Castor Oil - Benefits for skin

Castor Oil - Benefits for skin

Castor oil is an ancient natural remedy known for its incredible benefits and unpleasant taste. It is extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. In ancient Egypt, castor oil was given to pregnant women to stimulate labor. It is also believed to have been used as a treatment for eye irritation.

Castor oil is commonly used as an active ingredient in many medications, skincare products, and shampoos. This multi-purpose vegetable oil possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and laxative properties and provides several health benefits. Thus, it is claimed to help in relieving constipation, inducing labor, and treating arthritis.

How Does Castor Oil Work?

Castor oil is a popular source of ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. Some of the goodness of the oil can be attributed to this fatty acid.

The oil is mostly odorless. Some users describe it as having a light and clean smell (or even a pungent smell). It is nearly tasteless, though some users dislike its taste.

However, there are some concerns associated with the ingestion of castor oil. We will discuss that in detail in the latter part of this post.

Some sources state that castor oil has a comedogenic rating of 1 (on a scale of 0 to 5). The comedogenic rating tells you if a particular ingredient blocks skin pores. The lower the rating, the better. As of now, more research is being done on this aspect of the oil. But a comedogenic rating of 1 means it suits most skin types and doesn’t clog skin pores.

Castor seed oil is one of the most potent seed oils. We have some research backing its health effects. Keep reading, and you will know about the different uses of castor oil to improve your life.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Castor Oil?

1. Treat Arthritis

Castor oil reduces inflammation. The ricinoleic acid it contains has excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The topical application of this acid showed a marked anti-inflammatory effect.

Another study showed that castor oil could be used for treating primary knee osteoarthritis effectively. Subjects with osteoarthritis, when given a castor oil capsule thrice daily for four weeks, showed improvement in their symptoms.

Using castor oil for treating arthritis is quite simple. You can apply it topically or use a castor oil pack.

2. Treat Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis involves the inflammation of the thick tissue running across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes.

In a study, castor oil offered great relief to patients dealing with plantar heel spurs. Plantar heel spur is a condition associated with plantar fasciitis.

3. Treat Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lowest part of your rectum and anus. These often cause discomfort and bleeding.

Research shows that castor seeds can be used for treating hemorrhoids. This can be attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of the seeds and the oil.

However, there is no information on the effectiveness of castor oil is in this regard. Do check with your doctor.

4. Help Delay Signs Of Aging

Though the oil has properties that delay signs of aging (like wrinkles), there is no direct evidence. We know that the oil fights inflammation. This can help combat free radicals that accelerate aging.

You may use the oil under your eyes, around your mouth, on your forehead, and on the chin and neckline. Wash these areas in the morning and apply a drop of castor oil. Gently massage and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Wash off with normal water. You can then follow up with your regular skincare routine. 

But be wary of skin reactions. These may include itching, redness, swelling, and rashes. Do a patch test before you apply castor oil on your skin.

5.Treat Acne And Scars

The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil can help in this regard . Using the oil for treating acne is quite simple. Cleanse your face. Moisten a clean washcloth with lukewarm water and add a couple of drops of the oil to it. Gently rub the cloth over your face in circular motions.

You can follow this method before going to bed. Allow the castor oil to stay on your face overnight. You can wash it off the following morning. But if you have oily skin, use castor oil very sparingly.

This method can also be used for treating scars. It may help treat skin inflammation and soothe irritated skin.

Applying liberal amounts of the oil can also help fade stretch marks. Apply castor oil to the affected areas, once in the morning and once at night.

Castor oil can also heal sunburns. It has an SPF value of around 6 and is often used in sunscreens .

The oil also plays a role in wound healing. Research shows that formulations containing castor oil promote wound healing. They help shed damaged skin cells, stimulate localized blood flow, and have local antimicrobial and analgesic actions .

Castor oil may also help treat boils and burns. But make sure to do a patch test first.

6.Treat Psoriasis And Eczema

Animal studies show that the ricinoleic acid in castor oil can relieve pain and inflammation . These properties may potentially help relieve psoriasis and eczema. We don’t have direct research supporting these claims, though.

You can apply the oil to the affected areas before going to bed. Let it get absorbed overnight. The oil supposedly moisturizes the skin.

Castor oil can also fight Candida, a fungal infection. In a study, castor oil had eliminated Candida albicans from contaminated human tooth roots .

Castor oil may also aid the treatment of melasma, a condition that leaves brown patches on one’s face. A study showed that a phenol-castor oil peel reduced pigments in a severe case of melasma.

Some research also shows that the oil can treat ringworm, thanks to undecylenic acid, one of its active compounds .

7.Treat Genital Warts

Anecdotal evidence suggests that applying castor oil to the wart every day can help make it fall off. In addition, you can also apply a thin slice of garlic and tape it in place . This may further help remove warts.

8.Boost Hair Growth

There is no clinical evidence to suggest that. But you may try it out. Apply the oil to your scalp and leave it on for at least two hours. Wash your hair with shampoo. Or use our Ambiance Elements shampoo with castor oil and benefit.

The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil may help treat dandruff. It may also help in treating seborrheic dermatitis, which is another inflammatory condition causing scaly patches on the scalp 

Some proponents of castor oil also state that it may treat split ends. They also state that a mixture of jojoba oil, mustard seed oil, and castor oil may reverse gray hair. But there is no research to support these statements.

Castor oil might seem like an all-powerful ingredient. Though most of its benefits are backed by research, some of them need concrete substantiation.

It is important we know what this oil contains. As we uncover more research studies, we can understand how its other constituents contribute to its goodness.