The Amazing Health Benefits and Uses of Castor Oil

Castor oil has been used for centuries in the Far East, Africa, and the Mediterranean region for its amazing health benefits. For most people today, though, castor oil is usually just associated with its use as a laxative. However, castor oil has many other uses and it can greatly benefit your hair, skin, and face. Read on to discover the many health benefits and uses of castor oil.

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is extracted from the castor seed (Ricinus communis). Castor oil is produced by cold pressing the seeds and subsequently clarifying of the oil by heat.

Castor oil contains approximately 90% ricinoleic acid and this specific fatty acid makes castor oil so beneficial. In fact, ricinoleic acid is a very rare compound and is mainly only found in castor seeds.
Although scientists still don’t fully understand exactly how it works, they have discovered that ricinoleic acid attaches itself to one particular receptor in the intestines and uterus. The discovery may explain how castor oil works and could lead to the development of new drugs.¹¹

In the past, there have been reports that castor oil it is not safe to ingest. This is probably due to the fact that ricin (one of the ingredients in the castor seed) is actually toxic. However, during the extraction process, this toxin becomes deactivated.
Here are the many health benefits and uses of castor oil.

Castor oil is a Safe, Natural Laxative

Castor oil is a natural remedy for constipation and it is one the best natural laxatives for constipation. It works by increasing the movement of the intestines, helping the stool to come out.
Castor oil is considered safe to ingest and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that castor oil is “generally recognized as safe and effective for use as a stimulant laxative¹.” The World Health Organization (WHO) has also established that an acceptable safe daily intake for a man is up to 0.7 mg/kg body weight.
You should be aware that castor oil may cause a few side effects, so make sure to read the last part of my article about the side effects of castor oil before using it.
You may also want to consult with your doctor before using castor oil internally, just to make sure it is safe for your condition.

Dosage

To use castor oil as a natural laxative it should be taken on an empty stomach:

• Adults should take 1 to 2 tbsp.
• Children 2 – 12 yrs old should take 1 to 2 tsp.
• Children under 2 yrs old should not have more than a teaspoon at a time.

You shouldn’t exceed the recommended dosage and don’t take it for more than 7 days.
It may take 6 to 12 hours before castor oil causes a bowel movement. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens, or if bleeding from the rectum occurs. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

What is it about castor oil that helps to reduce inflammation? Castor oil stimulates the lymphatic system  and helps the body fight inflammation and disease. When the body’s lymphatic system is working properly and effectively, then it is able to heal itself quicker.
A study into the effect of ricinoleic acid in inflammation also discovered that it has properties similar to those found in capsaicin – a known natural pain relief remedy. Capsaicin reduces pain by decreasing a chemical in the body which sends pain signals to the brain. This is why chili and cayenne papper topical applications can relieve pain.

Castor Oil for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis most commonly associated with aging and it’s characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common type of arthritis that causes inflammation and it predominantly affects the joints in the body. It is classified as an autoimmune disease and researchers are just beginning to understand it.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil can be used to relieve joint pain which is associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is effective in relieving pain both if it’s taken orally or applied topically.
When taken orally, castor oil is also an effective pain relief treatment. This was backed up by a trial where patients with knee osteoporosis were given castor oil three times a day for 4 weeks.
The results were surprising in that castor oil worked just as well at relieving pain as diclofenac sodium, which is the main ingredient in some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs. The difference with using castor oil was that the patients did not experience any side effects.
If you suffer from arthritis you can also try to use other natural remedies:

• You can use Apple cider vinegar(ACV) for treating arthritis.
• You can consume sesame seeds for knee osteoarthritis.
• You can also combine castor oil with essential oils for relieving pain and inflammation. 
• Castor Oil for Cancer

Because castor oil contains many anti-inflammatory properties and also has a positive effect on the lymph system, some scientists are looking at the effect that castor oil can have in treating certain cancers.
Although more research has to be done, there are some interesting results from clinical trials on using castor oil to inhibit tumor growth.
One example was published, where castor oil extracts were able to suppress tumors in male mice. Another study published in the Chinese Journal of Cancer Research showed that ricinoleic acid together with selenium  ( found in Brazil nuts) was able to kill off ascites tumor cells.
It has also been cited in research as a possible inhibitor of breast cancer.

Castor Oil is Antibacterial and Antifungal

Another amazing use of castor oil is in helping the body naturally fighting infections and heal wounds. Of course, the fact that it improves blood circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system is beneficial in fighting infections. But, studies into castor oil have also shown that it is effective in killing off bacteria and fungi.
Research showed that it was effective against Staphylococcus (the bacteria that causes food poisoning, skin infections, and pneumonia) and Staphylococcal (responsible for sore throats and skin infections). 
The research also showed that castor oil is also anti-fungal, but comparatively, bacteria were found to be more susceptible than fungi.

Castor Oil to Stimulate Labor

Castor oil has also been used for centuries as a traditional method of inducing labor⁶. This is because the castor oil induces contractions in the uterus. However, most health practitioners advise against using this to stimulate labor. A study concluded that “castor oil for induction of labor was neither harmful or helpful⁹.”

Castor Oil for Healthy and Shiny Hair

The benefits of castor oil aren’t just for the skin, but for the hair as well. It is best using castor oil as a hair mask and the benefits will be very noticeable. You will have shinier, healthier hair. Castor oil also helps with hair regrowth and treats dandruff.
Castor oil can also contribute to keeping your eyelashes and eyebrows healthy and shiny and encourage their growth as well.

Castor Oil for Skin

Castor oil can be used to clear up a whole number of different skin complaints. The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties make it an excellent skin treatment product. Some skin problems that castor oil can help treat are:

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• dry skin
• damaged skin
• diaper rash
• acne

Castor oil is also excellent at cleansing the skin .

