Castor Oil: Effect, Ingredients and Application

Castor Oil: These are the ingredients

For the most part, namely about 85 percent, castor oil consists of triglycerides of ricinoleic acid.

• It also contains the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid, the monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid, and the saturated fatty acids palmitic acid and stearic acid.
• In contrast to castor seeds, castor oil is non-toxic because the highly toxic vegetable protein ricin does not get into the oil when the seeds are pressed.

This is how the oil affects the body

If you drink castor oil, ricinoleic acid is released in the small intestine from the triglycerides it contains by lipase – an endogenous, fat-splitting enzyme.

• This ricinoleic acid, in turn, inhibits the absorption of water and sodium from the intestines. This means that more water remains in the intestines, which means that the stool has more mass and becomes softer. Due to this effect and the fact that ricinoleic acid irritates the intestinal mucosa, castor oil has a laxative effect.
• Applied to the skin, castor oil promotes collagen production. A collagen is a group of proteins. This connective tissue protein is found in the body not only in tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage but also in the subcutis – one of the layers of the skin – consisting of collagen.
• Castor oil also has a labor-inducing effect. However, the exact mechanism of action is not yet known. Pregnant women should therefore avoid castor oil.

Castor oil for internal and external use

You can use castor oil in many different ways.

• Castor oil has a laxative effect on constipation. To do this, take one or two spoons of the oil on an empty stomach. It takes between two and four hours for the effect to kick in. The taste is not very pleasant, that’s why castor oil is also available in the form of capsules. You need to take four to six grams of this to get the desired effect.
• However, this remedy should only be used for a short time, at least not longer than two weeks. If you suffer from constipation more often, read our article on how and why coffee can help.
• The oil can also be used for skin care. The stimulating effect on collagen production makes small wrinkles disappear. To do this, dab a little oil on the typical problem areas on the face – around the eyes, nose, mouth, and forehead. To test compatibility, try the oil on your forearm first.
• However, you can use the effect not only for cosmetic problems but also for small wounds, skin irritations, and skin diseases such as neurodermatitis and acne. To do this, mix the oil in equal parts with olive oil and apply the mixture thinly to the affected skin area.
• Castor oil for hair is also a good idea. A detailed guide on this topic can be found in another article. We also show you how the oil makes your eyelashes grow and become thicker.