Organic castor oil – the age-old remedy is still one of the most potent staples of natural medical kits. From times immemorial to today's modern medicine age, the popularity of castor oil's therapeutic benefits has only increased.
But if you are still unsure whether you need this dense and sticky magical potion, here we're explaining the top seven reasons why you should add organic castor oil to your naturopathy kit. Plus, a bonus freebie at the end for all you naturopathy enthusiasts.
What is Organic Castor Oil?
Organic castor oil is a thick, pale yellow, odorless vegetable oil extracted from castor beans. First found in central Africa, today, the majority of castor oil is produced in India.
The medical and therapeutic properties of castor oil come down to the oil's chemical makeup. It is categorized as a triglyceride fatty acid, and about 90% of the acid comes from a rare compound, ricinoleic acid.
Other than ricinoleic acid, organic castor oil is also rich in the following:
- Phenolic compounds
- Amino Acids
- Flavonoids
- Phytosterols
When ingested, castor oil's ricinoleic acid breaks down in your small intestines, which speeds up digestion, making the oil an excellent remedy for constipation and liver detox.
Your skin can easily absorb ricinoleic acid in castor oil. That's why the oil is also used to treat various skin issues, such as psoriasis, dermatosis, and acne.
While studies continue to investigate the potential health benefits, there's much more to castor oil than you might realize. And here are the top seven of them:
Top 7 Therapeutic Benefits of Organic Castor Oil
Heals Constipation
The constipation healing ability is one of the primary reasons behind the skyrocketing popularity of organic castor oil. As an excellent laxative source, the oil stimulates muscle movement while pushing the bowel material through the colon and clearing the waste.
Many studies also revealed that castor oil could heal constipation by easing its symptoms, reducing the effort experienced during defection, and reducing the feeling of incomplete bowel movements.
Research shows that regular castor oil application (discussed in a later section of this article) significantly eases constipation symptoms and promotes healthy bowel movement in the long term.
Learn More: The Ultimate Guide to Castor Oil For Liver Detox
Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Remedy
The richness of ricinoleic acid makes organic castor oil an incredible anti-inflammatory cure. It is a fantastic treatment choice for people who suffer from inflammation brought on by arthritic pain or sports injuries.
In such cases, castor oil can be used to treat acute inflammation and even provide some pain relief. In addition, the oil's anti-inflammatory properties also make it incredibly helpful in treating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and hyperthyroidism.
Learn More: Understanding Inflammation: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Boosts Fertility & Induces Labor
Regular application of castor oil in your follicular phase can boost fertility by:
- Promoting better blood circulation
- Encouraging the growth of the endometrium
- Relieving pain and inflammation
In naturopathy, full-term pregnant women use castor oil to speed up the contraction and induce labor. Recent research also proves that castor oil use increases the likelihood of delivery within 24 hours after consumption.
This is because the ricinoleic acid in castor oil stimulates the uterine EP3 prostanoid receptor, helping to accelerate the beginning of labor.
Note: Pregnant women should never use castor oil during their term.
Learn More: Castor Oil For Fertility: Miraculous Benefits You Can't-Miss
Treats Arthritis
Studies have been done on the possible benefits of castor oil for treating osteoarthritis symptoms. In the research, knee osteoarthritis patients took capsules of either castor oil or diclofenac sodium (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine) three times a day for four weeks.
The outcomes showed that both therapies were successful in reducing osteoarthritis-related pain. However, 90% of individuals in the diclofenac sodium group had a substantial reduction in pain, whereas 92% of participants in the castor oil group similarly showed a significant decrease in pain related to arthritis.
Plus, there were no adverse side effects from using castor oil.
Therefore, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, consider making ginger tea with castor oil and consuming it right before bed. Castor oil packs can also be used to treat the pain and suffering associated with osteoarthritis.
Read More: How Effective is Castor Oil for Arthritis?
Promotes Wound Healing
Castor oil is a triglyceride with anti-microbial and antibacterial properties. That is why applying castor oil around wounds creates a moisture-rich environment that can promote healing and stop sores from drying out.
