Castor oil: methods of use, benefits and harm


Useful tips
  • Harm of castor oil
  • A magical, amazing, universal remedy - cosmetic, health, preventative - that can be bought at any pharmacy

    for mere pennies. Seems impossible?

    However, this is exactly how many ordinary people and even doctors characterize castor oil or castor oil, meaning specific properties

    of this substance. Which of this is true and which is exaggeration? Not as an advertisement, but with the goal of getting to the bottom of the truth - objectively about castor oil!

    Pharmacological properties

    Pharmacodynamics

    Castor oil is a laxative. When taken orally, the drug is broken down by lipase in the small intestine, forming ricinoleic acid. This substance promotes irritation of intestinal receptors in all its parts and reflex activation of peristalsis. The laxative effect is usually observed 5-6 hours after administration. Also, the use of the drug leads to a reflex contraction of the uterine muscles.

    Pharmacokinetics

    The pharmacokinetics of Castor oil remains poorly studied.

    Promotes wound healing

    Applying castor oil to the wound creates a moist environment that promotes healing and prevents drying.

    The popular Venelex ointment, which is used to treat wounds, contains a mixture of castor oil and Peruvian balsam, a resin obtained from the Myroxylon tree (7).

    Castor oil stimulates tissue growth, which can form a barrier between the wound and the environment, reducing the risk of infection.

    It also reduces dryness and keratinization of the skin, which can slow wound healing (8).

    Research has shown that ointments containing castor oil may be particularly helpful in healing bedsores, a type of skin injury that develops due to prolonged pressure on the skin.

    One study looked at the wound healing effects of castor oil ointment in 861 people with pressure ulcers.

    People whose bedsores were treated with castor oil had higher rates of healing and shorter healing times than people whose bedsores were treated with other products (9).

    Summary:

    Castor oil helps heal wounds by stimulating new tissue growth, reducing dryness, and preventing the buildup of dead skin cells.

    Overdose

    Symptoms of overdose appear when taking Castor oil at a dose of more than 7 g/kg body weight. The most typical of them are dizziness, fainting, hallucinations, kidney dysfunction, sharp spasmodic pain in the abdomen, and diarrhea.

    Specific antidotes include loperamide and atropine sulfate. To eliminate signs of overdose, the drug is discontinued and symptomatic therapy is prescribed to eliminate any disturbances in the functioning of the body. It is also recommended to provide replacement of lost electrolytes and fluids (preferably a combination of intravenous and oral administration). If the patient experiences neurotoxic effects, diazepam should be administered at a dose of 5–10 mg intravenously.

    Side effects


    The magical properties of castor oilIf we compare this product with other pharmacological preparations that contain chemical additives and have the same spectrum of action, then the oil has significant advantages.
    Side effects appear extremely rarely, and they are usually caused by improper use, namely by increasing the dosage, then phenomena such as:

    • intestinal disorder,
    • disruption of the normal balance of microflora,
    • dysbacteriosis,
    • dehydration.

    Reviews of Castor oil

    According to reviews, Castor oil helps with constipation quickly and effectively. Patients also claim that the cheap drug ensures the removal of accumulated waste and toxins from the intestines, and therefore its use is acceptable for weight loss.

    Some patients mention that Castor oil in combination with cognac allows you to remove all helminths in the shortest possible time. To do this, on an empty stomach you need to drink 50 g of cognac, which paralyzes helminths, preventing them from attaching to the intestinal walls, and then take 50 g of this medicine, which has a laxative effect and cleanses the intestines. The procedures are continued until there are no parasites in the stool. It is recommended to carry out such cleanings 2 times a year.

    Reduces acne and pimples

    Acne is a skin condition that can cause pimples, pimples, and large, painful boils on the face and body.

    This condition is most common among teenagers and young adults and can negatively affect self-esteem.

    Castor oil has several qualities that can help reduce acne symptoms.

    Inflammation is considered a factor in the development and severity of acne, so using castor oil by applying it to the skin may help reduce the symptoms of inflammation (12).

    Acne is also associated with an imbalance of certain types of bacteria commonly found on the skin, including Staphylococcus aureus (13).

    Castor oil has antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacterial overgrowth when applied to the skin.

    One test-tube study found that castor oil extract had significant antibacterial ability, inhibiting the growth of several bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (14).

    It is also a natural moisturizer, so it can help soothe the inflamed and irritated skin common in people with acne.

    Summary:

    Castor oil helps fight inflammation, reduce bacteria, and soothe irritated skin, all of which can be beneficial for those looking for a natural acne remedy.

