Have you ever used castor oil to treat constipation, fever, or cold? If so, you are probably familiar with its incredible health benefits. In addition, castor oil has numerous health benefits and uses. It is considered to be a cure-all for a number of health problems.
Specifically, it is a triglyceride, which consists of fatty acids. Moreover, picinoleic acid is the main health-promoting ingredient in castor oil used to prevent the growth of many harmful microbes like yeasts, molds, bacteria, and viruses.
HERE ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF TAKING CASTOR OIL ORALLY:
– BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
The potent immune-improving properties of castor oil can support and enhance the lymphatic drainage. Your lymphatic system works together with your digestive and circulatory systems to enhance heart health, detoxify your body, and treat digestive problems, including constipation and diarrhea.
You may want to use abdominal castor oil packs to greatly elevate the production of lymphocytes, i.e., white blood cells, which can help create antibodies to get rid of invading pathogens.
– SUPPORTS DIGESTIVE HEALTH
The oil acts as a mild laxative when consumed orally. It can ensure complete evacuation during bowel movements. The high amount of ricinoleic acid found in the oil improves nutrient absorption, digestion, and cleansing of your digestive system.
This can help treat many digestive problems like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, leaky gut, cramping, and any other IBS symptoms.
– FIGHTS FUNGAL INFECTIONS
The high content of ricinoleic acid found in the oil helps fight many fungal infections, including athlete’s foot, shingles, ringworm, cystic acne, jock itch, and more.
You can fight fungal infections by taking castor oil orally as well as applying it topically. Warm one or two tbsp. of castor oil on low heat and then gently rub it on the affected area to relieve the itchiness. Make sure you repeat the same procedure on a regular basis for maximum benefits.
– RELIEVES ARTHRITIC JOINT PAIN
Congestion in your lymphatic system as a result of toxic waste build-up is the main culprit of joint inflammation and pain. But, castor oil can boost lymphatic flow, thus alleviating congestion and arthritic pain.
You can fight congestion, boost lymphatic flow, and alleviate pain by massaging a bit of the oil on the affected area on a regular basis.
– KEEPS OPTIMAL HORMONAL BALANCE
Castor oil can improve your blood circulation and purify your blood. This means that your body can balance your hormones properly. In short, it can fight mood swings, PMS symptoms, depression and anxiety. It can also enhance the health of your reproductive system, as well as any other hormone-producing gland, like the adrenals, pancreas, thymus, thyroid, etc.
– ENHANCES BLOOD FLOW
Did you know that poor blood circulation is one of the early warning symptoms of any chronic condition? But, if you improve your blood circulation, your blood system can pump blood from and to your heart, thus carrying nutrients and oxygen throughout your body. It plays an important role in maintaining a healthy body to nourish cells and eliminating toxins and waste materials from your body.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CASTOR OIL AND HOW TO TAKE IT ORALLY:
Make sure you purchase the highest quality oil for best results. This means that you should use pure, cold-pressed castor oil that comes in a dark bottle.
Avoid using cheap castor oil since it may be packed with toxins and chemicals that can harm your health.
Also, it is a good idea to read the package directions on the right ingestible amount. Avoid taking a higher amount of the oil than the recommended amount. Moreover, avoid taking it for more than a week unless you are under supervision of your physician.
You can take castor oil orally by starting with a low dosage. Then, gradually increase the amount you take. The recommended dosage for adults is one tbsp. of the oil, whereas for children aged 2-12 is one tsp. Of course, you can add the oil to milk or juices to make it more palatable. Children under the age of 2 should not take the oil orally.
HERE ARE THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF APPLYING THE OIL TOPICALLY:
– SOOTHES INFLAMED SKIN
Castor oil is an incredible option for relieving skin inflammation triggered by acne; dry and cracked skin; insect bites; sunburns; and more. The only thing you should do is soak a cotton ball in the oil, apply it to the affected skin area and allow it to act for about 60 minutes. You should do the same procedure a couple of times daily until you feel relief.
– FIGHTS COLIC IN INFANTS
Colic often occurs within the first few months of a baby’s life. It may result in long periods of excessive crying. Even though gas is considered to be a major cause, its exact culprit is still unknown.
Simply rub a bit of the oil between 2 palms in order to warm it up, and gently place your palm on your baby’s abdomen until you notice your baby breaks wind. This will treat colic, so your baby will soon fall asleep.
– REDUCES BACK AND MUSCLE PAIN
You should massage a small amount of the oil on your muscles after an intense workout in order to boost blood circulation and alleviate soreness. You can also combine it with some chamomile or peppermint oil for extra soothing and healing effect.
Massage the oil on the affected area. Use a clean, soft cloth to cover the area and then place a hot water pack on top. This will help the oil permeate through your skin into the inflamed tissues. Allow it to act until the hot water pack turns cold. You should repeat the same procedure every day until the pain disappears.
