Searching for natural remedies that work like magic? Yes, there is a solution that works for a wide range of needs, Castor oils!

Mykare Health provides you with a comprehensive guide on the benefits of castor oils and how it boosts your health. Let’s dive in.

What is Castor Oil?

Castor Oil is extracted by pressing the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant called Castor beans.

It is a colourless or pale yellow to an amber-colored liquid with a distinct taste & odor.

Castor oil is proved to be enriched with:

• Antifungal properties
• Antibacterial properties
• Nutrients like Vitamin E & Omega 6 & 9.

In its unprocessed form, it contains a toxic substance called ricin, but the substance is easily destroyed when exposed to a high degree of heat during the production of the oil.

Castor oil & its derivatives are used in the manufacturing of soaps, lubricants, hydraulic & brake fluids, paints, dyes, coatings, inks, cold-resistant plastics, waxes & polishes, nylon, & perfumes.

4 Benefits of Castor Oil

Pharmaceutical Uses

Castor oil is used to treat many health conditions including stomach diseases & as laxatives.

• Constipation

Castor oil is used to treat constipation. It is used to clean out intestines before a bowel examination or surgery.

It is a good laxative & can help with movement of intestines.

Usage Instructions

It is to be taken orally in an empty stomach. Ensure to use proper measuring devices/cups to avoid overdosing. Don’t use it for more than 7 days without a physician's advice. It may take 6 to 12 hours before medication causes bowel movement.

• Induction of Labour

In ancient times castor oil was given to induce labor in pregnant women. But it is a strictly NO as a home remedy. It is only to be used under physician's supervision.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) classifies castor oil as a type of medication that might harm a fetus or cause congenital abnormalities if a woman takes castor oil during pregnancy.

• Menstrual Disorder

Castor oil packs applied to the stomach can be a natural remedy for menstrual disorders & cramps.

Cosmetic Uses

Castor oil has many benefits on the skin & the hair.

The rich antioxidants & anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular choice in the cosmetic industry.

It is very thick, so it is often mixed with other oils like coconut or olive oils before being applied to the face.

However, there is limited research on the application of Castor oil.

Benefits & Uses

• Preventing wrinkles

• Castor oil contains antioxidants. They fight free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for accelerated aging of skin.

• It also enhances the production of collagen & increases cell longevity.

• They can also be used to treat stretch marks.

• Fighting Acne

Antibacterial properties of caster oil fights bacteria that causes acne

• Reduce Puffiness

Anti-inflammatory properties of Castor oil helps in reducing puffiness & swelling.

• Moisturizing

Castor oil has moisturizing properties helps keep skin healthy

• Soothing Sunburn

Anti-inflammatory & moisturizing properties of castor oil makes it effective solution for sunburn. It reduces peeling & helps with easing pain.

• Fighting Dry Lips

Castor oil is a common ingredient for lipsticks & lip balms.

• Promoting Overall Skin Health

Castor oil is rich in fatty acids hence making it a good choice for overall healthy & glowing skin.

• Thickening Eyebrows & Hair

Anti-oxidants, proteins, fatty acids & other nutrients properties of castor oil will help stimulate the growth of hair & eyebrows.

• Side Effects

Castor oil can cause irritations in some people. Especially if you have dermatitis or any other similar skin conditions, consult a dermatologist before using castor oil for cosmetic purposes.

Industrial Uses

Castor oil is mostly familiar as engine oil. It helps in reducing loss of fuel due to friction & increasing the efficiency of engines.

It is also used as raw material for paints, coatings, inks, lubricant & many other materials

Castor oil is obtained from naturally occurring renewable resources & is readily available, relatively inexpensive & environmentally benign.

Properties:

• High combustion
• High viscosity
• High water content

Other uses include:

• Coating Castor oil is a vital raw ingredient in coating to prevent oxidation.

• Lubrication The Castor Oil lubricants are generally used to lubricate jet, diesel & race car engines. Moreover, they are often used to lubricate bicycle pumps.

There are also historical traces that it was used as a lubricant for Allied aircraft during World War.

• Biodiesel Using biodiesel instead of fossil fuels is a good eco-friendly alternative. Castor oil is a best alternative

Castor oil biodiesel has several advantages in comparison with fossil diesel:

• It is biodegradable,
• It is non-toxic,
• It is renewable,
• It can be used alone,
• It produces low greenhouse gas emission

Culinary Benefits

Castor oils are generally inedible. But food grade castor oils are free of toxins & are used in cooking.

It can be used as:

• Flavouring agents Food-grade castor oils are good flavorings agents

• Food Additives The emulsifying & preservative properties makes it more popular in food additives.

• Vegetable oil They are rarely but used as vegetable oil for cooking

• Coating & preservatives Sometimes these are used as coatings to protect from pests & increase shelf life of grains, legumes etc.

When to Consult a Doctor?

People with following symptoms should avoid castor oil & consult doctor immediately:

• Rectal Bleeding
• Strong, sudden abdominal pain
• Symptoms of Appendicitis
• Vomiting tendency & gastric pain
• Shortness of breath

Other side effect due to long term uses include:

• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Muscle weakness
• Swelling of bowel

Castor oil may be mostly heard with industrial uses. But it also has many uses in cosmetic & pharmaceutical applications.

The enriched omega-6, vitamin E, anti-inflammatory & antibacterial properties make it possible to treat stomach issues and promote skin & hair health.

Food-grade castor oils are also used in cooking, flavoring & preserving in culinary settings.