Read on to discover the many health benefits and uses of castor oil.Although scientists still don’t fully understand exactly how it works, they have discovered that ricinoleic acid attaches itself to one particular receptor in the intestines and uterus. This was backed up by a trial where patients with knee osteoporosis were given castor oil three times a day for 4 weeks.The results were surprising in that castor oil worked just as well at relieving pain as diclofenac sodium, which is the main ingredient in some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs. These types of fats act as humectants and can be used to moisturize the skin.Humectants retain moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin (Castor oil is often used in cosmetics to promote hydration and often added to products like lotions, makeup and cleansers.You can also use this rich oil on its own as a natural alternative to store-bought moisturizers and lotions. Animal and test-tube studies have found that ricinoleic acid reduces pain and swelling (One study demonstrated that treatment with a gel containing ricinoleic acid led to a significant reduction in pain and inflammation when applied to the skin, compared to other treatment methods (A test-tube component of the same study showed that ricinoleic acid helped reduce inflammation caused by human rheumatoid arthritis cells more than another treatment.Aside from castor oil’s potential to reduce inflammation, it may help relieve dry, irritated skin in those with psoriasis, thanks to its moisturizing properties.Although these results are promising, more human studies are needed to determine the effects of castor oil on inflammatory conditions.Acne is a skin condition that can cause blackheads, pus-filled It’s most common in teens and young adults and can negatively impact self-esteem. They found that, when ingested, the ricinoleic acid in castor oil bound to specific receptors in the intestine and uterus — which highlights how this oil encourages labor-inducing and laxative effects. 1,2. Having cracked heels, otherwise known as heel fissures, is a persistent inconvenience that is hard to deal with.Castor oil is an effective and safe way to alleviate the symptoms of cracked heels – massage your washed hills with castor oil every evening.Once again, because castor oil is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, it is great at helping treat eye sties, which are caused by a staph infection.To treat a stye with castor oil, wash the eye with warm water and dry it with a clean towel, then apply two to three drops of castor oil to the stye itself. Castor oil A study into the effect of ricinoleic acid in inflammation also discovered that it has properties similar to those found in capsaicin – a known natural pain relief remedyBecause of its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil can be used to relieve joint pain which is associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties make it an excellent skin treatment product. Improves Your Skin. However, castor oil has many other uses and it can greatly benefit your hair, skin, and face. All rights reserved. Drink this juice multiple times each day for three to four days. This is probably due to the fact that ricin (one of the ingredients in the castor seed) is actually toxic. Some skin problems that castor oil can help treat are:Castor oil is also excellent at cleansing the skin and you can find more details about it in my article on Castor oil is one of the best natural remedies for acne and this is due the ricinoleic acid found in it.As the ricinoleic acid penetrates deep into your skin, it fights bacteria overgrowth that can clog pores, while softening and hydrating irritated skin at the same time.Here are several ways to use castor oil for treating acne:For a natural acne treatment dab castor oil onto the affected area with a clean cotton swab.All of these options reduce redness and swelling of acne blemishes. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Castor oil is commonly used as an active ingredient in many medications, skincare products, and shampoos. Along with health benefits, castor oil also holds holistic significance too! Generously slather your abdomen with oil, cover with plastic wrap or an old towel then … Regular olive oil consumption may also decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes . However, during the extraction process, this toxin becomes deactivated.Here are the many health benefits and uses of castor oil.Castor oil is a natural remedy for constipation and it is one the Castor oil is considered safe to ingest and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that castor oil is “generally recognized as safe and effective for use as a stimulant laxativeYou should be aware that castor oil may cause a few side effects, so make sure to read the last part of my article about the side effects of castor oil before using it.You may also want to consult with your doctor before using castor oil internally, just to make sure it is safe for your condition.To use castor oil as a natural laxative it should be taken on an empty stomach:You shouldn’t exceed the recommended dosage and don’t take it for more than 7 days.What is it about castor oil that helps to reduce inflammation?