Castor Oil Plant – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Castor oil was once believed to be the cure-all, end-all tonic by ancient healers. The oil is derived from the plant which carries the same name and is especially known for its purgative and laxative effects. Its uses extend further than these main indications, with traditional healers still prescribing the oil to treat various other diseases and conditions.

The castor oil plant is notably handsome in appearance, with smooth, greenish-white stems and broad leaves. The plant can grow from approximately eight to 15 feet tall and bears red pom-pom-like flowers. The oil is extracted from the kernel; the oil is what the plant is most-known and used for.

Castor oil plant is native to India and is known by different Sanskrit names, the most popular being Eranda.

List of known nutrients

• A-Linoleic Acid
• Dihydroxystearic Acid
• Linoleic Acid
• Oleic Acid
• Palmitic Acid
• Ricinoleic Acid
• Stearic Acid

Medicinal uses for castor oil plant

Castor oil is an extremely versatile medicine. To ease your way into its assorted uses, it would be best to list them.

• For relieving pain associated with rheumatic conditions – Rheumatism can cause pain, improper blood circulation, soreness, and irritation in the muscles and joins. Castor oil can address all these problems. The oil is notably efficient in treating lower back pain when massaged directly to the skin. Rub three milliliters of warm castor oil blended with two drops of ginger oil to help improve blood circulation in the area as well as flush out excess toxins that have become stagnant in your system.
• For cleaning your digestive tract – Castor oil is an effective remedy for removing worms, parasites, and other unwanted organisms from the digestive tract. Taking pure castor oil at night will help stimulate bowel movements, forcing you to go to the bathroom the minute you wake up and eliminating toxins through feces.
• For treating uterine fibroids and balancing hormone levels – Castor oil can help the millions of women who unknowingly have uterine fibroids. These growths can cause extreme menstrual pain, frequent urination, fertility problems, and even severe discomfort during sexual intercourse. Scientists believe that uterine fibroids can be caused by hormonal imbalances caused by a woman’s natural cycle. Warm castor oil used as a massage oil can remove these benign tumors.
• For nourishing skin and healing skin disorders – Castor oil contains powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. This proves extremely beneficial in the promotion of smooth, supple, and young-looking skin. Applied topically, castor oil can enhance the natural glow of your skin and repair small damages in the surface such as mild wrinkles.
• For thickening your hair – Castor oil can help with hair loss, dry hair, or any condition caused by environmental damage. The oil has even been noted to influence the growth of hair on your eyebrows.

Other uses of castor oil include:

• Augmenting General Health
• Boosting the Immune System
• Combating Labor Pains
• Cutting Extra Fat Around the Abdomen
• Helping in Renal Colic
• Improving Cognitive Function
• Relieving Symptoms of Arthritis
• Treating Coughs
• Treating Eye Disorders
• Treating Piles

Body systems supported by castor oil plant

Castor oil is traditionally used to aid in digestion and improve metabolism. Still, its anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, anthelmintic, and analgesic properties mean that all body systems can benefit from castor oil.

Ways to use castor oil plant

The plant itself is only used for its kernel, in which the oil is extracted from. Most healers use it as a massage oil, which they slightly heat. The presence of a little heat supposedly amplifies its healing effects.

Where to learn more

• Herbs.news
• Fresh.news

Summary

Castor oil is derived from the kernel of the plant which carries its same name.

The tonic is a versatile medicine, displaying its potency for a variety of conditions.

Sources include:

Botanical.com

AyurvedicOils.com

TheAyurveda.org