Caster oil is pressed from the caster bean and has long had the bad rap of horrible taste that is used as a punishment for children that won’t behave OR as a laxative.
But there is so much more to this oil that offers many various health benefits. About 2 years ago my husband showed me how it helped with my chronic dry eyes and actually improved my vision.
Today I want to share with you some of my favorite benefits we have realized from Caster Oil and why you should consider including it in your New Years makeover, or your regular routine.
Caster Oil For Eyes:
I lead in with this one because it literally opened my eyes to the wonders of this oil.
According to Web MD, “Castor oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it safe for your eyes and boost tear film lipids. Lasting effects. Another benefit to castor oil eye drops is how long they last. Studies show that they may stay in your eyes up to 4 hours.”
- Dry eyes. Castor oil adds lubrication to the eyes to decrease dry eyes.
- Inflammation. Castor oil can reduce irritation and inflammation in the eyes.
- Eye infections. By improving circulation and lubrication, castor oil can help prevent eye infections.
- Cataracts. Castor oil can potentially improve vision that has been damaged by age-related cataracts.
- The appearance of eyelashes. Castor oil can make eyelashes look fuller and improve luster.
- Dark circles and under eye wrinkles. Improving skin hydration can lessen dark circles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles under your eyes.
Skin And Face:
Caster Oil is an Antioxidant which means it can block free radicals and help with anti-aging of your skin and hair.
Some studies show that putting it on your skin after excess sun exposure can actually fight off cancer causing cells.
Castor Oil contains vitamins A, D, E, and K. The vitamin E can treat a variety of skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
A Powerful Laxative:
Perhaps the best known use for this amazing oil is it ability to clear even the most constipated colon.
It is classified as a stimulant laxative, which means it increases the movement of the muscles that push material through the intestines. It acts fast and it gets the job done.
Promotes Wound Healing:
Applying castor oil to wounds creates a moist environment that promotes healing and prevents sores from drying out.
Venelex, a popular ointment used in clinical settings to treat wounds, contains a mixture of castor oil and Peru balsam, a balm derived from the Myroxylon tree
Castor oil stimulates tissue growth so that a barrier can be formed between the wound and the environment, decreasing the risk of infection.
It also reduces dryness and cornification, the buildup of dead skin cells that can delay wound healing.
Studies have found that ointments containing castor oil may be especially helpful in healing pressure ulcers, a type wound that develops from prolonged pressure on the skin.
One study looked at the wound-healing effects of an ointment containing castor oil in 861 nursing home residents with pressure ulcers.
Reduces Acne:
Acne is a skin condition that can cause blackheads, pus-filled pimples and large, painful bumps on the face and body.
It’s most common in teens and young adults and can negatively impact self-esteem.
Castor oil has several qualities that may help reduce acne symptoms.
Inflammation is thought to be a factor in the development and severity of acne, so applying castor oil to the skin may help reduce inflammation-related symptoms
Acne is also associated with an imbalance of certain types of bacteria normally found on the skin, including Staphylococcus aureus
Castor oil has antimicrobial properties that may help fight bacterial overgrowth when applied to the skin.
So as you can see, Caster oil is something of an amazing oil that should be in every home.
Do you have a use for caster oil that I didn’t list here? Please let me know what it is in the comments below.
-Willow S. Wright