Benefits Of Castor Oil

Castor oil, extracted from castor beans, is widely used across the world. The castor plant, which initially originated in the warm regions of India, can be found in most of the Mediterranean and tropical zones. Though raw castor beans are not fit for human consumption, even causing illness at times, castor oil has been infused with a large number of health benefits, apart from uses as a beauty product. For instance, it is full of antioxidant properties and can help the body fight harmful free radicals. Then, the oil can also be used for treating various skin ailments. Want to know more about the benefits of castor oil? Read on.

Benefits & Uses Of Castor Oil

Castor oil proves to be extremely beneficial for those who have very thin eyelashes and eyebrows. All they have to do is dab on some castor oil on the lashes and brows every night, before going to bed.
The oil serves as a laxative and thus, is good for those who are suffering from the problem of constipation. At the same time, it also benefits people troubled by irritable bowel syndrome.
In case you are suffering from any digestive problems caused by bacterial overgrowth, castor oil will prove to be the best remedy, owing to its antibacterial, antiviral and anti fungal properties.
Castor oil contains, rather is the only known source of, the valuable unsaturated fatty acid ricinoleic acid. The fatty acid is known for its extraordinary healing abilities.
Castor oil, by exerting a positive influence on the thymus gland and lymphatic tissue, can help improve the flow of lymph fluid. This, in turn, treats swollen lymph nodes and lessens fatigue and depression.
When applied topically (by massaging on the affected area), the oil can prove beneficial for people suffering from rheumatism, arthritis, gout and other painful joint conditions.
Since it contains undecylenic acid, which has germ-killing and disinfectant properties, castor oil can help treat skin ulcers and kill the fungi found around fingernails and toenails.
Using hair care products that contain castor oil can help keep dandruff at bay. You can also massage the oil into the scalp, leave it overnight and wash hair the next morning, to get rid of dandruff.
You can treat the problem of calluses on the feet, by applying castor oil topically on the affected area. Before this, soak your feet in Epsom salts water, speeding up the healing process.
If you feel that your hair has become too coarse and dull, try using castor oil as a conditioner. All you have to do is massage the oil onto your scalp, leave it for one hour and then wash off.
The oil works great as a moisturizer. Especially in the winter season, using it will prevent your skin from drying up and getting white patches. Just massage your body with it and then take a hot shower.
If you have been suffering from the problem of dry skin on the soles of your feet or cracked ankles, castor oil would prove useful. Massage the area with the oil and then soak it in hot water. Your skin will begin to soften.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Health & Fitness'