Castor Oil

The skin is such an exciting organ and often overlooked. It acts as a semipermeable barrier preventing infection and absorbing nutrients for our bodies. What we apply to our skin has more of an effect than I ever realized.

Castor oil, sometimes used as a carrier oil for essential oils, comes from the plant Ricinus and has a history of being used for creating soaps, lubricants, a laxative, and a wide range of other cosmetic and medicinal purposes. It has also been used to make other items like waxes, plastics, and paints. It is vegetable oil which comes from pressing the seeds and is indigenous to the Mediterranean, Eastern Africa, and India.

The oil from this plant provides our bodies with a low-risk nutrient filled alternative to many ailments.

Composition

Castor oil is composed of mostly ricinoleic acid but, oleic, linoleic, stearic, palmitic, and dihydroxystearic acid are some of the other constituents. It’s because of parts of castor oil

which give it the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, moisturizing, and nourishing effect. (among other things)

Medicinal UsesMedicinal Uses

ORALLY– When used internally castor oil has been used as a natural laxative. As it is digested ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid, is released which acts as a stimulant and can increase the muscle movement in the intestine. Since it is stimulating, it can work quickly to relieve temporary constipation.

-One study showed to aid in relieving constipation symptoms.

*** taking more than 60ml can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.

I remember taking castor oil as a child when I was constipated, although I remember it tasting disgusting I do remember running to the bathroom after taking it. 

SKIN

– Castor oil can be used as a natural moisturizer because (scientifically) it is abundant in ricinoleic, a monounsaturated fatty acid, which is a known humectant. Humectants usually retain moisture by preventing water loss… meaning it can be used to hydrate the skin and can be added to makeup, lotions, moisturizers, and cleansers. I have used castor oil with a drop of orange oil at night after washing my face, I was surprised at how thick it was, but it does make my face feel hydrated in the morning along with an orange glow. It is also known for aiding in reducing acne because of the anti-inflammatory properties. 

HEALING AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS– Becuase of the hydrating effect, castor oil can be used to create a moist environment for wounds to promote healing and prevent it from drying out. It also stimulates tissue growth by creating a barrier between the injury and the environment which would also decrease the chance of infection (even fight it off). The anti-inflammatory effect aids in reducing pain topically while reducing inflammation. This can be helpful in aiding in inflammatory skin issues such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema…

-One study showed castor oil being used in a nursing home to improve healing time of pressure sores.

HAIR

More than just for constipation, skin, and beauty products; castor oil has been used in many hair care products. It has been used to add thickness, dandruff care, prevent split ends, balance PH levels, enhance hair color, and of course more. The oil aids in increasing circulation to the area applied which ”can” improve hair growth. The oil also creates a barrier which also helps lock in moisture for healthier looking hair.

PREGNANCY

Use with caution!!! Castor oil is also known for its historical use in naturally inducing labor. Some placed use castor oil to induce labor for patients between 40-41 weeks because of can activate the uterus. For someone wishing to induce labor, at the appropriate time with a professional, castor oil can be a natural alternative with low risk; some have complained of nausea.

I have been surprised in using castor oil as a carrier oil for my essential oils. I was surprised at first because it is thicker than I anticipated. I have used throughout the weeks on and off to hydrate my skin. There are so many discoveries and benefits surrounding different oils. A plant in various forms (an essential oil, herb, food, oil…) has so many benefits for your body. I am continuing to switch products in my home to live more non-toxic. As I do, my body feels better.

I hope to continue to share my explorations with you in the coming weeks as we stay together on our wellness journey.

Live and Be Well

Jasmine Hutchinson BSN, RN, PHN

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR PLACES TO PURCHASE NATURAL, ORGANIC PRODUCTS OR ESSENTIAL OILS, CHECK OUT MY ORGANIC PRODUCTS PAGE FOR LINKS.

DISCLAIMER…THIS BLOG IS INTENDED SOLELY TO SERVE AS A RESOURCE TO HEALTH INFORMATION AND TO PROVIDE YOU WITH BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE SYMPTOMS, CAUTIONS, SAFETY CONCERNS, NATURAL REMEDIES, DIY RECIPES, AND NUTRITIONAL CONCERNS RELATED TO ALL ASPECTS OF HEALTH. THIS BLOG DOES NOT PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLANATION OF ALL ASPECTS OF ANY HEALTH CONDITION OR CONCERN OR EVEN THOSE ASPECTS THAT ARE DISCUSSED IN THIS BLOG. THIS BLOG IS NOT INTENDED TO BE–AND YOU SHOULD NOT USE IT AS–A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE OR HEALTH CARE GIVEN BY A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. BE SURE TO SEE A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO HELP ENSURE YOUR HEALTH AND THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF YOUR FAMILY.