Medical Uses for Castor Oil
Castor oil, the yellowish extract from the tropical castor bean plant, is regarded for its important medical uses.
From its simple beginnings as a natural home remedy to its expanding roles in mainstream medicine, it is one of the few oils that deliver many medical benefits for everyone.
Castor Oil Is a Common Laxative
Natural castor oil serves as a laxative, which is one of its most recognized medical uses.
During the heyday of your grandparents, it was already used to relieve diarrhea and constipation. In the modern times, this oil from castor oil plant still maintains its medical use as a valuable laxative, especially useful for children and the elderly.
Castor oil is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an over-the-counter laxative that is “generally recognized as safe and effective.” However, it is not recommended in the treatment of chronic constipation as it may only aggravate the condition if taken. Castor oil is indeed very effective in discharging the contents of the digestive tract but its unpleasant, nauseating taste has diminished its demand these days.
Castor Oil Helps in Labor Induction
Another medicinal use of castor oil is that it is a way to induce labor. This is done when pregnant women drink a blend of castor oil and juice in an attempt to prepare for childbirth.
However, there are mixed views regarding this use of castor oil. Some doctors and midwives claim that castor oil induction is effective. But there are also those who say that it causes potential side effects such as dehydration and vomiting for the pregnant mother and fetal distress for the baby inside the womb.
Castor Oil Supports Skin Care and Other Health Concerns
This valuable oil is also used remarkably in the treatment of skin problems. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which brings about anti-inflammatory effects. It is used to treat cuts, burns, abrasions, and sunburn. Castor oil also helps you prevent having skin disorders such as acne and eczema. It is used whenever there is a condition caused by excessively oily skin. According to Botanical.com, it is also used to treat various cutaneous problems such as ringworm, itch, and the like.
Further, castor oil helps in skin care and conditioning. One of its components, Isostearate Succinate, allows it to penetrate deep into the skin, causing an antioxidant effect. Because of this, the oil is used as an ingredient in lipstick and lip balm and other commercial skin care products that moisturize condition and hydrate the skin.
Other uses for castor oil include its support for hair growth and its application as a solvent in pure alkaloids and Atropine solutions, which are utilized in ophthalmic surgery.
Castor Oil Is Truly Beneficial for Your Health
With all these medicinal uses of castor oil, no doubt that it plays a crucial role in supporting your health. So what are you waiting for? Make use of castor oil and start reaping all its wonderful health benefits.
Do you want to explore other uses of castor oil? Check out the next article -> Health Benefits of Castor Oil <- or use the navigation to the left.