The real benefits of castor oil and can it be taken internally?
There are many myths on the Internet about the benefits of castor oil. We will dispel them.
Health hacks come and go, but castor oil has been in the spotlight for a long time. People claim that it promotes hair growth, moisturizes the skin, supports digestion, and even induces labor. But what are the real benefits of castor oil?
MigNews offers to understand and share the benefits of this natural remedy that is talked about so much.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant, known technically as Ricinus communis, says Dr. Shoma Datta-Thomas. “After harvesting the seeds, they are pressed to yield a thick, pale yellow oil rich in ricinoleic acid. This active compound is responsible for many of the beneficial properties of castor oil,” she explains.
According to Dr. Datta-Thomas, castor oil has historical roots in ancient Egypt, India and Africa, where it was valued for its healing and medicinal properties. And in Afro-Caribbean cultures, this oil has been used for many centuries.
- Main warning. To use it safely and correctly, it is always best to consult a medical professional. In other words, you should never make castor oil, so to speak, “with your own hands.”
The real benefit of castor oil: Fights inflammation
Castor oil has some very real benefits, Source: pexels.com
Due to its high content of ricinoleic acid, castor oil is a godsend for fighting inflammation, says Dr. Datta-Thomas. “This unique fatty acid reduces inflammation when applied to the skin, making castor oil a popular natural remedy for joint pain, muscle aches, and skin irritations.”
Castor oil packs (a piece of cloth or wool soaked in oil and applied to the skin) can also help manage chronic inflammatory conditions by improving circulation and reducing overall inflammation in the body, adds Dr. Resham Uttamchandani.
Benefits of castor oil: Supports restful sleep
Applying castor oil to your belly button may seem strange. But it’s actually a common practice based on traditional Ayurvedic beliefs. In Ayurveda, the navel is an important energy center that promotes relaxation, explains Dr. Shivani Amin. The warming effect of castor oil can induce a calming sensation, she says, potentially helping you relax before bed. The belly button area is also home to a wealth of nerve endings, so applying the oil can be soothing, which in turn can help you sleep better.
That said, there’s no scientific evidence that this practice improves sleep. It’s fairly harmless, so if you want to try it, go for it. Just know that any purported benefits are more anecdotal than backed by research.
The real benefit of castor oil is that it can induce contractions
According to Dutta-Thomas, castor oil can induce contractions by irritating the intestines, which can stimulate the uterus and induce labor. However, it is a highly controversial method that is not universally recommended.
Castor oil can also cause nausea, diarrhea, dehydration, and excessive cramping, which can lead to dangerous consequences during labor, she warns. Therefore, it should only be done under the guidance of a doctor. Never take castor oil on its own to induce labor.
Benefits of castor oil: Improves skin condition
Castor oil has become a popular ingredient in skincare because it’s incredibly hydrating and rich in fatty acids, helping to hydrate, reduce dryness, and soothe irritation. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help treat acne, support wound healing, and prevent infection in minor cuts and scrapes.
FYI, it’s important to choose organic, cold-pressed castor oil to ensure it’s pure and safe. But if you’re prone to acne, it’s best to steer clear of this oil: it’s thick and can clog pores.
The Real Benefit of Castor Oil: Moisturizes Your Eyes
Ricinoleic acid, found in castor oil, can soothe dry eyes when used in some eye drop formulations, due to its moisturizing and lubricating properties.
However, purity and composition are key, so castor oil should never be applied directly to the eyes unless it is specifically designed for this purpose. Instead, it is important to follow your doctor's recommendations and only purchase sterile, pharmaceutical-grade castor oil products.
Benefits of Castor Oil: Boosts Immunity
“Functional medicine practitioners sometimes use castor oil to stimulate lymphatic drainage, which is essential for detoxification and immune support,” says Uttamchandani. “When applied to the abdomen, castor oil packs can stimulate lymph flow and promote detoxification through the liver,” she explains.
By supporting lymphatic drainage, castor oil can optimize the immune system, making it beneficial for people with autoimmune or chronic inflammatory conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease. However, be sure to consult your doctor before including castor oil in your diet.
The real benefit of castor oil: promotes hair growth
Castor oil is commonly used to stimulate hair growth on the scalp and eyebrows by moisturizing and nourishing the hair follicles. The rich content of fatty acids and Omega-6 also moisturizes the scalp, promoting the growth of healthy and strong hair. Remember, you only need a small amount of castor oil. It’s best to use a few drops once or twice a week to avoid an oily scalp.
Castor oil benefits: Aids digestion
“Castor oil can support digestion when applied to the abdomen. Its anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties can help relieve cramps or bloating,” says Amin. Massaging the abdomen with the oil also has a relaxing effect on the intestines, which can help with mild digestive discomfort.
Ricinoleic acid is a natural laxative because it stimulates the bowels by increasing muscle contractions in the intestines. According to Dr. Amin, consuming one to two teaspoons of castor oil can help with occasional constipation.
However, as with many other conditions, you should consult your doctor before doing this, she adds. And keep in mind that this is not a long-term solution. So if you have chronic constipation, you should consult a healthcare professional.
Can you drink castor oil?
Technically, yes. You can drink castor oil. But it should be used with caution and only in small, measured amounts—one to two teaspoons, says Dr. Amin. And, again, under a doctor's supervision.
Overuse can lead to digestive discomfort and dehydration, so only use castor oil under the advice of a doctor, says Dr. Datta-Thomas. “Castor oil is potent. So always start small and see how your body reacts,” she adds.
So is castor oil good for your health?
When used properly and safely, castor oil can be beneficial and healthy for most people. “It has moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it a fantastic tool in natural beauty and health practices,” says Dr. Datta-Thomas.
However, like most things in life, castor oil is not completely harmless. Dr. Datta-Thomas emphasizes that pregnant women should avoid using castor oil without a doctor’s permission to prevent premature labor and delivery.
People with sensitive skin should also do a patch test of castor oil on a small area of their body to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation, says Uttamchandani. And again, castor oil should not be applied directly to the eyes unless it’s in a special eye drop.
Dr. Amin advises always addressing the root cause of digestive problems and never using castor oil as a long-term laxative.
- Bottom Line: Castor oil may be the best ingredient for healthy skin and hair, digestion, and relaxation. Provided it is used carefully and under the guidance of a medical professional.
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