What is castor oil? Castor oil is a non-volatile fatty oil that is derived from the seeds of the castor bean ( Ricinus communis) plant. While castor beans contain a poison called ricin, this toxin is removed during processing of castor oil. But there are some health risks linked its use: If you're allergic to the castor plant, you could have itching, swelling, or rashes if you apply the oil to your skin. Test a small spot before you use it. About half a century ago, unbeknownst to many, castor oil was being inappropriately used as a medical treatment for many children. It was extensively used as a laxative, and most peculiarly, as a medicine against almost all ailments in children and the elderly. These possible illnesses ranged from a cough, cold, and fever, to constipation, and indigestion.

It can also help with wound and pressure ulcer healing thanks to its moisturizing as well as antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It mixes well with other ingredients like almond, olive and coconut oil, all of which have unique benefits for skin. Although not commonly recommended in modern medicine, castor oil is believed to offer a wide array of benefits. However, additional research is needed to verify these claims. Castor oil for the skin may be used in a number of ways. If you are experiencing irritation or inflammation, clean and wash your face thoroughly with warm water, which will help open your pores. Then, apply a light layer of castor oil on the skin, or you can mix it in with any carrier oil, which is often easier. The best carrier oils are olive oil, almond oil, and coconut oil. Increases LibidoCastor oil has many uses, but did you know that you can use it to liven up your ferns? The high amount of minerals and vitamins will do wonders if your ferns look unhealthy. Studies suggest that many of castor oil’s benefits come down to its chemical composition. It’s classified as a type of triglyceride fatty acid, and almost 90 percent of its fatty acid content is a specific and rare compound called ricinoleic acid. Condition your cuticles. Svay adds that castor oil also works great on your manicure too. Use a cotton swab to dab a little on your nail beds for extra nourishment.

It helps condition the skin of the scalp and improves the lustre and gloss of the hair,' says Dr Lee. 'Hair specialists recommend castor oil as a way of nourishing hair and improving hair quality.' One downside of using castor oil to help with delivery (and the reason it’s not commonly used in hospitals) is that some women feel nauseated after taking it. 5. Helps Dry, Irritated, Sun-Burnt or Acne-Prone SkinJournal of Nurse Midwifery: “A national survey of herbal preparation use by nurse-midwives for labor stimulation. Review of the literature and recommendations for practice.” If you’re interested in using castor oil, it’s important to keep the following potential side effects in mind: Wang, H., Cheng, G., Du, Y., Ye, L., Chen, W., Zhang, L., ... Fu, F. (2013, January 4). Hypersensitivity reaction studies of a polyethoxylated castor oil-free, liposome-based alternative paclitaxel formulation. Molecular Medicine Reports, 7(3), 947-952 Castor oil is a popular way to relieve constipation. The various components in the natural constipation remedy act as a powerful laxative, stimulating both the small and large intestines and purging the colon walls, allowing impacted fecal matter to move through the colon.

Some of the possible side-effects include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, irregular heart rhythms, muscle cramps and confusion,' says Dr Ana. 'It should be used with caution during limited time periods, and always consult your doctor as necessary.' Who shouldn't use castor oil? Dosages can vary by age, health status and your individual response to taking the oil. This amount is typically useful for regulating bowel movements.It's a little known fact that castor oil can be used to treat athlete’s foot. 'It contains undecylenic acid, which has been found to an effective remedy for treating the fungal infection Trichophyton rubrum – the main cause of athlete’s foot,' explains Dr Lee. While castor oil may help reduce constipation, there are often safer and gentler methods, especially for children. Examples include adding more fiber into the diet or taking a stool softener. One study found that soaking contaminated acrylic teeth in a solution containing 10% castor oil for 20 minutes helped reduce the number of C. albicans as well as other harmful bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus ( 16). Consult a medical professional before slathering oil onto broken skin as you could easily exacerbate it. 7. Castor oil could help with cancer treatment