Castor oil has several medicinal properties but can be harmful if ingested in excess.
Castor oil is extracted from the bean obtained from the castor oil plant. It is used as a mild laxative and finds use in medicinal use for rheumatism, hair care and menstrual problems. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is very beneficial for skin.
Skin starts to lose its elasticity with age due to reduced collagen production. Skin sagging is a natural process and can be accelerated by rapid weight loss or gain, high alcohol intake, excessive exposure to sun and smoking. Another trick is to keep the skin well-moisturised at all times as dry skin ages faster.
Benefits of Castor Oil
Castor oil acts as a lubricant and is beneficial for preventing sagging skin. It doesn’t let the skin become dry and helps to tighten loose skin. It should be done in combination with toning exercises and a well-balanced diet. Massage castor oil directly onto the skin daily. Adding a few drops of lemon juice or lavender oil can reap benefits.
Castor oil has a compound called undecylenic acid. This acid naturally occurs in sweat. Undecyclemic acid has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. It is used to cure several skin disorders caused by infection.
Considerations
Although castor oil is not considered to be very toxic, an overdose can be dangerous. Fainting, nausea, skin rash, tightening of the throat, dizziness, diarrhea and stomach cramps are signs that you have castor oil toxicity. Should you find yourself having these symptoms, call the hospital. Tell the doctors the amount of oil ingested, the time and what form it was ingested in.
Undecylenic acid can also cause skin irritation. Do not inhale it, or allow it to come into contact with your eyes.
