What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the castor oil plant Ricinus communis. These seeds roughly contain about 60% vegetable oil. Castor oil is a thick, pale yellow, odorless oil that people have used for thousands of years. 

Castor oil is produced by cold-pressing the castor seeds and then applying heat. The heating process that castor oil undergoes, deactivates a toxic enzyme called ricin, which then makes the oil safe to use. 

Historians have found evidence of castor oil being used in almost every ancient civilization. The Greeks & Romans used the oil as a health elixir and later, in Ayurvedic medicine, the oil was used to treat skin ailments and was known as ‘the secret of beauty’.

Earlier, in ancient Egypt, castor oil was used as fuel to burn lamps, and as a natural remedy to treat various ailments like eye irritations and to induce labor in pregnant women. Cleopatra is also known to have used castor oil to brighten the whites of her eyes. Even today, castor oil remains a popular natural treatment for constipation, skin ailments and is commonly used in a number of natural beauty products.

Nutritional Information of Castor Oil:

1 Tablespoon of castor oil contains:

Castor oil is a good source of: 

Vitamin E 

Omega 3

Omega 6

What are the Benefits of Castor Oil?

Castor Oil Can be Used as a Laxative

Castor oil has been used traditionally to stimulate digestion by relieving constipation. It increases the movement of the muscles in the intestines, thereby helping clear the bowels.

Castor oil is broken down in the small intestine, releasing an acid called ricinoleic acid, which is the main fatty acid present in it. This acid along with omega-9 fatty acid is then absorbed by the intestine, stimulating a strong laxative effect. 

Castor oil is completely safe to consume in small doses. When consumed in larger amounts, it could lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting etc.

Castor Oil Contains Anti Inflammatory Properties

The ricinoleic acid present in castor oil reduces swelling and pain caused by inflammation. When applied directly to the skin, castor oil could reduce symptoms of arthritis. Aside from its capacity to reduce inflammation, it could also help relieve dry and irritated skin caused due to psoriasis.

Castor Oil Can Help Heals Wounds

Castor oil contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which could help heal wounds by decreasing the risk of infections and stimulating the growth of new tissues.

Castor Oil Helps Reduce Acne

Castor oil has several qualities that may help reduce acne symptoms. Applying castor oil directly to the skin may help reduce inflammation-related symptoms caused due to acne. It has antimicrobial properties that help fight bacterial overgrowth when applied to the skin, which in turn reduces acne.

Castor Oil for Skin

Rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, castor oil can be used to moisturize the skin. Castor oil may help soothe inflamed and irritated skin, as it is a natural moisturizer,  keeping your skin looking young and healthy. 

Castor oil contains antioxidants that fight free radicals in your body, thereby slowing down the process of aging. It can also be used to soothe sunburns.

Castor Oil for Hair

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which enhances the health of the hair follicles and promotes hair growth, when applied to the scalp. Castor oil is also known to moisturize the scalp, reduce dandruff and hair fall, and makes the hair smooth and shiny. 

Castor Oil for Eyebrows

Since castor oil is incredibly moisturizing, with its rich fatty acids applying it on the eyebrows makes it look healthy and hydrated. Healthy brows are known to look fuller, even if the actual growth isn’t visible.

Castor Oil for Eyelashes

Castor oil contains omega-6 fatty acids which could help improve the health of eyelashes. The ricinoleic acid present in castor oil moisturizes the lashes, making them look healthier.

Castor Oil for Eyes

Castor oil is a common component of dry eye treatments. The oil creates a film over the eye and reduces the evaporation and drying up of the water from the eyes, hence causing them to be less dry.

Is Castor Oil Safe for Babies?

Castor oil has been used for generations to cure various skin problems in babies. Castor oil can be used as a moisturizer for babies. It can also be used to treat diaper rashes by soothing the area. Avoid applying castor oil near the mouth of the babies as they could ingest it. It is always recommended to consult a doctor before using castor oil for your baby.

Can Castor Oil Induce Labour?

Castor oil has been used as an alternative method for inducing labor in the past by many midwives. Castor Oil was believed to stimulate contractions in the uterus, as it stimulates contractions in the intestines. But there is not enough medical evidence to support these claims. 

Can Castor Oil Help Grow Beard?

While there is no evidence based on this claim, many people believe that applying castor oil on their beard makes it grow thicker. Castor oil can only moisturize and nourish the beard, making it look healthier. 

Can Castor Oil Prevent Premature Greying of Hair?

Yes, it can. Castor oil helps the hair retain its natural pigment and boosts blood circulation in the scalp. The essential fatty acids present in castor oil help repair damage and delay the process of greying of hair.

How often should castor oil be used?

Castor oil should not be used more than once or twice a week, and must always be used with a carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil, etc. 

Castor Oil in Belly Button

Castor oil is a miraculous oil which offers a multitude of benefits, when applied on the belly button regularly. It is applied to ease abdominal pain and helps improve digestion. 

What does Castor Oil Smell Like?

Good castor oil is an odourless oil.

What does Castor Oil Taste Like?

Castor oil has a very unpleasant taste. Most people even describe it to be like that of petroleum jelly. It is very thick, making it hard to swallow. 

DIYs Using Castor Oil

To Prevent Greying of Hair

Take a few curry leaves and grind them to make a paste, add a spoon of castor oil and coconut oil to it. Mix well and apply it on the scalp evenly. Keep it on your head for about an hour and wash well with a mild shampoo.  

Hair Mask for Healthy Hair

Mix 2 tablespoons of castor oil and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl and warm the mixture. Apply the warm mixture to the scalp and hair and massage gently. Leave it overnight and wash your hair in the morning with a mild shampoo.

We hope you found our blog useful to learn about the various benefits of castor oil and its uses. Don't wait any longer, click here to order a bottle of castor oil and avail it's goodness today!