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It’s long been claimed that castor oil can induce labor. But studies investigating this effect have yielded mixed results. A small study published in 2006 showed that pregnant women at term had an increased rate of labor in the first 24 hours after ingesting the oil. However, study authors recommended further investigation to confirm the benefit.
Later studies involved larger groups of women. A 2009 study involved 612 women whose pregnancies lasted longer than 40 weeks. Of these women, 205 received castor oil for induction of labor. The study’s authors found that the time to birth was not significantly different between those who took the oil and those who did not.
The most common way to use castor oil as a laxative is to take it orally. (Prepare for its nasty taste, which might be described as moldy soap.)
If you aren’t following instructions from your healthcare provider, then follow the directions on the label of the bottle. And use a specially marked spoon as you measure each dose.
A castor oil pack may work as an alternative for constipation. In one 2011 study, older patients with constipation found relief from symptoms (such as straining) after seven days of treatment.
Created by soaking a cloth in castor oil and then placed on the skin, castor oil packs are also thought to enhance circulation and promote healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin.
Some alternative medicine practitioners use castor oil packs to improve liver function, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.
To date, there is no evidence that castor oil can stimulate hair growth. However, preliminary research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2003 indicates that castor oil may improve the appearance of hair by increasing its luster.
Indeed, some people use castor oil as a hair conditioner. Others use it to prevent or treat dandruff.
Taking a castor oil supplement may be of some benefit to people with osteoarthritis of the knee, a 2009 study from Phytotherapy Research suggests.6
For four weeks, 50 men and women with knee osteoarthritis (age 40 and up) took capsules containing either castor oil or diclofenac sodium (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) three times daily for four weeks.
The results indicated that both treatments were effective at relieving pain associated with osteoarthritis. In the diclofenac sodium group, 90% (45 participants) showed significant improvement in pain levels; in the castor oil group, 92% (46 participants) showed significant improvement.
Study authors note that the findings are important because no side effects were associated with the use of castor oil. The same wasn’t true with diclofenac sodium: About 20% of the patients complained of mild gastritis and 4% complained of skin rashes.
Many people use castor oil as a moisturizer, to reduce wrinkles, and improve skin quality.
While other plant oils (such as argan oil and avocado oil) have been investigated for these benefits, castor oil has not.7 Some people believe that since other plant oils boost skin health, then castor oil should be able to do so as well.
As logical as this theory sounds, it hasn’t been confirmed through scientific evidence.
It’s long been claimed that castor oil can induce labor. But studies investigating this effect have yielded mixed results. A small study published in 2006 showed that pregnant women at term had an increased rate of labor in the first 24 hours after ingesting the oil. However, study authors recommended further investigation to confirm the benefit.
Later studies involved larger groups of women. A 2009 study involved 612 women whose pregnancies lasted longer than 40 weeks. Of these women, 205 received castor oil for induction of labor. The study’s authors found that the time to birth was not significantly different between those who took the oil and those who did not.
The most common way to use castor oil as a laxative is to take it orally. (Prepare for its nasty taste, which might be described as moldy soap.)
If you aren’t following instructions from your healthcare provider, then follow the directions on the label of the bottle. And use a specially marked spoon as you measure each dose.
A castor oil pack may work as an alternative for constipation. In one 2011 study, older patients with constipation found relief from symptoms (such as straining) after seven days of treatment.
Created by soaking a cloth in castor oil and then placed on the skin, castor oil packs are also thought to enhance circulation and promote healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin.
Some alternative medicine practitioners use castor oil packs to improve liver function, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.
To date, there is no evidence that castor oil can stimulate hair growth. However, preliminary research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2003 indicates that castor oil may improve the appearance of hair by increasing its luster.
Indeed, some people use castor oil as a hair conditioner. Others use it to prevent or treat dandruff.
Taking a castor oil supplement may be of some benefit to people with osteoarthritis of the knee, a 2009 study from Phytotherapy Research suggests.6
For four weeks, 50 men and women with knee osteoarthritis (age 40 and up) took capsules containing either castor oil or diclofenac sodium (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) three times daily for four weeks.
The results indicated that both treatments were effective at relieving pain associated with osteoarthritis. In the diclofenac sodium group, 90% (45 participants) showed significant improvement in pain levels; in the castor oil group, 92% (46 participants) showed significant improvement.
Study authors note that the findings are important because no side effects were associated with the use of castor oil. The same wasn’t true with diclofenac sodium: About 20% of the patients complained of mild gastritis and 4% complained of skin rashes.
Many people use castor oil as a moisturizer, to reduce wrinkles, and improve skin quality.
While other plant oils (such as argan oil and avocado oil) have been investigated for these benefits, castor oil has not.7 Some people believe that since other plant oils boost skin health, then castor oil should be able to do so as well.
As logical as this theory sounds, it hasn’t been confirmed through scientific evidence.
Lymphocytes are your immune system’s disease-fighting cells and are produced and stored mainly in your lymphatic tissue (the thymus gland, spleen, and lymph nodes). Hundreds of miles of lymphatic tubules allow for waste to be collected from your tissues and then transported to your elimination channels, a process which is referred to as lymphatic drainage.
When your lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up and this may promote illness. According to Cayce and McGarey, the lymphocyte cell count increases when castor oil is absorbed through the skin. Increased lymphocyte cells will speed up the removal of toxins from your tissues which promotes a state of healing in the body.
Disclaimer: The content of this website is based on research conducted by Carepill Global Private Limited unless otherwise noted. The information is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure such conditions. The information contained herein is not intended to replace a one-to-one relationship with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional. Therefore, this information is not intended as medical advice, but rather a sharing of knowledge and information based on research and experience.Carepill Global Private Limited encourages you to make your own health care decisions based on your judgment and research in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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