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Uses of Castor Oil
What are the uses of castor oil?
( 9 Mar 2011)
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Castor oil, derived from the castor bean plant, is anti inflammatory and antioxidant oil. It has many different uses and benefits. Castor oil forms an important part of folk medicine and home remedies.
It has often been used to heal intestinal injuries. Today castor oil is used in many different areas, like it is used for constipation, it has other health benefits and it is also good for the hair. It is also used to strengthen the immune system. Castor oil is also used in many products like cosmetics like shampoos and lipsticks, industrial products like dyes, varnishes, lubricants and greases. It is also used in food like additives and flavorings.
Castor oil is used in treatments for multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, hair loss and arthritis and rheumatism. It can also help cure skin abrasions, ringworm, athlete’s foot, gastrointestinal problems, yeast infection, acne, migraines and constipation. Castor oil also contains unsaturated fatty acid called ricinoleic acid which is known for its healing abilities. This oil can also influence the thymus gland and lymphatic tissue which in turn can reduce fatigue and depression. Castor leaves can be crushed and rubbed against fungal infections. Castor oil can also used be used to cure liver or age spots, chronic itching, acne, boils, warts and stretch marks. It helps to cure stubborn fungal infections of the nails too.
Castor oil is known to be a strong laxative. One teaspoon of castor oil, plain or mixed with orange juice, cranberry juice, ginger juice or prune juice. The fruit juice is just to mask its bitter taste and does not, generally, affect its laxative effect. Ideally this constipation should not be taken more than three days in a row. This oil works by loosening the muscles of the colon and it should not be a made a permanent factor. Castor oil can be used for constipation in babies, in children and in infants with varying dosages. A typical dosage for an adult is about one to one and half full teaspoon in a day. Excess castor oil can also lead to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramping. The anti bacteria properties of castor oil work very well against styes. You can directly apply castor oil to the sty repeatedly till it gets better.
Castor oil is also extremely emollient and therefore is used is all kinds of cosmetics. You can directly apply castor oil to your eyelashes at night which will help them thicken and grow long and dark. You can also apply castor oil directly to nails and cuticles. The oil strengthens the cuticles and adds a luster to the nails.
You can also apply castor oil to coconut oil and make a deep hair conditioning oil for your hair. Castor oil will take care of your scalp by preventing dandruff and promoting hair growth and it will condition your hair. Castor oil is also a great moisturizer. It is also used in creams that treat psoriasis or eczema.
Unfortunately, Castor oil can also have some rather unpleasant effects. Taking it too close to bed time can lead to problems as its laxative effect takes place quickly. Prolonged use of castor oil as a laxative can cause loss of fluids and electrolytes and eventually even lead to kidney problems. A long term solution for constipation is a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Important precautionary measures, like providing all relevant information to your doctor must be followed before the use of castor oil. Pregnant or lactating women should use castor oil only after talking to their doctors. Even patients with acute intestinal problems, appendicitis or abdominal pain should not use castor oil without their doctor’s advice.
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answered by G M on 9 Mar 2011, 3:45:52
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