The wound-healing power of castor oil is further backed by a study conducted on 861 nursing home residents with ulcers. The findings show that ointments containing castor oil have a faster healing rate.
Boosts Immunity
Organic castor oil's ability to support the body's lymphatic system makes it a robust immune-enhancing potion.
The lymphatic system is a small tubular structure distributed throughout the whole body. As your body's natural disease-fighter, it plays a crucial function in absorbing and eliminating extra fluid, protein, and waste from our cells.
A study published in The Journal of Naturopathic Medicine proves castor oil packs can significantly improve lymphatic drainage and other immune system processes. Due to this, castor oil and other parts of the plants are used in traditional medical practices to treat
- Muscle Ache
- Backache
- Abdominal disorder
- Arthritis
- PMS
- Chronic headaches
- Gallbladder pain
- Sleep ensues (like insomnia)
- PMS
Breast Health
Organic castor oil assists in the reduction and repair of benign clotting and swelling, including cysts, tumors, and fibroadenomas. It stimulates lymphatic circulation and drainage, enhances blood flow, and cleanses breast tissues with detoxification properties.
Edgar Cayce, or "The Sleeping Prophet," also advocated using castor oil packs, in particular, to remove tumors close to the breast surface.
Therefore, regular application of castor oil pack is an easy and effective way to heal your breast, whether you are looking to treat an existing issue or for preventive measures.
How to Use Castor Oil
Compared to other oils, castor oil penetrates the skin significantly deeper (up to 4 inches below the skin). Therefore, this oil has the means of accessing deeper tissues.
Typically castor oil can be used 1-2 times per week when actively trying to treat some medical condition. For preventive measures, however, you can use castor oil once a month.
Here are the three practical ways to use castor oil:
Castor oil Massage
Given its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil is a great massage oil for easing inflammations, arthritic joints, and sore muscles.
Just take 3-4 drops of lukewarm castor oil, spread it on your palms, and gently massage it on your treatment area until all of it is absorbed in the skin.
Note: Remember that some diseases, like ringworm, can spread through contact. Therefore, always thoroughly wash your hands before and after the castor oil massage.
Castor Oil Packs
Organic Castor oil packs are a fantastic way to let the therapeutic properties of the oil sink into your skin and treat issues from the roots.
- To use a castor oil pack, add a few drops of castor oil to the pack and spread it evenly.
- Lay down on a comfortable surface.
- Place the pack in the area to be treated. (for example, on your liver for liver detox or uterus for boosting fertility)
- Put a hot bottle of water over the pack for maximum benefit.
- Leave the pack for 60 minutes. (you can also leave the pack over night, Arandi castor oil packs are made with 8x18 organic cotton velour. Therefore are super comfortable to worn all night)
Learn about your castor oil packs in more detail: // link to the castor oil pack article//
Direct Organic Caster Oil Consumption
Typically castor oil is consumed directly to relieve constipation. However, since the oil works quickly, it can only be taken during the day.
Take no more than 15 milliliters of castor oil. Mix the oil in a glass of water or fruit juice. Within two to six hours of consumption, you'll see the results.
NOTE: Like any other laxative, castor oil cannot be consumed more than once per six months.
Curing Your Body: The Holistic Approach
Time and again, castor oil has proven to be a miraculous remedy for fast pacing your healing process.
But there's only so much relief external influences can provide. In the longer haul, you'll need to adapt to a healthy lifestyle with an appropriate diet and physical exercise to keep your body healthy and diseases away.
At Arandi, we advise you to focus on the holistic approach. To overcome the root cause of any disease, you need to pay close attention to the following:
- A healthy and fulfilling diet
- Physical workout at least thrice a week
- Your thoughts (love and respect for your body and mind)
Ready to Get Your First Organic Castor Oil?
Organic castor oil has innumerable benefits, but we’re sure that the above seven reasons are enough to convince you about the miraculous properties of the oil.
If you are convinced, get your first organic castor oil order today. Mix and match it with Arandi Castor Oil Blends to get the perfect naturopathic potion for yourself.
Join our movement of holistic health, place your first order today, and get 15% off.
Safety Warning: Always consult your physician before starting a castor oil regime.