    Benefits of capsules

    Castor oil

    Previously, castor oil was sold exclusively in liquid form. Today you can purchase the product in capsule form. This form of release is the most convenient due to the fact that:

    1. There is no unpleasant taste, which eliminates the body’s rejection of the drug.
    2. it is convenient to take the product under any conditions, even while in a moving vehicle;
    3. it is possible to select an individual dosage for each consumer based on his characteristics;
    4. the capsules look much more attractive.

    Interaction

    Castor oil reduces the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D and K. The use of the drug in a dose of up to 4 grams per day increases the absorption of fat-soluble drugs - Mebendazole , Probucol , Griseofulvin , Dryopteris filix-mas (male fern) extract.

    In combination with saline laxatives, the possibility of a sharp increase in the laxative effect cannot be ruled out.

    M-cholinergic receptor blockers ( Pirenzepine , Platyfilin , Atropine sulfate ) and antispasmodics ( Drotaverine , Papaverine ) weaken the effect of the oil.

    Glycerin and cholinesterase inhibitors ( Rivastigmine , Pyridostigmine , neostigmine ) potentiate the laxative effect of the drug.

    The drug potentiates the effect of drugs that increase the contractile activity of the myometrium ( Oxytocin , Methylergometrine , prostaglandins , Ergometrine ). This combination increases the likelihood of uterine rupture during childbirth.

    When applied topically, it increases the percutaneous absorption of drugs that are applied to the skin simultaneously.

    Indications

    Even doctors advise using castor oil internally for cleansing in certain cases. Indications for cleaning are:

    • Long-term persistent constipation.
    • Weak immunity and frequent colds.
    • Constant flatulence and gas in the stomach.
    • Skin diseases.
    • Bad body odor.
    • Heartburn.
    • Heaviness in the stomach.
    • Excess weight.
    • Frequent swelling.
    • The need for medical examinations (colonoscopy).

    Price in Russia and Ukraine

    The price is extremely low. For a bottle of 30 milliliters you will have to pay about 50 rubles or 10-15 hryvnia. The larger the bottle, the more expensive the medicine will be.

    If it is more convenient to be treated with oil in capsules, then it will be about 2-3 times more expensive. It is worth remembering that the price of medicines depends on the pharmacy itself and its location.

    The price of those medicinal and cosmetic preparations that contain castor oil can be very different from the oil itself and can be much higher.

    Where can I buy?

    Today, castor oil, as well as other dietary supplements and drugs to maintain health, can be purchased without leaving home. This opportunity exists thanks to the largest online trading platform - iHerb. The online store specializes in retail sales of high-quality products from the world's most popular brands for maintaining health and beauty. The company is constantly expanding its store assortment and working to improve the quality of service for its customers.

    The site has a Russian-language interface, and the cost of goods is indicated in rubles. Free delivery of orders is available for Russian customers if their amount is more than $40. The goods are delivered within no more than 3 weeks, and the movement of the parcel can be tracked using the tracking number provided.

    Contraindications for use

    The drug is contraindicated orally if:

    • constant constipation (taking oil can cause bleeding due to the systematic passage of old fecal plugs);
    • existing bleeding (intestinal or uterine) - the picture may worsen;
    • kidney diseases;
    • poisoning with fat-soluble poisons;
    • abdominal pain or colic of unknown origin;
    • appendicitis in acute form;
    • hemorrhoids;
    • stomach or duodenal ulcer;
    • adhesions and inflammatory processes in the intestines;
    • pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

    How to choose the right castor oil

    Some people who are keen on traditional medicine advise using unrefined castor oil for cleansing. This is explained by the fact that the glycerin contained in the pharmacy analogue creates an obstacle to complete cleansing. However, practice shows that it is quite difficult to find unrefined oil in stores, and purchasing castor oil from suspicious sellers at a high cost is not the best option.

    It is recommended to ask for this product at the pharmacy, thus eliminating the possibility of encountering a counterfeit, and the price of the product in this case will be quite insignificant.

    For cleansing, you need to use only cold-pressed oil, that is, one that does not contain glycerin.

    Today, manufacturers offer this composition in the form of capsules, thanks to which you can avoid unpleasant sensations due to its specific taste.

    how to drink castor oil to cleanse the colon (master key)

    special instructions

    What is castor oil? What is castor oil obtained from?

    Castor oil is a fatty phyto-oil obtained by cold or hot pressing from the seeds of Ricinus communis L. At least 80% consists of triglycerides (fats) of ricinoleic acid, the remaining 20% ​​is a mixture of triglycerides of oleic and linoleic acids. At the same time, the concentration of oleic acid is 3-9%, linoleic acid is 3-5%.

