- One must use castor oil cautiously and moderately to avoid side effects arising from excessive use. It should also be used by following the necessary precautions.
Castor oil is a translucent yellowish liquid extracted from the beans or seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus Communis). This extract is initially bland but becomes bitter and unpleasant with time.
Castor oil has several uses, which include; it has laxative and anti-inflammatory effects, used to induce labour in pregnancy, treat constipation, treat dry eyes and vagina, empty colon, treat osteoarthritis, treat rheumatoid arthritis, used to manufacture hair and skin products, cleaning products, paints etc.
Numerous research have approved castor oil as a health remedy because of the properties found in the oil. They include anti-inflammatory properties, anti-microbial properties, moisturizing, hydrating and cleansing properties due to the fatty acids. Castor oil also has analgesic or pain-relieving properties.
Castor oil is an effective remedy for skin problems like acne because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, which help treat and prevent acne. The oil also improves skin texture and complexion due to its fatty acids like ricinoleic and triglycerides. It improves the skin texture by cleaning, moisturizing, and hydrating it, making it smooth and soft and promoting healthy pores.
Castor oil is also a healer to chapped lips, general wounds and reduces dark circles under the eyes.
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Castor oil has been trusted for centuries as a remedy in many parts of the world, especially in the Asian continent, because of its healing properties, as discussed above.
The oil is also effective in cleaning and storing dentures. Individuals using dentures need this oil because improper cleaning of the dentures can attract the growth of bacteria and fungi like candida fungi that commonly grow on dentures.
If not controlled, the excessive growth of the fungi can lead to denture stomatitis, an infection that causes swelling, redness and irritation inside the mouth. Castor oil is a remedy for this condition; besides helping keep the denture clean, it also prevents bacterial and fungal growth.
Castor oil effectively reduces dandruff in hair, thus enhancing its growth due to its omega-3 fatty acids. The fatty acids balance the scalp's pH, moisturizing it and keeping it healthy, especially the dry scalps. For oily scalps, oil enhances the pH balance of oil secretion in the hair, prohibiting the formation of dandruff.
The oil also intensifies blood flow, ensuring proper circulation and maintaining overall scalp and hair health. Castor oil is believed to enhance hair growth at up to five times the usual rate. Therefore, the oil is a whole package of nourishing, eradicating dandruff, improving blood flow, and promoting a healthier scalp.
Aside from the hair, castor oil benefits the skin in various ways, including reducing fine lines and acne, easing sunburns, nourishing chapped lips, etc. The antioxidant properties in the oil help fight free radicals in the body and boost the ageing process, hence preventing wrinkles.
The anti-inflammatory effects soothe the skin, ensuring minimal irritation and puffiness that may cause fine lines and wrinkles.
Acne that can lead to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples due to excess secretion of sebum can be effectively managed by castor oil, which has anti-bacterial properties that prevent the formation of cutibacterium acne, keeping the skin healthy and nourished.
Sunburns are eased by castor oil. Continuous exposure to the sun leads to sunburns, the symptoms of which are inflamed and hot skin, which can be painful when touched. With anti-inflammatory properties in castor oil, it soothes inflamed skin, offering relief from the pain.
The other common problem is dry lips, especially during cold seasons. Castor oil is an effective natural lip balm for dry lips.
Castor oil is either ingested or externally applied to skin and hair, depending on the intended use. For example, if the problem is constipation, the oil is consumed in recommended doses. If it's a skin problem, then the oil is applied externally.
Like any other coin with two faces, castor oil has side effects that must be highlighted here. Some include abdominal pain, dizziness, skin rash, diarrhoea, nausea, shortness of breath, chest pain, etc.
Castor oil, being a laxative, is sometimes used during pregnancy to induce labour. It works by causing spasms in the intestines, which activate the bowels and vagal nerves. The spasms lead to heavy uterine contractions, easing the labour process. Therefore, pregnant women are discouraged from using castor oil during the period if their intention is not to induce labour.
It is advisable to use castor oil in small amounts at the start as one observes any allergic reactions. Mixing the oil with carrier oils like coconut or jojoba oils before applying it to the skin or hair is also advisable. Castor oil, in its original concentration, is sticky and may irritate the skin, so it must be mixed with other oils.
When ingested, castor oil is an effective remedy for constipation and other gastrointestinal problems. However, excessive castor oil usage can cause dizziness, diarrhoea, cramping and bloating. This is the reason it should be used moderately.
One must use castor oil cautiously and moderately to avoid side effects arising from excessive use. It should also be used by following the necessary precautions. In addition, it is essential to note that scientific evidence supporting most of the above claims is inconclusive. Much of the evidence is anecdotal rather than scientific.
