Castor Oil: Benefits and Uses

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Where does castor oil come from?

Castor oil comes from seeds of the ricinus communis plant, which is native to tropical areas of Africa and Asia. It is typically applied directly to the skin using a cotton ball. Castor oil is relatively safe to use, but some people have reported side effects after applying it to their skin.

What is castor oil good for?

It helps reduce odors, protect wounds, and create a moist environment to promote healing ( 11 ). Additionally, ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid found in castor oil, has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties. It may help reduce skin inflammation, support healing, and aid in pain reduction in people with wounds ( 12 ).

Does castor oil have side effects?

Like most supplements, side effects are possible when using castor oil. These side effects may be mild or severe. Mild side effects have been reported with the use of castor oil. Typically, these and other side effects will subside once castor oil use stops.

Can castor oil be used as a laxative?

Mice that lacked the receptor didn’t experience these effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved castor oil for use as a laxative, meaning that it’s safe and effective to use for this reason.

What is castor oil?

A vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant, castor oil is also known as Ricinus communis. The main active component of castor oil is ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties.

What are the benefits of castor oil?

Claims of castor oil benefits include that it may be used as a laxative, aid in childbirth and labor, relieve arthritis pain, and moisturize skin. A vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant, castor oil is also known as Ricinus communis.

How does castor oil work?

Here’s generally how it works: When you consume castor oil by mouth, it’s broken down in the small intestine, releasing ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid in castor oil. The ricinoleic acid is then absorbed by the intestine, stimulating a strong laxative effect ( 2 ). Several studies have shown that castor oil can relieve constipation.

What Is Castor Oil

1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-castor-oil-89087
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castor_oil
3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/castor-oil
4. https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/natural-beauty/benefits-and-uses-of-castor-oil/
5. https://www.webmd.com/diet/castor-oil-health-benefits
6. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319844
7. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/castor-oil-benefits

Castor Oil Information

1. https://draxe.com/nutrition/castor-oil/
2. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-castor-seed-oil.html
3. https://www.forbes.com/health/nutrition/castor-oil/
4. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/castor-oil-real-health-benefits