The use of castor oil dates back to ancient times, when the Egyptians used the oil from castor beans as fuel for lamps. Over the years, people have relied on this oil as a folk remedy for a variety of ailments, from trying to heal lymphatic tissues to curing skin cancer. Attempting to use it as a nutritional supplement is an unwise choice, as the oil is a very strong stimulant laxative that offers no nutritional benefits.
Origin and traditional uses
Logically, it comes from the castor bean plant. The plant, Ricinus communis, thrives in Africa and other warm climate regions of the world. You should not eat the seeds or any other part of the plant, as a publication from the University of Wisconsin indicates that these parts of the plant contain the poisonous toxins ricin and ricinin. Ingestion of ricin can be fatal.
The oily component and stimulating nature of castor oil make it a traditional remedy for constipation. Although it is occasionally included in weight loss supplements, it serves only as a laxative and has no weight loss benefits. Using it as an external ointment on the abdomen can help you get a temporary relief of pain and swelling. Medical professionals use castor oil as a delivery system for chemotherapy drugs.
calories and nutrients
Castor oil, like all other vegetable oils, contains approximately 120 calories per tablespoon. All of the calories in the oil come from fat, and it has no fiber, protein, or carbohydrates. This oil has large amounts of ricinoleic acid. Cosmetic manufacturers use a hydrogenated castor oil in some of their products, as do manufacturers of industrial greases. You should not use it for cooking or as a food supplement.
Warnings and health hazards
Do not consume castor oil unless recommended by your doctor. Avoid if you are pregnant, as the natural laxative properties of the oil can cause painful cramps and contractions that can lead to premature labor. If your doctor has diagnosed you with an intestinal obstruction or if you have unidentified pain in your abdomen, do not take castor oil.
irritation and allergies
If you use pure castor oil on your skin, you may be prone to irritation. The International Journal of Toxicology reports that castor oil is considered a safe product, but animal studies have shown that its pure version can severely irritate exposed skin. If your skin is slightly irritated by the oil, you may feel a slight itching or slightly reddening of the skin. Severe irritation can result in a uncomfortable and itchy rash.
Una allergy to the oil can also cause hives or a rash. If you suspect an allergy, call a doctor immediately. Castor oil can also be used to treat certain eye disorders, but it can cause irritation and discomfort to the skin around the eye, and can also cause mild cell death in the cornea. Do not use pure castor oil or products containing it, if you have had adverse skin reactions of any kind.
chemical absorption
Using castor oil on the skin can speed up the absorption of other chemicals, according to the International Journal of Toxicology. If you use cosmetic products that contain this oil, your skin may absorb the other chemicals in the product more quickly than it normally would. If you apply a product that contains a variety of chemicals, including castor oil, to your skin, you may experience adverse reactions due to faster absorption. If you are sensitive or allergic to any substance, read the ingredient labels of all cosmetic products carefully to avoid absorbing anything potentially dangerous to you.
How to use it to treat acne on the face?
clean face
Clean your skin gently with a facial cleanser. It is better to splash the face with warm water to dilate the pores before cleansing, and splash the face with cold water after cleansing to narrow the pores. Enlarged pores can be easily cleaned and remove dirt and oil. Constricted pores are less prone to clogging and breakouts.
apply the oil
Moisten a cloth with warm water. Apply a dime-sized amount of castor oil to a washcloth. Using the washcloth, apply the oil to your face in gentle circular motions, focusing on pimple areas of the face.
Stop resting and remove
Let the castor oil stay on the skin overnight. Leaving it on your face overnight allows it to properly moisturize your skin and bind to excess dirt, allowing it to be easily removed. In the morning, gently cleanse your skin with a facial cleanser to remove castor oil.