- What is castor oil? Castor oil is a non-volatile fatty oil that comes from the seeds of the castor bean (Ricinus communis) plant, or castor seed. The castor oil plant belongs to the flowering floret family called Euphorbiaceae and is mainly cultivated in Africa, South America and India (India accounts for more than 90% of castor oil exports worldwide).Research studies have found that castor oil contains therapeutic components, including fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, terpenoids and phytosterols. These various compounds give the oil the following properties and potential health benefits: *Anti-diabetic *Anti-inflammatory *Antimicrobial *Antioxidant Hepatoprotective (ability to prevent liver damage) Free radical scavenging Wound healing Compounds found in castor can help stabilize the texture and consistency
of products, which is why castor oil is used in so many cosmetics,
hair and skin care treatments.
Reports show that this oil can be safely taken internally. When ingested, it is hydrolyzed in the small intestine by pancreatic enzymes, resulting in the release of glycerol and ricinoleic acid, along with other beneficial metabolites. Advantages 1. Improves immune function One of the main reasons why castor oil has strong immune-boosting effects is because it supports the body’s lymphatic system. The most important role of the lymphatic system, which is distributed throughout the body in small tubular structures, is to absorb and remove excess fluids, proteins and waste from our cells. Castor oil can help improve lymphatic drainage, blood flow, thymus gland health and other immune system functions. For this reason, the oil and other parts of the castor plant have been used in traditional medicine systems for the following health conditions: Abdominal disorders Arthritis Back pain Constipation Muscle aches Parasitic infections Chronic headaches Gallbladder pain PMS Rheumatism Sleep problems such as insomnia
A small, double-blind study found that adults who used abdominal castor oil packs on their abdomens had significant increases in the production of lymphocytes compared to patients using placebo packs. Lymphocytes are the immune system’s natural ones that attack outside invaders such as toxins, bacteria and other perceived threats. The lymphatic system also affects the circulatory and digestive systems, which is why the oil is sometimes used to support heart health and resolve problems such as constipation. 2. Increase circulation A healthy lymphatic system and proper blood flow go hand in hand. When the lymphatic system fails (or edema develops, which is the retention of fluid and toxins), it is much more likely that someone will have circulation problems. This is due to the fact that the lymphatic circulatory system works directly with the cardiovascular circulatory system to keep blood and lymphatic fluid levels in optimal balance. 3. Moisturizes the skin and promotes wound healing Castor oil is completely natural and free of synthetic chemicals (as long as you use pure, 100 percent pure oil, of course), but it’s rich in skin-strengthening ingredients like fatty acids. Applying this oil to dry or irritated skin can help discourage dryness and keep it well moisturized as it prevents water loss. It can also help with wound and pressure ulcer healing thanks to its moisturizing as well as antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It blends well with other ingredients such as almond, olive and coconut oil, all of which have unique benefits for the skin. 4. Helps dry, irritated, sunburned or acne-prone skin As a natural antibacterial agent, castor oil works similarly to coconut oil to promote skin health. It also makes a good general skin moisturizer and anti-inflammatory blemish treatment. If you want to get rid of acne forever, you need to get to the source of the problem. Castor oil is a great natural home remedy for acne. As it penetrates deep into the skin, it fights the overgrowth of bacteria that can clog pores, while simultaneously soothing and hydrating irritated skin.As mentioned earlier, this oil has been shown to fight *Staphylococcus* aureus, which is associated with the development of acne. 5. Acts as a laxative to relieve constipation Castor oil acts as a natural, mild stimulant laxative when taken orally. It can provide constipation relief, reduce straining during bowel movements and enhance the feeling of complete evacuation after a bowel movement. Its active ingredient, ricinoleic acid, is released in the intestines, where it helps with the process of digestion, absorption of nutrients and cleansing of the system. It increases the movement of the muscles that push material through the intestines, helping to pass a bowel movement. 6. Reduces symptoms of arthritis Castor oil is often used as a natural treatment for arthritis pain, joint swelling and inflammation. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that make it an ideal massage oil to use on sore joints, muscles or tissue. Observational studies have even shown that topical application of ricinoleic acid (the main component of castor oil), “exerts remarkable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.” 8. Helps encourage strong, shiny hair What does castor oil do for your hair? Just like coconut oil benefits your hair, using castor oil can make your hair grow faster, thicker, stronger and shinier. It can also detangle hair and is even used to treat hair felt (a disorder in which hair becomes twisted and tangled as a hard, rocky mass). Does castor oil make hair regrow? Because it can improve blood circulation to your follicles, it can help speed up hair growth. This is why some people apply it not only to hair on their head, but also to eyebrows and eyelashes. Studies suggest that ricinoleic acid can treat hair loss by balancing the production of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in men, which affects hair growth. What is castor oil? Castor oil is a non-volatile fatty oil derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). It can be used topically and also taken internally in small amounts, for a short time. Benefits of castor oil uses include: treating constipation, helping with wound healing, preventing skin ulcers, moisturizing dry skin, reducing joint pain/arthritis pain Benefits for hair include helping with growth, fighting scalp infections and making hair shinier. Applying castor oil on the belly button has many potential health benefits. It’s rich in ricinoleic acid and may help with pain, digestive, skin, and hair problems, immunity, detoxification, and sleep problems
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