Castor Oil Benefits

There are a number of castor oil benefits that are known to us since centuries. Some other have been discovered in recent times. Read this article for a better understanding of the castor oil benefits and side effects.

Castor oil is a pale yellow colored liquid extracted from castor beans. It has several therapeutic and medicinal values. Its germicidal properties help to fight infections. It has excellent antioxidant properties that enable the body to fight harmful free radicals. Its anti-inflammatory qualities help to bring down inflammation in various parts of the body. Most of the castor oil benefits are owing to the presence of a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids in it. Find more on castor oil benefits and uses.

Health Benefits of Castor Oil

Castor oil can be used both internally as well as externally to yield the health benefits. Massaging of castor oil on the painful joints caused by rheumatism, arthritis or gout can provide relief from the pain. Intake of castor oil can cure several digestive problems caused due to bacterial growth. It also works as a laxative and treat constipation. Regular consumption of castor oil can ease of many menstrual disorders that causes delayed or painful menstruations. Since it can bring about improvement in overall immune system of the body, it can be used to treat some serious illnesses like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, etc.

Castor Oil Benefits for Eyes

Castor oil can be used as eye drops to remove any debris that entered the eyes almost instantly and stop the irritation caused by it. Eye stye is an infection of the oil glands present on the eyelid which can be treated with castor oil. For this, the oil has to be applied directly on the stye two to three times in a day. In blepharitis, the eye tends to become inflamed and turns red due to the infection. Dabbing the oil on the area around the eyelids can have a soothing effect on the redness and inflammation. Besides these medical conditions, castor oil can be used to improve the growth of eyelashes by those who have extremely thin eyelashes.

Castor Oil Benefits for Skin

The components of castor oil have disinfectant properties that are highly beneficial for the treatment of several skin diseases caused by bacterial or fungal infections. It includes skin ulcers, ringworm, itchy skin, rashes, warts and so on. It has a good moisturizing effect on dry skin. Hence, it can be used to heal up cracks on ankles and feet that often develop in winters. For best effects of castor oil for skin care can be seen when the oil is massaged on the feet after soaking them in hot water for a short while. This softens up the skin and prevents any further cracks in future. Castor oil can be used to get rid of skin wrinkles around the eyes. It promotes production of collagen and elastin and thus, helps to make the skin smooth and supple.

Castor Oil Benefits for Hair

Castor oil for hair can be used to get rid of infections that causes various scalp problems and lead to hair loss. When applied on a dry, scaly scalp, it can retain the moisture and improve the scalp condition. Similarly, it can be used to get rid of dandruff and head lice. It can also strengthen the hair roots and promote hair growth. It acts as an excellent hair conditioner when applied on dull, damaged hair. For that, you have to mix almond oil with thick castor oil and make it lighter. Then massage it on the scalp and apply on the hair ends too. Wait for an hour, and wash it off with a good quality shampoo. The dilution of castor oil makes the application of the oil easier, at the same time washing it out from the hair will not be that difficult.

There are no side effects when castor oil is taken in moderate amounts. However, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, people with underlying health condition should take castor oil only after discussing with their doctors. Overdose of castor oil can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. Some people are curious to know about Jamaican black castor oil benefits. For them, I would like to say that the benefits are the same as that of any other castor oil. The only difference is that the oil is dark brown in color, as the method used for extraction of the oil is different.