Castor oil: Benefits, uses and side effects

The most recognised function of castor oil is a laxative and purgative agent. It functions by loosening the stools and improving bowel movement, allowing you to defecate easily. It is successfully used as a natural treatment of constipation by aiding the cleansing of the intestinal tract. This use has been known to humans since ancient times and castor oil has formed a part of the traditional medicinal system in India.

These effects are achievable due to the unique constitution of castor oil possessing a number of fatty acids. These components alter the functioning of the intestinal lumen and increase colonic motility.

As less as 4 ml of the oil is enough to induce laxative effects. But, a dosage of 15 to 60 ml has been prescribed for adults. The effects will be seen within 1 to 6 hours of ingestion and castor oil is a beneficial inclusion for the management of constipation or indigestion. You must, however, consult with your doctor regarding a safe dosage for your condition.

Castor oil has long been used as a folk remedy and traditional medicine. Its direct use on the skin may be mildly irritating as demonstrated by animal studies. However, human clinical studies do not qualify castor oil as a significant irritant or sensitiser. It is recommended to be used along with a cream base for dilution. When used in this form, it has numerous skin benefits.

Castor oil can help to get rid of skin outbreaks, irritations and even infections. Ricinoleic acid which is the component of castor oil has inhibitory actions against the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. This may help to avoid associated infections. Concerning this, castor oil is used for the treatment of genital warts, cysts, bunions and corns.

In addition to this, castor oil has wound healing properties and is also used in antibacterial ointments. Due to its moisturizing and hydrating qualities, castor oil is used as a component in numerous dermatological products.

Its inflammatory and antibacterial properties may suggest it as a treatment for acne but this lacks sufficient research.

Castor oil possesses several fatty acids. Ricinoleic acid, one of these fatty acids, possesses strong antimicrobial properties, which may be effective in protecting the scalp against various infections. Fungal infections are a common scalp condition and may be manageable with the help of castor oil. So, you can make the use of hair care products containing this oil.

Some earlier studies have also demonstrated the use of castor oil as a hair regrowth agent and it has long been used as a remedy for hair loss. Though this lacks sufficient research evidence, it can be said that the use of castor oil may be helpful due to its rich constitution.

One thing to be kept in mind is that you must only make the use of hair products containing castor oil. Direct use of castor oil on the hair can be harmful. Dermatologists have reported the case of hair felting or bird’s nest hair with the use of castor oil. This is a rare condition in which the hair becomes completely dry, lacks lustre and forms an uncombable mass.

So, you must schedule an appointment with a dermatologist before beginning the use of castor oil.

As discussed above, castor oil has immense antimicrobial properties, which protects you from diseases and infections, but has it any specific effect on your immunity? The answer is yes. 

A study conducted on 36 healthy subjects found that castor oil helps in increasing the number of T-cells in your body, which warrants a stronger immunity. This leads to the destruction of pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) preventing you from diseases. So, castor oil can be used as an immunomodulatory therapy in the form of packs given on the spleen or thymus (major organs for immune function).

As castor oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties, it is effective in providing relief from arthritis pain. Researchers suggest that topical application of castor oil can provide immense relief from joint pain, muscle pain and muscle soreness.

To utilise this benefit, it is recommended to apply a cloth soaked in castor oil over the painful area. A hot water bottle is placed over this. This will allow the oil to penetrate deeper into the inflamed tissues.

It can also be also used as a massaging oil for affected joints and muscles. These remedies are best done overnight.

Castor oil has several health benefits and it is even good for your bones. Several studies have demonstrated convincing bone regenerating potential of castor oil. It has been suggested that the phytochemicals present in castor oil are responsible for these actions.

Animal studies have proved that castor oil can be used as an alternate for bony filling material as it was regarded to be completely safe and biocompatible. Another study suggested that it significantly aided in the process of bone regeneration. However, sufficient human researchers are needed to prove these claims.

Childbirth or labour refers to the process of delivering a baby. It usually occurs through a natural process at the end of the pregnancy term between 37 to 42 weeks. This is initiated by membrane rupture. When pregnancy extends beyond the term and there is a risk with the continuation of pregnancy, labour needs to be initiated medically. This can be done either medically or by mechanical rupturing of membranes.

One effective and safe way to do this is with the help of castor oil. The mechanism of action can be explained on the basis of the initiation of uterine contractions, which will eventually lead to labour. It may also stimulate the release of hormones required for the initiation of labour.

A retrospective study was done on 18 pregnant women to determine the efficacy of castor oil in the onset of labour. Labour was induced for by two methods, one, using castor oil and the other by the traditional doctor-led procedure. It was seen that the incidence of caesarean section was lower in the castor oil group. There were more normal deliveries and labour was initiated within 24 hours in the castor oil group. This study concluded that castor oil is a safe and efficacious method of labour induction for vaginal deliveries.

Cancer refers to the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of body cells, which has the potential to metastasise at distant sites. Certain environmental and other factors trigger this uncontrolled growth, while there are some factors which may be preventive. Castor oil is one such protective agent. Animal studies have demonstrated that the use of castor oil has strong suppressive effects on the growth of tumours and certain types of cancers. This lacks sufficient human research evidence.

Castor oil is rich in alpha-12-hydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid and contains minor phenolic components. Although these compounds do not show any direct anticancerous activity, these increase the penetration of other chemicals. So, it can be used as an additional topical therapy in breast cancer patients to improve the efficacy of applied chemotherapeutic drugs.

Another study on castor oil put forward similar results and suggested its use as a drug delivery vehicle of several anticancer agents. The most significant drugs to be delivered by this route are docetaxel and paclitaxel.

However, direct application of castor oil on the cancerous site or any other area of the skin is not recommended.