Castor oil comes from the plant Rincinus communis. It’s a multi-purpose vegetable oil that has been used for thousands of years. Castor is indigenous to the Eastern Mediterranean basin, Eastern Africa and India. The seeds, known as castor beans, are the source of the oil. They also contain a poisonous substance known as rincin. Here is a look at some of the health benefits of castor oil.
A Potent Laxative
Digestive health is vital to your overall health. An unhealthy or sluggish GI tract can leave you feeling drained of energy and lethargic. For further tips on healthy living, visit Energetic Lifestyle. Castor oil is classed as a stimulant laxative, which means it increases the movement of the muscles involved in pushing material through the intestines, which helps clear the bowels. Stimulant laxatives act rapidly and are used to immediate effect.
A Natural Moisturizer
Castor is rich in ricinoleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fatty acid. These types of fats are known as humectants and retain moisture by preventing them from escaping from the outer layers of skin. As such, castor oil is often used in cosmetics and beauty products.
Helps Fight Fungus
Candida albicans is a type of fungus that causes gum and root canal infections and the overgrowth of plaque. Castor oil has antifungal properties that can help with your oral hygiene. A study with elderly people who wear dentures has shown that brushing or soaking your dentures with a solution containing castor oil can help reduce the buildup of candida.
Can Help Reduce Acne
Acne is a condition known to cause blackheads, pus-filled pimples, and uncomfortable bumps around the face and rest of the body. Castor oil contains several properties that can help fight acne. Inflammation is believed to contribute to the severity of acne, so applying castor oil to the affected area helps reduce inflammation-related symptoms, due to castor oil’s anti-inflammatory profile.
Helps Keep the Head and Scalp Healthy
Many people use castor oil as a natural hair conditioner. The application of fatty oils to the hair such as castor oil can help hydrate and lubricate the hair shaft, decreasing the chance of breakage and increasing flexibility. Castor oil applied to the scalp and head can also benefit those who suffer from dandruff; a condition characterized by dry and flaky skin on the head.
Though there are many causes of dandruff, castor oil may help reduce the type caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Boosts Circulation
Immunity and circulation go hand-in-hand. A non-functioning lymphatic system can cause chronic illness. The circulatory system keeps us alive by bridging oxygen to our cells. Castor oil has been shown to help in increasing blood flow.
The Final Word
Castor oil has been used around the world for thousands of years. Castor comes from the plant Rincinus communis and the oil is extracted from the seeds known as castor beans. Castor is known to help to aid with blood flow and thus increase circulation, which in turn can ward off a whole host of undesirable health ailments. Castor oil is an effective moisturizer, is a well-known natural laxative, and can help fight acne.
Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.
