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What are the medicinal benefits of castor oil?

Oct 17, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Ziyi
Introduction
Castor oil is a fatty oil extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis, a plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is an almost colorless or slightly yellowish clear, viscous liquid that can be taken orally or applied externally. Its main components include ricinoleic acid, oleic acid, and others. It has a sweet and pungent taste, with a neutral nature, and acts on the lung and large intestine meridians. The primary medicinal effects of castor oil include moistening the intestines and relieving constipation, promoting hair health, astringent and analgesic actions, skin moisturizing, and treating various skin disorders.

Ricinus oil is a fatty oil extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis, a plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is an almost colorless or slightly yellowish clear, viscous liquid that can be taken orally or applied externally. It primarily contains ricinoleic acid, oleic acid, and other components. It has a sweet and pungent taste, with a neutral nature, affecting the lung and large intestine meridians. Generally, the medicinal effects of castor oil include lubricating the intestines and relieving constipation, promoting hair health, astringent and analgesic effects, moisturizing the skin, and treating skin diseases. Specific details are as follows:

1. Lubricating the Intestines and Relieving Constipation

Ricinus oil is rich in natural fats. Once it enters the human intestine, it is rapidly broken down by intestinal lipase into sodium ricinoleate and glycerol. These two substances have a significant stimulating effect on the small intestine, enhancing intestinal peristalsis and shortening defecation time, thus exerting a laxative effect. It is suitable for patients suffering from constipation.

2. Hair Care

Ricinus oil helps improve the scalp environment, making hair smoother and promoting darker, healthier-looking hair.

3. Astringent and Pain-Relieving Effects

Ricinus oil has astringent and analgesic properties. Burn or scald patients can apply an appropriate amount of castor oil to the affected area, which may promote wound healing and relieve pain. Patients with skin ulcers or oral ulcers can also apply castor oil to accelerate the healing of ulcerated areas.

4. Skin Moisturizing

Ricinus oil has skin-moisturizing properties. It can be directly applied to the skin during daily use to nourish and soften the skin, making it suitable for individuals with rough or cracked skin.

5. Treating Skin Diseases

Ricinus oil can also be used for various skin conditions, including scabies, ringworm, and sores. Applying castor oil to damaged skin surfaces may provide some relief.

It should be noted that during the use of castor oil, pregnant women, individuals with diarrhea, and those with spleen-stomach deficiency and cold should avoid its use. Castor oil has certain toxicity and should not be used in excess. It is recommended that patients use castor oil under the guidance of a physician to prevent adverse reactions due to self-administration.


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