Ayurveda’s Miracle Oil: Castor Oil’s Health Benefits and Uses
Posted On February 9, 2025
An ingredient of cleansers, paints, inks, perfumes and cosmetics, as well as a natural remedy for various health conditions, this pale yellow-colored liquid finds application in food and cosmetic industries and also in medicine. Yes, we are referring to castor oil, a vegetable oil obtained from castor beans, which is rich in triglycerides (mainly ricinoleates), oleic acid and linoleic acid. Here we will look at the benefits and uses of castor oil.
Castor Oil Health Benefits
- One of the potential health benefits of castor oil is constipation relief. Consuming it in moderate amounts) can accelerate bowel movement and cleanse the colon.
- Castor oil is used in navel oiling (or pechoti), a therapeutic method of rubbing oil on the belly button. This procedure is known to help digestion, give relief from menstrual cramps, hydrate and detoxify the skin, improve metabolism, and give a sense of calm. More on Navel oiling.
- According to a study, castor oil serves as a treatment for knee arthritis symptoms. It has anti-inflammatory properties so it can help alleviate inflammation and pain.
- It has anti-microbial and antibacterial properties, owing to which it can help heal wounds.
- Being rich in fatty acids, it moisturizes the skin. It can be applied topically after combining it with another neutral oil.
- It helps in treating acne.
- It boosts skin repair and can reduce the appearance of acne scars, wrinkles and fine lines.
- In a clinical experiment in 2023, it was seen that castor oil was effective against dark circles under the eyes.
- It strengthens the cuticles and gives a shine to the nails.
- Due to its moisturizing effect on the skin, it helps treat a dry scalp. Being antimicrobial, it reduces dandruff. Its topical application promotes hair growth on the head as well as eyebrows and eyelashes and it is believed to be good for overall scalp health and hair growth. However, there is limited scientific evidence about the benefits for castor oil for the hair and scalp.
- Castor oil is said to help in boosting the immune system.
Potential Side Effects of Castor Oil
- Is castor oil safe for consumption and topical use? It is considered safe for topical application; however, it can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. So it is advisable to take a patch test before using it for skin care.
- Although usable as a natural laxative, if consumed in excess, castor oil can have adverse side effects like dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and bloating.
- Since it leads to spasms in the intestines, it can cause uterine contractions. So, pregnant women should not consume castor oil without medical consultation.
- Other possible side effects of castor oil include nausea, diarrhea, chest pain and shortness of breath (on internal consumption) and skin rash (on external application).
- So it is best to exercise caution while using castor oil. Those with any underlying health conditions, and those undergoing any medical treatment should not use castor oil without consulting their physician.
Uses of Castor Oil
- FDA has approved of castor oil as a natural laxative. It can be used in moderation to get relief from constipation.
- It can be used to nourish and moisturize the skin and protect it from cold and dry weather conditions.
- Castor oil can be used to clean dentures. Storing dentures in this oil helps prevent bacterial and fungal growth in them.
- In the olden times, castor oil was used to induce labor.
- Food-grade castor oil is used as an additive and in flavorings. It is used to prevent mold formation and is some countries, grains are preserved by applying castor oil on them. It can help prevent the rotting of wheat, rice and pulses.
- When combined with zinc oxide, it acts as an emollient and astringent.
- Castor oil is used with serums for administering steroid hormones through injections.
- It finds application in the polyurethane industry as a bio-based polyol. A castor oil emulsion is reacted with an isocyanate, cement and construction aggregate, and used as a slurry and coated with other systems to build a floor.
- Castor oil is used as a precursor in the preparation of various chemical compounds.
- Dried and refined castor oil is used as a dielectric fluid in capacitors.
- Sulfated castor oil (sulphuric acid added to castor oil) forms a synthetic detergent which can be used in preparing lubricants, softeners and dyeing assistants.
- It can be used as a lubricant in jet, diesel and racing engines.
This was an overview of the uses and benefits of castor oil, along with the possible risks linked with its use. Which type of castor oil is the best? USP grade castor oil is considered ideal for use. It is recommended that you buy cold-pressed castor oil, as its aroma, flavor and antioxidants are retained in the process, and it is pure and of high-quality.
Article reviewed by an Ayurvedic expert.