Among the numerous types of oils used for health and overall wellness, few are as valuable as castor oil. This oil is made from a plant known as Ricinus communis, particularly its seeds called castor beans. Castor oil is heated so that ricin, a toxic enzyme present in the castor beans, is deactivated. The benefits of castor oil are numerous. This is why it has been used for thousands of years. Did you know that its applications can be traced back to Egyptian civilization?
But what makes castor oil so special? In this article, we list 4 incredible benefits of castor oil and also explore certain conditions where using this oil is not recommended.
1. A Super Effective Laxative
For those suffering from constipation, there are very few products that are as effective as castor oil. One of the biggest benefits of castor oil is its role as a powerful laxative. It mainly helps smooth bowel movement by relaxing the muscles of the intestines. Therefore, if you have severe constipation, or you are required to cleanse your bowels for some kind of medical procedure, then you should reach out for a bottle of castor oil.
However, too much of a good thing can also have negative consequences. Using castor oil too frequently as a laxative can cause side effects such as cramping of the abdomen or even diarrhea. To avoid these complications and to enjoy the benefits of castor oil as a laxative, always consult your medical health practitioner first.
2. Nature’s Moisturizer
Do you despise chemicals used in commercial moisturizers and skin care products? Are you looking for a natural alternative to the expensive moisturizers you find in the market? Then castor oil can be your best bet. Castor oil contains a chemical known as ricinoleic acid in large quantities. The specialty of this acid is that it is a monounsaturated fatty acid, and it can be used as a moisturizer. Thus, the presence of this fatty acid in castor oil makes it a great natural alternative to chemical-laden moisturizers.
If you are concerned about the additives in your typical moisturizer, castor oil can be a good alternative. However, in some cases, using castor oil as a moisturizer can lead to allergic reactions on the skin. This is why it is typically used with other oils as a natural skincare product. To reap the full benefits of castor oil, mix it with other skin-friendly oils, such as coconut oil to dilute it. Then, test out the castor oil mixture on a small patch of skin just to be safe.
3. Useful In Treating Wounds
Castor oil is also effective in treating wounds. It is used in conjunction with other oils and balms to treat minor wounds and cuts. The moisturizing properties of this extraordinary oil prevent the wound from drying out too quickly. You might be surprised to know that castor oil is a major ingredient in some of the most common ointments used by medical practitioners for treating wounds. That being said, it is not used on its own and is usually combined with Peru balsam, a type of balm.
Apart from moisturizing, the presence of ricinoleic acid in these ointments also prevents skin inflammation and offers pain relief to the patients. But, all said and done, don’t apply castor oil directly to your wound. The benefits of castor oil are limited only to the ointment.
4. An Excellent Cleaning Tool For Dentures
Getting dentures can be a daunting task for many people. Now, imagine developing inflammation in your mouth because of your dentures, and the situation goes from bad to worse. Unfortunately, this is a possibility if dentures are not stored and cleaned properly. New dentures can be a hotbed of growth for different types of bacteria and fungi, especially candida fungi. C. albicans, a form of candida fungi, thrive on the surfaces of dentures and the wet and warm environment of the mouth. The result is the development of a condition known as denture stomatitis, which leads to inflammation and redness in the mouth.
Castor oil can be used to clean dentures to reduce the probability of developing denture stomatitis. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help eliminate the growth of bacteria and fungi.
When Should You Not Use Castor Oil?
While we covered the proven benefits of castor oil, there are certain cases where it is not advised to use this oil. These include:
- Pregnancy: Irrespective of how far along you are in your pregnancy, you must not use castor oil as a laxative. Since it helps soothe the muscles of your intestines, it can end up inducing labor. This is why pregnant women are advised to never consume castor oil. Others can enjoy this laxative benefit of castor oil.
- Gastrointestinal sensitivity: If you have a sensitive stomach, you should stay away from castor oil. As mentioned in the article above, it has some side effects, including diarrhea, abdominal cramping, vomiting, and even bloating. This is why castor oil should be used to treat constipation only after getting the all-clear from the doctor.
- Regular use on long hair: Since castor oil has moisturizing properties, many people use it to promote hair growth. However, there is no clear evidence that castor oil usage leads to better hair growth or prevents hair fall. On the contrary, if people with long hair use it regularly, it can lead to acute hair felting, a condition where the hair becomes a twisted, tangled mess. Once you face this situation, all the hair has to be cut off. Therefore, don’t use castor oil as a hair care product, especially if you have long hair.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, there are numerous benefits of castor oil such as aiding in bowel movements, its use in skincare as a moisturizer, wound treatment, and even denture storage. However, it also has some side effects. It is highly recommended to consult your trusted medical practitioner before using castor oil as a laxative or as a skincare product.