The use of castor oil dates back to ancient times, when the Egyptians used the oil from castor seeds as fuel for lamps. Over the years, people relied on this oil as a popular remedy for a variety of ailments, from trying to heal lymphatic tissues to curing skin cancer. Trying to use it as a nutritional supplement is a reckless 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 . Swallowing 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 temporary relief from pain and swelling . Castor oil is used by medical professionals as a chemotherapy drug delivery system.
Calories and nutrients
Castor oil, like all other vegetable oils, contains about 120 calories per tablespoon. All the calories in oil come from fat and it has no fiber, protein, or carbohydrates. This oil has large amounts of ricinoleic acid . Manufacturers of cosmetics use a hydrogenated castor oil in some of their products, as do manufacturers of industrial fats. You should not use it for cooking or as a complement to food.
Warnings and health hazards
Do not consume castor oil unless recommended by your doctor. Avoid if you are pregnant , as the oil's natural laxative properties can cause painful cramps and contractions that can lead to premature labor. If your doctor has diagnosed you with a bowel 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, it can 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 itch or the skin may become slightly red . Severe irritation can result in an uncomfortable, itchy rash .
An 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 that contain 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 can 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 the face
Cleanse your skin gently with a facial cleanser. It is better to splash your face with warm water to dilate your pores before cleansing and splash your face with cold water after cleansing to narrow your pores. Large pores can be easily cleaned and remove dirt and oil. Constricted pores are less prone to clogging and pimples.
Apply the oil
Dampen a cloth with warm water. Apply a dime-sized amount of castor oil to a cloth. Using the washcloth, apply the oil to your face in gentle circular motions, focusing on the pimpled areas of the face.
Stop resting and remove
Let the castor oil stay on the skin overnight. Leaving it on the face overnight allows it to adequately moisturize the skin and adhere to excess dirt, allowing it to be easily removed. In the morning, gently cleanse your skin with a facial cleanser to remove castor oil.
