Castor is one of the oldest cultivated crops & castor oil is one of the oldest folk remedies used worldwide. Many of castor oil’s benefits are due to its chemical composition. Its main component is a type of triglyceride fatty acid which is a specific and rare compound called ricinoleic acid.

What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a pale yellow oil which is extracted by pressing beans of the castor plant (Ricinus communis), which is native to India and Africa. Castor oil and its derivatives are widely used in a number of products like cosmetics, perfumes, soaps and lubricants.

It is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, Vitamin E and its anti-bacterial properties. These constituents & properties make it a go-to home remedy for a number of hair, skin and health problems. When taken internally, the oil is hydrolyzed in the small intestine by pancreatic enzymes, leading to the release of glycerol and ricinoleic acid, along with other beneficial metabolites.

Medicinal Benefits
1. For Constipation
Castor oil is a well-known laxative. Hence, it is effective for those suffering from constipation. When taken orally, ricinoleic acid gets released in the intestine and acts as a laxative.

2. For Treating Ringworms
Derivatives of castor oil are used in various medicines, most prominently in those that treat ringworm, which is a form of fungal infection. Castor oil’s antifungal properties prevent the fungi from synthesizing membranes, thereby killing the infection.

3. As A Disinfectant
Being anti-microbial, castor oil is a good disinfectant. It can be used to treat cuts and scrapes. It can also reduce inflammation and reduce pain.

4. For Treating Joint Pains And Arthritis
In Ayurvedic medicinal tradition, castor oil is held to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Topical application and massaging on inflamed joints can provide relief, as it absorbs easily and stimulates the production of antibodies.

5. Boosts Immunity
Those who follow naturopathy believe castor oil strengthens the immune system by increasing white blood cells and fights infections. Research also suggests that it can be a cancer deterrent.

6. Treating Dryness Of Eyes
This is a common problem for most people who spend hours staring at screens. Castor oil, along with glycerine, is used to generate artificial tears to prevent dryness in eyes and treat associated symptoms like itchiness, redness and eye fatigue.

Castor Oil Hair Benefits
1. For Promoting Hair Growth
It is very good for your hair. Depending on the type of hair, castor oil can be mixed with coconut oil. With regular application and scalp massages, the ricinoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids in castor oil make hair stronger by improving blood circulation and makes hair grow faster.

Stephanie Johnson, a licensed hairstylist at Fusion in Dallas, says castor oil helps increase hair volume because it’s rich in omega-6 fatty acids and it encourages circulation, which is essential for hair growth.

2. For Repairing Hair Damage
Its fatty acids make it an ideal scalp and hair conditioner- it locks down moisture and prevents dryness.

Regular application of castor oil is helpful in treating hair which has been damaged by harsh chemical processes like bleaching, ironing and dyeing. It is also effective on split ends and dry, rough hair and prevents hair fall.

3. For Preventing Premature Greying
Greying happens when hair loses the pigments that maintain its darker colour. Pollution too has shown to accelerate greying. Castor oil, with its ability to lock in moisture and low reactivity to air, is a non-drying oil that acts as a barrier against external pollutants.

4. For Treating Scalp Infections And Dandruff
Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, castor oil is an effective medicine to fight scalp infections like bald patches, itchiness, fungal infections and dandruff. Most people use castor oil as a natural hair conditioner. Dry or damaged hair can especially benefit from an intense moisturizer like castor oil.

Applying fats like castor oil to the hair on a regular basis helps lubricate the hair shaft, increasing flexibility and decreasing the chance of breakage. Castor oil helps reduce dandruff, a common scalp condition characterized by dry, flaky skin on the head. Though there are many different causes of dandruff, it has been linked to seborrhoeic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the scalp. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of castor oil make it an effective treatment for dandruff that is caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis.