The Many Uses Of Castor Oil For Health.

Castor oil plant is known as Ricinus communis and the seeds produce the oil which is popular. Castor oil is transparent and pale yellow with no smell or taste. The plant is called eso laara in Yoruba and also known as palm of Christ. Castor oil has been used for centuries but the usage has declined recently, even though it has so many healing properties and it is cheap. Castor oil has been avoided because the seed contains ricin, a toxic component which does not affect the oil but the remaining paste. This is because ricin is only water soluble. The oil is safe to ingest as it is not toxic.

Castor oil has many medicinal uses and below are some of the common uses;

1. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, a very uncommon fatty acid, which can inhibit the growth of several bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast.  It is used to treat vaginal infections.
2. Castor oil is used to treat skin infections and issues like scars, keloids, ringworms, psoriasis, rashes, acne, warts, skin tags, corns, moles etc.
3. It is used in expelling intestinal worms including tapeworms which are hard to be rid of.
4. Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties, so it is good to use in treating arthritis, nerve damage, muscle aches, soreness, swellings and general body pains. It is used to relieve foot ache.
5. Castor oil is a mild laxative and is used to treat constipation.
6. Castor oil is used in shrinking hemorrhoids and is sometimes mixed with baking soda to apply to the hemorrhoids.
7. Castor oil is used to shrink swollen lymph nodes and external tumours.
8. Castor oil boosts the immune system.
9. Castor oil is also used in a lot of hair, skin, feet and lips cosmetic products.

Because castor oil is absorbed deeply into the skin or penetrates deeply into the body, it can be used as carrier oil with some other components to treat internal organs when applied topically. It is useful in treating female reproductive organs issues, gallstone pains, colic in babies, stomach pains, menstrual cramps,

Castor oil has been used to induce labour so pregnant women should avoid the ingestion. Consuming the whole seeds is however toxic to humans and animals. Every part of castor oil plant must be handled carefully because of toxicity. It is better to wash your hands after handling to stop the ingestion of the toxins.

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