– KEEPS YOUR LIPS HEALTHY
The oil can actually do wonders for your dry and cracked lips. Therefore, you should rub a bit of the oil on your lips to treat cracks as well as prevent further chapping. Keep in mind that it a much safer option compared to petroleum jelly like Vaselline.
– FIGHTS HEMORRHOIDS
The oil is beneficial for shrinking external hemorrhoids. Simply soak a cotton ball in the oil and then apply it directly on the hemorrhoids. Allow the cotton ball to act for at least 15 minutes. You can wear a pad in case you need to move around. You can also repeat the same procedure a few times daily if needed.
– ALLEVIATES ITCHINESS AND MOISTURIZES SKIN
The oil is abundant in fatty acids that could moisturize and nourish your dry skin and alleviate skin itchiness. It can easily penetrate into your skin tissue as a result of its viscous nature.
All you need to do is rub 1 tsp. between your palms and then apply it to your skin.
– PROMOTES RESTORATIVE SLEEP
In case you have trouble falling asleep, consider using castor oil.
You should dab a bit of it on your eyelids because it may help you fall asleep fast. It could also promote restorative sleep, thus helping you wake up refreshed in the morning.
OTHER BENEFITS OF CASTOR OIL:
– INDUCES THE GROWTH OF YOUR EYEBROWS AND EYELASHES
You can have thicker eyebrows and longer eyelashes by using castor oil. Simply apply the oil with a cotton bud tip on your eyebrows and eyelids respectively. Repeat it every night before bedtime to induce the growth of your eyebrows and eyelashes. You will notice the results in about 15 days of application.
– ELIMINATES DANDRUFF AND TREATS SCALP CONDITIONS
The powerful anti-microbial properties of the oil can help eliminate dandruff. In case you have problems with dandruff, massage the oil into your scalp. It will remove much of the dandruff even after the first application.
You should make the following recipe for shinier and healthier hair:
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp. of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp. of castor oil
All you need to do is apply the mixture to the roots of your hair and allow it to act for half an hour. Finally, wash your hair as usual.
– THICKENS YOUR HAIR AND STIMULATES HAIR GROWTH
Warm up the oil a little and then massage it into your scalp and hair. This will enhance blood circulation to the follicles and accelerate hair growth. The high amount of protein and fatty acids present in the oil can also nourish your hair.
You should leave it on during the night and wear a shower cap for best results. The next morning, simply wash it out. Make sure you repeat it on a regular basis.
– ELIMINATES WARTS, CORNS, AND SKIN TAGS
Soak a cotton wool in some castor oil and then press out the excess. Afterwards, place it on your blemish and use a bandage to secure it. It can soften your wart, corn, or tag in several days as well as drop off without causing a scar. It is recommended to remove and change the dressing daily until you get the desired results.
– DECREASES THE APPEARANCE OF STRETCH MARKS AND SCARS
The only thing you should do is apply a small amount of the oil on stretch marks or scars a couple of times daily. This can significantly lower the appearance of scars. In fact, the oil possesses a large amount of fatty acids that can penetrate into the scar tissue and stimulate the growth of healthy tissue around it.
What’s more, the topical application of castor oil on the abdominal area during pregnancy can prevent stretch marks from forming.
HERE IS WHY YOU SHOULD USE A CASTOR OIL PACK
Researchers have proven that castor oil packs can support liver detoxification, boost blood flow, enhance lymphatic circulation, decrease inflammation, break down kidney stones, and improve ovarian and uterine health.
You can detoxify your liver with a castor oil pack. It also doesn’t lead to adverse side effects. A large number of people have reported less joint and other type of pain, improved sleep quality, increased energy, enhanced skin condition and more, after applying castor liver pack several times.
Also, you should consume plenty of water, follow a healthy diet, and drink freshly squeezed juices for good detoxification.
Things You Will Need:
- 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil
- Some high-quality castor oil
- Cotton Pad or cloth or Wool Flannel Pad
- Heat pad
- Washable spa body wrap
Instructions:
Soak the pad or cloth in the castor oil. Next, add the lemon essential oil.
Afterwards, place the soaked cloth or pad on the right side of your abdomen, below the rib cage because your liver is located there. In case you want to detoxify your kidneys, place it on your back where your kidneys are located.
Wrap the body wrap around your abdomen in order to secure the pad in place.
Then, heat up the heating pad.
Next, you should place it on top of the flannel pad.
It is recommended to lie down to keep the heat pack in place for 60 minutes.
Caution:
Castor oil packs can be messy and difficult to remove. Therefore, you should wear a clean, old garment.
Also, you should test the castor oil on your wrist prior to using it in order to ensure that you aren’t allergic.
Avoid using too much castor oil on your face, since it could result in clogged pores and breakouts.
If you are pregnant, you should not take the oil orally.
