Castor oil is a remedy that has been used for a long time by traditional healers. Originally from India, this oil has many virtues, including antibacterial applications, pain reduction and stimulation of the immune system
Ricinoleic acid
Castor oil comes from castor seeds (Ricinus communis). It is a tryptophan consisting of fatty acids, essentially ricinoleic acid. The latter is considered to be the main source of the healing properties of castor oil.
Non-medical uses of this oil
- Lubricating oil
- Food additive
- Mold Inhibitor
- Ingredient in dermatological care products
Potentially fatal
Although castor oil has many amazing health benefits, this plant can also be lethal. The oral ingestion of ricin, an extremely toxic protein derived from castor seeds, affects the ribosomes of the cells, preventing protein synthesis and causing cell death. It is therefore essential to use castor oil with the help of a health professional and monitor the amount of oil you consume.
Symptoms:
- Abdominal cramps
- Chest Pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations (rare)
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rash
- Throat sensation tight
If nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are not controlled, serious imbalances between dehydration and electrolyte (chemical and mineral body substance) can occur, resulting in heart rhythm disorders.
Various Uses
More recently, castor oil has been used as a gastrointestinal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant. It should also be mentioned that the topical application of this oil cures skin conditions such as keratosis, dermatoses and acne.
Castor oil against inflammation
However, its anti-inflammatory properties are the most interesting for people with arthritis, back pain or sciatica. In a double-blind study, subjects with symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee received capsules of castor oil (0.8 ml) three times daily for four weeks. Two weeks after the end of treatment, there was a marked improvement in pathological conditions without undesirable side effects. Another study of ricinoleic acid in animals has found that it has remarkable effects against pain and inflammation.
Side effects
However, it should be noted that castor oil does not go without its side effects. Some people make skin reactions to a topical application of oil, and it is known to cause gastrointestinal disorders. Because it is broken down by the small intestine into ricinoleic acid, it acts as an irritant on the intestinal mucosa, and for this reason it has traditionally been used against constipation. If you suffer from cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, diverticula, hemorrhoids, colitis or prolapse, you should be very careful when using this oil, better avoid it. Just remember that castor oil can purge the digestive system and that overdose is possible. In addition, it causes nausea in some cases.
How to use castor oil against muscle pain, inflammation and joint problems?
To do this, apply castor oil directly on your joints or on the swollen parts of the body. Ricinoleic acid fulfills its duty by penetrating the tissues and effectively combating inflammation. But it has been revealed that its oral ingestion is all the more effective against particular knee pain.
Pack of castor oil
The followers of castor oil say that it is necessary to use what are called castor oil packs. It's easy to make yourself. For best results, use the castor oil pack for four days in a row.
You need to :
- Castor oil
- Heating pad or hot water bottle
- Plastic film
- Large bath towel
- Some fabrics in cotton flannel about 30 square cm.
How to use :
Fold the fabrics so that they are thick enough to fit your liver and the upper part of your abdomen.
Soak them in oil at room temperature.
Then place them on your abdomen after lying on your back, legs raised. Put a plastic wrap over the fabric, then add the hot water bottle over it.
Cover with towel for insulation for 45 to 60 minutes.
Castor oil can do a lot for your body. In addition to fighting inflammation, it can be used to promote hair growth, revive color, and moisturize the skin deep. It can be used orally, topically, or in packs. But do not forget that it has side effects, so if you have a particularly fragile stomach or you are catching skin irritations, it is probably not ideal for you.