    The name of the product in Latin is Oleum Ricini, in Ukrainian it is ricin oliya.

    Belongs to the group of non-drying liquid oils (oil slowly thickens in air). The properties of the oil, namely its increased kinematic viscosity and density, are determined by the high concentration of ricinoleic acid in it. The difference between castor oil and other vegetable oils is that it dissolves well in ether and ethyl alcohol, but is poorly soluble in gasoline.

    Another valuable property of castor oil is its low pour point (from -18 to -22°C).

    The product is a thick substance of yellow or yellow with a brown tint (the best varieties of Ricinus communis L oil are almost colorless). The density of the liquid varies from 0.96 to 0.97 g/cu. cm.

    Castor oil was used for medicinal purposes by ancient Egyptian doctors, who added castor oil to various balms and ointments. However, most often the product is used for constipation and to cleanse the intestines .

    In combination with pachycarpine , pituitrin and quinine, it is used to stimulate labor.

    The benefits of castor oil in cosmetology

    Why do you need castor oil in your home cosmetics bag? The most valuable properties of the drug, if we talk about the use of castor oil for the face, are the ability to soften and nourish the skin (including dry and sensitive), reduce peeling; whiten the skin, reducing the appearance of age spots; even out skin tone and smooth out its unevenness, rejuvenate the skin and eliminate shallow expression wrinkles.

    In addition, the product is often used to strengthen hair, as well as to eliminate cracks in the skin, small scars, warts , corns and calluses .

    In cosmetology, hydrogenated castor oil is used, which is obtained from ordinary castor oil by chemical hydrogenation. This product is more resistant to oxidation processes, which is very important for use for cosmetic purposes.

    Castor oil for face

    What are the benefits of castor oil for skin? Having a pronounced nourishing and softening effect, castor oil helps make the skin smoother and softer. The product stimulates the production of collagen and elastin , nourishes the skin and retains moisture.

    The product allows you to get rid of wrinkles (including around the eyes) and papillomas , and also makes age spots and freckles less noticeable.

    Reviews from cosmetologists indicate that you can rejuvenate your facial skin at home by adding a few drops of castor oil to your daily dose of cream, as well as making masks with castor oil.

    For facial skin on which early wrinkles have appeared, use a mask based on castor, olive and sea buckthorn oils. The oils are taken in equal parts and heated in a water bath to 30ºC, then the mixture is applied to the face using a cotton pad and the skin is massaged with light movements for 2-3 minutes. After half an hour, wash with warm water.

    To prepare a mask for dry, aging skin, boil 2 tablespoons of oatmeal in milk and mix it with honey and castor oil (take 2 teaspoons of these ingredients). The mixture is applied in a thick layer to cleansed facial skin for 20 minutes, 2 times a week.

    A mask for dry and normal skin with wrinkles is prepared by mixing a tablespoon of heated castor oil with raw yolk.

    For delicate skin around the eyes, castor oil is used in its pure form. Apply the product with light clockwise movements.

    Castor oil for acne

    Castor oil is an effective acne . The properties of ricinoleic acid, which is part of castor oil, allow you to successfully fight acne of bacteria and fungal infections .

    The procedure is carried out in the evening. To begin with, the skin is cleansed and steamed to open the pores (you can make a compress with a hot towel). Then apply a few drops of oil along the massage lines with light movements. There is no need to rinse off the product. Treatment should be continued for 2 weeks.

    A mask helps to enhance the effect, for the preparation of which a teaspoon of castor oil is mixed with a teaspoon of calendula tincture in 70% alcohol, one egg white and a powdered tablet of acetylsalicylic acid .

    The mask should be applied in 3-4 layers, maintaining five-minute intervals. after 5 minutes After the last layer has been applied, wash your face.

    Castor oil for eyebrows

    Why is castor oil used for eyebrows?

    Dermatology reference books indicate that the benefits of castor oil for eyebrows are enormous: healing procedures with castor oil can make hair thicker, healthier and silkier, in addition, the oil promotes faster eyebrow growth. If you believe the reviews, you can achieve a noticeable effect after just a month of using the product, but it will take at least six months to consolidate.

    Castor oil for eyebrow growth is used as follows:

    • eyebrows and the skin around them are thoroughly cleansed with shampoo;
    • soak a cotton swab with oil and wipe one of the eyebrows with it, then take a clean swab and repeat the procedure for the second eyebrow;
    • In the morning, eyes and eyebrows are washed with cool water.

