Castor oil is made from Castor bean plant and extracted from its seeds by cold press method. Another common name for it is “the palm of christ” that derived from its ability to heal wounds and cure illnesses since this oil is used for medicinal purpose only. The oil is rich in ricinoleicacid which trigger analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on the body and it is among the most commonly used oils since ancient times for cleansing the colon, the reproductive system and as a powerful detoxifying agent.
Digestive system
Castor oil is a natural stimulant laxative that has also been shown to boost lymphatic, circulatory and immune health. Its active ingredient, ricinoleic acid, gets released into the intestine, where it helps with the process of digestion, nutrient absorption and cleansing the system. Taken internally, the sharp and hot quality of castor oil initiates digestion of undigested food residue and cleanses the system by helping in proper bowel movement ,relieving constipation and straining during defecation. Additionally, because of its anthelmintic properties it has been used for eliminating worms, parasites and toxic substances in the body, especially in the digestive system.
Hair and skin
Application of castor oil on skin keeps it hydrated and free from infections, making it a great remedy for acne and eczema. It is also effective in treating wrinkles, dryness, stretch marks and sunburns. This quality is attributed to its emollient benefits that influence the natural production of elastin and collagen as it penetrates deeply into the skin and nourishes it.
When applied on hair and scalp, castor oil stimulates hair growth, charges up blood circulation and frees the scalp of any bacterial and fungal infections and dandruff. The fatty acids and vitamin E of castor oil aid in hair growth, making it thick, strong and shiny. Massaging the slightly warmed-up oil into your hair and scalp can improve the blood circulation to your follicles and help with dry and itchy scalp.
Women’s health
For centuries, pregnant women at full term have taken castor oil orally for its ability to induce labor by promoting the uterus contractions. The reason castor oil can work to induce labor is due to the fact that the ricinoleic acid in the oil can activate EP3 prostanoid receptors in the uterus and can help speed up the labor.
The high amount of ricinoleic acid in the oil grants him his natural emmenagogue properties, which is beneficial in the treatment of painful, delayed or obstructed menstruation. It’s hot and sharp qualities increasing the blood circulation in the abdominal area making it also beneficial in breaking down the clogged mass of fibroids, cysts and tumors.
Arthritis conditions
Castor oil is great for inflexibility, pain in joints and rheumatic conditions for its wonderful ability to augment blood circulation, relieve pain, reduce swelling and treat stiffness in joints. According to Ayurveda, Rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis are the outcome of accumulated undigested residuals in the channels of the body, especially in the hands, legs and joints. This results in pain, inflammation, improper blood circulation, soreness and irritation in the muscles and joints. With its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, Castor oil pierces into the bloodstream and soothes the muscles, alleviating the pain and calming the nerves.
Castor oil hot pack
Try massaging painful areas with castor oil followed by a hot water pack to increase absorption and drainage. Massage the desired area with 5 ml of warm oil and cover it with a flannel cloth, followed by a plastic wrap. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle over the wrap and relax in a comfortable position for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Practicing this process twice weekly can give you the best pain-reducing results.
Internal administration of castor oil should be consulted with a physician
Properties
Type: oil
Element: Water, Earth
Color: transparent
Taste: sweet, astringent
Natural Attributes: sharp, sticky, heavy, penetrating
Dosha impact: Kapha- Pitta+ Vata- –
Tissue impact (Vipak): Reducing
Thermal impact (Virya): Heating
Digestive impact (Agni): Ignites digestion
Moves energy: Downwards
Channels (Srotas): Opens
Strength (Bala): +
Sturdiness (Ojas): +
Mind (Manas):
Feces: Laxative, Purgative
Urine:
Occasion:
Nutrient:ricinoleic acid
Chinese medicine syndromes: Yang Deficiency
Medicinal properties
- Nourishment (rasa):
- Blood-circulation-liver: Lymphatic
- Muscles:
- Fat:
- Bones-joints-tendon-ligaments: Anti-rheumatic
- Nervous system: Analgesic
- Reproductive and hormonal systems: Labor inducing, Emmenagogue
- Immunity: Anti-viral, Anti- infectious, Fungicidal, Germicidal
- Vital essence and strength:
- Mental:
- Skin: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-allergic, Emollient
- Kidney-Bladder:
- Respiratory system: Anti-viral
- Digestive system: Purgative, Laxative, Anthelmintic, Carminative
- Cleansing: Uterus
Harmful for: