Castor oil, also commonly known as Arandi ka tel, is a vegetable oil produced by pressing the Castor beans. It is useful for skin, hair and to manage various other diseases.
Castor oil is mainly used to manage constipation due to its laxative property. It promotes bowel movement when taken with milk or water and thus improves digestion which helps in easy elimination of fecal waste from the body. Castor oil also helps in arthritis by reducing pain and swelling due to its anti-inflammatory property.
Castor seed oil is considered to be beneficial for the skin due to the presence of certain fatty acids. Regular application of Castor seed oil improves the skin tone. Massaging Castor oil along with olive or coconut oil promotes hair growth and helps to get rid of dandruff. Castor oil can also be applied on the eyelashes every night to increase their thickness, length and overall appearance.
Avoid using Castor oil in excess as it might cause stomach cramps[1].

What are the synonyms of Castor Oil?

Ricinus communis , Arandi ka tel, Aamudamu, Amanakku Enney, Erandela Tela

What is the source of Castor Oil?

Plant Based

Benefits of Castor Oil

What are the benefits of Castor Oil for Constipation?

Modern Science View

Constipation is a condition in which there is difficulty in passing stool.
Castor oil acts as a laxative and helps improve the bowel movement. The ricinoleic acid present in Castor oil has a strong laxative effect and helps in easy elimination of fecal waste from the body. Hence, consuming Castor oil can help if you are suffering from constipation[2][4].

Ayurvedic View

Castor oil might help manage constipation. Castor oil can be used as a laxative due to its Sookshma (fineness), Sara (smooth mobility) and Ushna (hot) properties. Because of these properties Castor oil also removes Ama (half digested and unmetabolized food) and congested Mala (feces).
Castor is also a good laxative where stool is hard due to an aggravated Vata Dosha. This can be due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Castor oil helps correct constipation due to its Vata balancing and Rechana (laxative) properties.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Castor oil into 1 glass of warm milk before sleeping for 7 days.
2. If you wish to continue for more than a week it is advisable to consult your doctor.

What are the benefits of Castor Oil for Induction of labour?

Modern Science View

Induction of labor is an artificial process to stimulate uterine contractions for vaginal childbirth.
Castor oil is used to naturally induce labor in pregnant women at term. Studies indicate that nearly 91% of the women who received Castor oil were able to give normal birth. Use of Castor oil was associated with little or no maternal or fetal complications.
However, further studies are required to compare the safety and effectiveness of this natural method of labor induction with other available labor induction techniques[4][18].

Ayurvedic View

Castor oil helps to induce labor contractions. It stimulates the gut and uterus to cause the first contraction due to its Sookshma (fineness), Sara (smooth mobility), Ushna (hot) and Vata balancing properties.

What are the benefits of Castor Oil for Intestine preparation before any surgery?

Modern Science View

Castor oil is considered as one of the commonly used colon cleansing agents. Adequate visualization of the colon mucosa is required to examine it for any kind of lesions during colonoscopy[4][16][17].

How effective is Castor Oil?

Likely effective

Constipation, Induction of labour, Intestine preparation before any surgery

Insufficient evidence

Adhesive bowel obstruction, Migraine, Syphilis

Precautions when using Castor Oil

Advice from Experts

Modern Science View

Never consume Castor seeds as a whole by mouth as it can cause a toxic effect and even death. This is because of the presence of a deadly poison called Ricin in the outer covering of the seed[13][14].

Allergy

Modern Science View

Although not enough studies are available, it is advisable to use Castor oil under doctor’s supervision if you are allergic to the oil or its constituents[4].

Breastfeeding

Modern Science View

Not enough studies are available on the safety of Castor oil during breastfeeding. So, it is advisable to avoid Castor oil if you are breastfeeding[4].

Pregnancy

Ayurvedic View

Never use Castor oil during pregnancy without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Modern Science View

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea
4. Muscle cramps
5. Dizziness
6. Decreased urination[4][12]

Recommended Dosage of Castor Oil

Castor Oil Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
Castor Oil Oil - 1/2-1 teaspoon once or twice a day.

How to use Castor Oil

1. Castor oil
A. With Milk
i. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Castor oil.
ii. Drink it with warm milk at night before going to bed to manage constipation.
iii. If you find this remedy nauseating and unpalatable replace milk with fruit juice.
iv. You can also take Castor oil with Ginger water to improve appetite[10].

B. With Water
i. Take 1 teaspoon of Castor oil.
ii. Mix it in 1 glass of warm water.
iii. Drink it 2 hours after meals twice a day, to manage constipation[2].

2. Castor oil Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Castor oil capsule.
b. Swallow it with water.
c. Take it preferably 2 hours after meals, twice a day.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What are the storage conditions of Castor oil?

Modern Science View

It is advisable to store Castor oil in a cool dry place and especially away from sunlight to prevent the oil from getting spoiled.

Q. How to use Castor oil with Olive oil?

Modern Science View

Tip to use Castor oil with Olive oil:
1. Take 1 tablespoon of Castor oil.
2. To it add 2 tablespoon Olive oil and mix well.
3. Warm a little before applying to your scalp.
4. Massage well and keep for minimum 1 hour.
5. Rinse well with shampoo.
Castor oil when used with less viscous oils like Olive oil can be best for hair growth and for lustrous nourished hair[9].

Q. Which are some of the best Castor oil for hair?

Modern Science View

Some of the best brands of Castor oil for hair are:
a) Soulflower Castor oil
b) Khadi Pure Herbal Ayurvedic Castor hair oil
c) Nature’s Absolutes Cold Pressed Castor Carrier Oil
d) Morpheme Remedies Castor Oil
e) Aroma magic Castor oil
f) Deve Herbes Pure Castor Oil
g) Aruba Essentials Castor Oil Undiluted
h) Aloe Veda Distil Cold Pressed Hexane Free Castor Oil

You can easily buy these online at 1mg.

References

1
Ladda PL, Kamthane RB. Ricinus Communis (Castor): An overview.IJRPP.2014;3(2):2278-2648.
2
Tunaru S, Althoff TF, Nüsing RM, et al.Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors.Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.2012;109(23):9179–9184.
3
Vieira C, S Evangelista S, Cirillo R, et al. Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation.Mediators Inflamm.2000;9(5):223–228.
4
WebMd.CastorBean:Uses, Side effects, Interactions, Dosage [Internet] Atlanta [Updated in 2016].
5
McMullen R, Jachowicz J. Optical properties of hair: effect of treatments on luster as quantified by image analysis.J Cosmet Sci. 2003;54(4):335-51.
6
Maduri VR, Vedachalam A, Kiruthika S. Castor Oil” – The Culprit of Acute Hair Felting. Int J Trichology. 2017;9(3):116–118.
7
McGarey WA. The Oil That Heals: A Physician's Success with Castor Oil Treatments.ARE Press.1993.
8
Shealy NC.Medical Intuition: Awakening to Wholeness.ARE Press, 2010.
9
Lindsey P.Essential oils & weight loss for beginners & essential oils & aromatherapy for beginners. Lulu Press,Inc.2015.
10
Bakhru HK.Herbs that Heal: Natural Remedies for Good Health.Orient Paperbooks.1990.
11
Nayak BS, Ann CY, Azhar Ab, Ling ECS, Yen WH, Aithal PA.A Study on scalp hair health and hair care practices among Malaysian medical students.Int J Trichology. 2017;9(2):58–62.",www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-278/castor-oil-oral/details,"AL-Tamimi FA, Hegazi AEM.A Case of Castor Bean Poisoning.Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J. 2008;8(1):83–87.
12
Palatnick W, Tenenbein M. Hepatotoxicity from castor bean ingestion in a child. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2000;38:67-9.
13
Garry D, Figueroa R, Guillaume J, Cucco V. Use of castor oil in pregnancies at term. Altern Ther Health Med 2000;6:77-9.
14
Weber TM, Herndon JH, Stephens TJ, et al.Efficacy and Tolerability of Steroid-Free, Over-the-Counter Treatment Formulations in Infants and Children With Atopic Dermatitis.J Dermatol Nurses Assoc. 2015 Jan; 7(1): 17–24.
15
Portalatin M, Winstead N.Medical management of constipation.Clin colon rectal surg.2012;25(1):12-19.
16
Johari H.Ayurvedic Massage: Traditional Indian Techniques for Balancing Body and Mind. Health and fitness.1996.
17
Kindersley D.Neal's Yard Remedies Beauty Book.Health and Fitness.2015.
18
Rana MK.Herbaceous plants as natural protective food.Scientific publishers.2014.
19
Manohar M.Ayurveda For All: Effective ayurvedic self cure for common and chronic ailments.Body-mind and spirit.2012.
20
Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.Int J Mol Sci.2018;19(1):2-21.
21
Hobbs C, Keville K.Women's Herbs, Women's Health.Book publishing Co.2007.
22
Jena J, Gupta AK.Ricinus Communis: A phytopharmacological review.Int J Pharm Pharm Sci.2012;4(4):25-29.
23
Page L.Healthy Healing's Detoxification: Programs to Cleanse, Purify & Renew.Healthy healing Inc. 2008.

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.