    To achieve visible results, the procedure must be repeated at least 4 times a week, but it is best to wipe your eyebrows daily.

    For better effect, castor oil can be mixed with:

    • vitamin A;
    • calendula extract;
    • chamomile extract;
    • olive, peach or burdock oil.

    What is castor oil used for eyelashes?

    Using castor oil for eyelashes can reduce the fragility of eyelashes and prevent their loss.

    How to strengthen eyelashes with castor oil? Following the instructions of specialists, for preventive purposes the product should be applied three times a week for 1 hour; if there are more serious problems - actively falling out and excessively brittle eyelashes - the oil should be used daily, at night.

    How to apply eyelashes? The product is applied to the eyelashes with a clean mascara brush from roots to ends, avoiding getting oil into the eyes. In the morning, rinse eyelashes with warm water.

    Castor oil can be used either in its pure form or in combination with other ingredients. So, to make the eyelashes even more velvety, you can add an oil solution of vitamin A or E (a drop of vitamin per 3-4 drops of castor oil).

    To grow eyelashes, castor oil is mixed with rum in a 1:1 ratio (the product should be applied very carefully so that it does not get into the eyes).

    It must be remembered that in some cases the oil can cause conjunctivitis .

    Castor oil for hair

    The use of castor oil for hair allows you to strengthen your hair, restore its structure, and eliminate dandruff .

    Castor oil for hair growth is used as follows: the product is slightly heated and rubbed into the hair roots and scalp, then the head is covered with a plastic bag and a towel. You can wash your hair after a couple of hours, or you can leave the mask on all night.

    For greater effectiveness, castor oil for hair can be combined with linseed or burdock oil in a 2:1 ratio. Reviews and instructions for using the hair care product note that the product is difficult to rinse off, so it is recommended to wash your hair with slightly hot water and a large amount of shampoo.

    Shampoo can be mixed with egg yolk. This mixture will not only remove residual oil, but will also make your hair shinier.

    For hair loss, castor oil is used in combination with kefir or cognac. A nourishing hair mask with kefir eliminates excess oiliness and dandruff; in addition, it is very useful for the ends of the hair.

    To prepare it, add 2 tablespoons of castor oil . The mixture is applied to the hair under a plastic cap and washed off after half an hour.

    The mask with cognac, in addition to castor oil and cognac, which take 1 tablespoon each, also includes 1 raw chicken egg yolk. The mass is distributed on the hair and washed off after half an hour.

    against dandruff on dry hair is prepared using 1 part castor oil , 1 part olive oil and freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon. A mixture of castor oil, lemon juice, aloe and honey taken in equal proportions helps against dandruff

    The mask should be applied to your hair about half an hour before washing your hair. Full course - 10 masks.

    also mix castor oil fish oil and rub thoroughly into the scalp. The mask is left overnight and washed off with shampoo in the morning. It is recommended to repeat the procedure every week for 2-3 months.

    Castor oil for nails

    Castor oil for nails - reviews are proof of this - is an effective remedy for improving the appearance of nails and cuticles. The product helps fight hangnails and also makes nails less dull and brittle.

    The easiest way to use it for nails is to rub warmed oil into the skin of your fingers and nail plate every day. You can also add a few drops of castor oil to your hand cream. If there is no allergy to the product, it is used in a 10-day course, after which a break of 10 days is taken and the course is repeated again.

    Castor oil goes well with other oils (olive, peach, almond, etc.) and can be used as one of the components of oil baths.

    To prepare a bath, you can take 60-80 ml of sunflower or olive oil (several tablespoons) and add 10 drops of castor oil and jojoba oil and a few drops of any essential oil. Warm the mixture slightly and dip your hands into it. The duration of the procedure is 25 minutes.

    Before doing a French manicure (or just to whiten your nails), you can add a small amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the castor oil and rub the mixture into your nails.

    To achieve the best result, apply the product to your hands and nails before going to bed, and put on cotton gloves on top.

    Castor oil for beard

    How to properly use castor oil for a beard? First, you need to wash your beard with shampoo, and then apply the product to the places where the hairs grow (in the direction of growth). After an hour, the remaining castor oil is washed off with warm water.

    Reviews of castor oil indicate that regular use of a beard care product can slow down the loss of already grown hairs and stimulate the growth of new ones, making the beard thicker and more beautiful.

    Precautionary measures

    It should be remembered that a remedy such as castor oil cannot be used as a laxative for more than 3 days in a row.

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