Research in animals shows that ricinoleic acid may help fight swelling and pain caused by inflammation when applied to your skin. One study in people found it was as effective at treating symptoms of knee arthritis as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). If you're pregnant, avoid using it. It may induce labor. We don't have enough research to know whether it's safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It's not clear whether it's safe for infants or children, either.

Portalatin M, Winstead N. Medical management of constipation. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012;25(1):12-19. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301754 Soothe a sunburn: Castors oil’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce pain and redness. Apply castor oil mixed with coconut oil (in a 1:1 proportion) to the affected area, or try the same remedy as a natural lip balm to solve chapped or sunburnt lips. Don't use it for long-term constipation relief because you could have side effects like cramps and bloating. Tell your doctor if your constipation lasts more than a few days. Allergic reactions. It may cause an allergic reaction in some people when applied to the skin. First try applying a small amount to a tiny patch of skin to see how your body reacts ( 10).In fact, castor oil could lead to a condition called acute hair felting in people with long hair. This condition causes the hair to become twisted and tangled, resembling a hard bird’s nest ( 23).

Cecilia Leong-Salobir (2011). Food Culture in Colonial Asia: A Taste of Empire. Taylor & Francis. p.66. ISBN 9781136726545. Archived from the original on 2023-01-14 . Retrieved 2016-01-08. Castor oil is completely natural and free of synthetic chemicals (as long as you use pure 100 percent pure oil, of course), yet it’s rich in skin-boosting ingredients like fatty acids. Applying this oil to dry or irritated skin can help to discourage dryness and keep it well moisturized, since it prevents water loss. Pure World Castor Oil 1 Litre. Cold Pressed 100% Pure and Natural Eyebrows, Nails, Beard, Hair, Eyelash Growth 1 Litre Cruelty Free Description Journal of the American Medical Association. American Medical Association. 1919. p.1699. Archived from the original on 2023-01-14 . Retrieved 2015-10-29. If you want to get rid of acne forever, you need to get to the source of the problem. Castor oil is a great natural home remedy for acne.

What is Castor Oil used for?

The production of lithium grease consumes a significant amount of castor oil. Hydrogenation and saponification of castor oil yields 12-hydroxystearic acid, which is then reacted with lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate to give high-performance lubricant grease. [37] Although it can be used to relieve occasional constipation, castor oil is not recommended as a treatment for long-term health concerns. A healthy lymphatic system and proper blood flow go hand in hand. When the lymphatic system fails (or edema develops, which is the retention of fluid and toxins), it’s much more likely someone will have circulatory issues. Castor oil works like a natural, mild stimulant laxative when taken orally. It can provide constipation relief, reduce straining during defecation and enhance the feeling of complete evacuation after a bowel movement. Yellow castor oil — This type is made from the castor bean, usually through pressing with no heat involved, although some manufacturers use chemicals in their processing. Generally speaking, the lighter color the oil is, the “purer” the product is.

Also, make sure to speak with a healthcare professional to get their recommendation before using castor oil to treat constipation. Misusing castor oil can lead to dangerous side effects, like electrolyte and acid-base imbalances, which could be life threatening ( 2). Summary

Journal of Nurse Midwifery: “A national survey of herbal preparation use by nurse-midwives for labor stimulation. Review of the literature and recommendations for practice.”

Wilson, R; Van Schie, BJ; Howes, D (1998). "Overview of the preparation, use and biological studies on polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR)". Food and Chemical Toxicology. 36 (9–10): 711–8. doi: 10.1016/S0278-6915(98)00057-X. PMID 9737417. Potential side effects of using castor oil as a laxative may include abdominal cramping, vomiting, bloating and dizziness.

What is Castor Oil?

Fitranda MI, Sutrisno, Marfu'ah S. Physicochemical Properties and Antibacterial Activity of Castor Oil and Its Derivatives. IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 2020; 833 012009. doi:10.1088/1757-899X/833/1/012009 Use of castor oil as a laxative is attested to in the c. 1550 BCE Ebers Papyrus, [12] and was in use several centuries earlier. [13] Safety datawsheet cremophor El Castor Oil" (PDF). www.sfm.state.or.us. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-12-06 . Retrieved 2016-12-05. What’s more, a 2013 study in 30 older people with denture-related stomatitis showed that treatment with a castor oil-containing mouthwash led to improvements in the clinical signs of stomatitis, including inflammation ( 17, 18).