When we hear therapy, the first thing that comes to mind is aromatic oils. Isn’t it? But, you will be surprised to know that castor oil is an important part of natural therapy. We know your next question. What does castor oil – one having an odd taste and smell have to do with therapy? Well, get ready because you will be amazed at what this weird oil can do to your overall health.
Castor Oil: The Unsung Hero
The hidden abilities of castor oil were discovered by ancient civilizations and it has been used for multiple purposes since then but, it never got the fame as other oils due to its pungent smell and astringent taste. However, castor oil stands out even today when it comes to home remedies due to its anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-aging, anti-infectious, anti-viral, immune-boosting, and analgesic properties.
Times changed, and the mix of beneficial components in it that includes omega-3 fatty acids, ricinoleic acid, flavonoids, vitamin E, phenolic acids, amino acids, terpenoids, and phytosterols were studied; many more uses of castor oil came into light.
Today, castor oil is slowly becoming the star ingredient in various products ranging from cosmetics and beauty, industrial, to the pharmacy. Reason? It is nutrition dense, and the intrinsic properties it carries are believed to have a positive impact on the body tissues, such as plasma, blood, bones, and reproductive fluids thereby making castor oil a part of natural therapy.
Castor Oil in Natural Therapy: Uses & Benefits
Natural castor oil is no less than a magic oil according to Ayurveda. It has a long list of therapeutic uses knowing which you will be amazed how a simple oil can enhance your overall wellbeing. Following are some of the roles castor oil plays in natural therapy.
As an immunity booster
Castor oil plays a crucial role in the purification of our body by flushing the toxins out and helps in better moisturization and lubrication of the body. It also promotes healthier blood circulation and improves the functioning of our lymphatic system – which is a network of tissues and organs that help our body get rid of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials.
In fact, pure castor oil is also consumed for immunity because it is proven that castor oil increases the count of T-11 cells (a type of white blood cells) that pushes the body’s limit to produce more antibodies such that it can battle viruses, fungi, bacteria, and even cancer cells. In short, castor oil works its trick on everything associated with our immunity which includes the health of the thymus gland and other immune system functions within hours of its application or consumption.
As an anti-inflammatory ingredient
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid – the major fatty acid which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Usually, in the treatment of arthritis – a condition in which the joint tissues swell up due to wear and tear or any injury, it plays a crucial role. People seeking relief for this condition under natural therapy are treated by massaging with castor oil on the affected area or by application of castor oil packs as it lubricates joints and creates friction between the bones or tendons, also providing great relief from pain and inflammation.
Apart from that, it is also using in treating inflammation due to other health issues like cataracts, eye infections, skin problems, bacterial infections.
As a natural laxative
Did you know? The majority of our health problems arise due to improper bowel movements. Nothing stays healthy until our gut is clean. Though there are medications available for managing constipation, nothing can beat the power of natural laxatives – one among which is castor oil.
When consumed orally, the laxative properties of castor oil triggers the movement of the bowel by softening the tissues or breaking down the waste and thereby allowing the muscles to freely push down the bowel smoothly. Castor oil is safe to be ingested among all age groups, even infants or toddlers are fed castor oil mixed with lukewarm water for clearing the bowels and removing the toxins. However, large amounts of it must be avoided as it may cause abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
As a labor inducer
You might have often heard or seen grandmas or midwives asking for castor oil when a pregnant woman is ready for labor because castor oil has been used as a labor inducer for ages. Even today, many pregnant women consume castor oil for natural induction as it stimulates the gut and uterine muscles causing contractions and further easing the very process of childbirth.
As a healer
There might be very few diseases left out that castor oil cannot treat. As mentioned at the beginning, it posses a lot of anti and medicinal properties which come to the rescue during the healing process. It can be applied over the wounds to provide a moist environment and prevent drying. It acts as a natural skin barrier, thereby lowering the risk of other infections. It is extremely beneficial in healing pressure ulcers and can heal any fungal infections related to the mouth like plaque growth, gum infections, root canal infections, etc.
As a hair & beauty enhancer
Well, who doesn’t need a clear and blemish-free skin, that too using natural methods and ingredients? We all do, don’t we? Though countless face washes and cleansers are floating in the market, castor oil is used as a cleanser in natural therapy for ages. Castor oil gets easily absorbed into the skin and penetrates into the deeper layers, helping remove unwanted particles and inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungus, as it has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties.
It even helps reduce the acne marks and spots including blackheads, whiteheads, and skin bumps when applied regularly. It also protects the skin from losing moisture by creating a strong skin barrier. Its rich nutrition profile even helps reverse sun damage, protects skin complexion, and lessens wrinkles.
Apart from being used as a skincare product, it is also used and relied upon, to treat skin disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis, by calming the skin down and reducing skin irritation.
While for hair, it is nothing less than a boon because regular application of pure castor oil keeps the scalp healthy, free of any itching and bacterial growth, thereby making the hair follicle healthy and strong. Also, the abundant presence of nutrients in castor oil is an added advantage for hair growth and strength.
Last but not least, castor oil is even used as eyelash conditioner and on the eyebrows for thick dark eyebrows.
As overall health promotor
Castor oil can enhance the health of various parts or functions of our body like:
Eyes – Being a natural lubricant, it helps calm the itching and dryness of the eyes, and it is often found as the main ingredient in oils used for eye treatment in natural therapy.
Libido – Castor oil is also proven to boost libido because it improves the blood flow to the sexual organs which enhances the function of sex organs, their drive, and vitality. In addition, its consumption can also alleviate the PMS symptoms, anxiety, and mood swings.
Menstrual Cycle – Irregular or delayed menstrual cycle disturbs women’s health but, it can be regulated with castor oil because the ricinoleic acid in castor oil works as a natural emmenagogue that stimulates menstruation, eases pain, and even lessen abdominal cramps.
Ready for Castor Therapy?
Skincare and health management is the area where many people still rely on natural and traditional practices and considering the amazing properties that castor oil possesses; there is no doubt in it being the magic oil.
It is evident how important castor oil is in natural therapy since its usage ranges from being a skincare ingredient to the one that induces childbirth. However, to gain the benefit of its multiple properties, using castor oil from a trustedcastor oil manufacturer in India like Ambuja Solvex will give you more than 100% results.
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