, so that is why castor oil is so unique.
The salts and esters contained in this compound functions primarily as skin conditioning agents.
Benefits of Castor Oil
- Improves lymphatic drainage, blood flow and it can help you detox
- It fights skin infections and heals wounds.
- Natural remedy for sunburn or acne. Great for dry and irritated skin. It penetrates deep into the skin and increases collagen and elastin production.
- Reduces toenail and fingernail fungus.
- Helps hair grow longer and fuller. Gives strength and shine to your hair.
- Castor oil consumption helps balance hormones naturally. This creates better blood flow and better function to sexual organs; helping with less PMS symptoms and less mood swings. This oil even lessens erectile dysfunction.
- Relieves constipation by working as a mild natural laxative.
- Use for relieve of muscle and joint pain; by rubbing the oil mixed with a few drops of peppermint essential oil into painful areas to promote circulation and relieve soreness.
- Athlete’s foot, ringworm and toenail fungus is massaged on affected areas; is just as effective as drugs. Warm the castor oil, spread on infected areas before bedtime and leave on till morning. Repeat this for one to two weeks to clear up infection.
- Promotes healthy hair by helping it look richer, shinier and thicker growth. Massage warm castor oil through your hair, or use your fingertips to rub on individual strands to thicken hair. Thus it will moisturize and stimulate the hair follicles.
- Banish blemishes, acne skin tags and warts.
- Prevents stretch marks, softens callouses, dry cracked heels and wrinkles. Mix equal parts of castor oil with coconut oil and massage into dry skin area.
Side Effects of Castor Oil
Some people will react to this oil with itching, rash or skin irritation. To prevent this, mix some coconut or olive oil with the castor oil before applying to skin.
In some cases it can cause diarrhea or nausea; if you have this reaction, stop the use of castor oil so you have no further irritation of gastro intestinal tract.
References:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/10/01/castor-oil-uses.aspx
Cindy Burrows, B.S., M.T., Herbalist, is a Natural Health Consultant helping individuals start health programs to improve their life, wellness and happiness. Cindy is a speaker, writer and entrepreneur of several businesses