Castor Oil for Acne

Castor oil is one of the best natural remedies for acne and this is due the ricinoleic acid found in it.
As the ricinoleic acid penetrates deep into your skin, it fights bacteria overgrowth that can clog pores, while softening and hydrating irritated skin at the same time.
Here are several ways to use castor oil for treating acne:
For a natural acne treatment dab castor oil onto the affected area with a clean cotton swab.
You can also try other natural remedies for acne:

• Use apple cider vinegar (ACV) as there are a number of reasons to wash your face with apple cider vinegar.
• You can also mix castor oil with other essential oils for acne such as tea tree and lemon essential oil.

All of these options reduce redness and swelling of acne blemishes.
To prevent future breakouts, wash your face first in warm water to open up the pores and then massage some of the oil into your face and leave it on overnight, rinsing the next morning.
Important note: you may want to do a patch test with castor oil just to make sure you don’t develop an allergic reaction. Initially you may also want to leave castor oil on your face for just a few hours (and not overnight), just to see that you don’t develop any negative reaction.

Castor Oil for Age Spots

Castor oil is one of my top natural remedies for improving age spots and hyperpigmentation . Castor oil has skin healing properties and it helps to tone your skin.
Castor oil can be gently massaged into the skin to reduce the appearance of age spots and dark pigmentation. You should leave it on for 2 hours before washing off. Do this twice a day to help fade dark spots and tone your skin.

Castor Oil for Stretch Marks

The rich fatty acids in castor oil can help you get rid of stretch marks. All you have to do is massage castor oil into the affected area for about 15 minutes. You could also mix it with coconut oil or sweet almond oil for extra health benefits.
Or more effectively, you can wrap a warm cloth around the area where you have massaged the castor oil and leave it on for 15 minutes.

Castor Oil for Boils

The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil works great in treating boils and it is one of the best natural remedies for boils.
Soak a cotton ball in castor oil and place it on the boil, keeping it in place with gauze. Change the dressing after a few hours.

Castor Oil for Cracked Hills

Cracked heels are an issue that plenty of people have to deal with and not a single person enjoys. Having cracked heels, otherwise known as heel fissures, is a persistent inconvenience that is hard to deal with.
Castor oil is an effective and safe way to alleviate the symptoms of cracked heels – massage your washed heels with castor oil every evening.

Castor Oil for Eye Stye (Sty)

Once again, because castor oil is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, it is great at helping treat eye sties, which are caused by a staph infection.
To treat a stye with castor oil, wash the eye with warm water and dry it with a clean towel, then apply two to three drops of castor oil to the stye itself. This can be done three times per day until the stye shows signs of improvement.

Castor Oil as a Sleep Aid

There is only anecdotal evidence that castor oil helps get a good night’s sleep, but many people say that it helps them deal with insomnia. It can be used by rubbing some oil on your eyelids or some people say that they use it in a heat pack on their back an hour before going to bed.
You can combine castor oil with other natural oils for a better sleep or with certain foods.

Castor Oil for Beautiful Nails

Regularly massage a small amount of castor oil into the cuticles of your nails for strong, healthy nails.

Castor Oil – Daily Usage

You should always follow the dosage that is written on the bottle. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that men should take no more than 0.7 mg/kg body weight daily.

• This is about 1- 2 tablespoons.
• Children between 2 – 12 yrs old should take about 1 – 2 teaspoons.
• Children under 2 should not have more than a teaspoon at a time.

The castor oil can be mixed with juice to make it more palatable.
Of course, if you notice unpleasant side effects, you should reduce the dose or stop taking all together.

Castor Oil – Precautions and Side Effects

Castor oil has been recognized as safe to take. However, because it affects the intestines, it can cause gastrointestinal upset.
If you have had surgery or health issues related to gastric or bowel problems, then you should avoid taking castor oil.
Most of the women who took part in the study to see if castor oil helps to induce labor reported that they had bouts of nausea⁶.
If you are taking castor oil for reasons other than its laxative effects, then diarrhea or loose stools could also be viewed as a side effect.
You may also want to consult with your doctor before using castor oil internally, just to make sure it is safe for your condition.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement   

Health benefits of garlic

1. firstly, consuming garlic juice with honey for a week kills stomach worm.
   
2. also, consuming 5-6 garlic cloves with boiled milk, turmeric and jaggery treats long term cold and cough.
   
3. additionally, applying garlic with butter heals wounds.
   
4. consuming garlic with sugar syrup treats cough and provides effective relief for cough, nasal congestion and sore throat.
   
5. in addition, boiling 3-4 garlic clove with one glass of water and consuming it thrice a day cures menstrual pain.
   
6. consuming crushed one clove garlic with a pinch of hing and 10 grams of ghee twice a day after food reduces delivery pain.
   
7. furthermore, applying crushed burnt garlic with turmeric cures boils.
   
8. to fix hairline cracks, rub crushed garlic juice on it.
   
9.  finally, to peel the skin of the garlic easier, spread it on the microwave plate for about 7-10 seconds !

Caution-

• firstly, consuming excess garlic may cause mouth burn, nausea, diarrhea, bleeding of nose.
• also avoid consuming garlic before surgeries.
• further make sure, not to consume more than 2-3 garlic pods per day.
• in addition, consuming garlic is unsafe for pregnant women.
• always store garlic in a basket with ventilation holes and do not store in a air tight container.
• also do not store garlic in fridge as it may loose its flavour.
• additionally, applying garlic oil to skin and nails prevents fungal infections.
• also garlic improves bone health, boosts immune system, cures  stomach ache, tooth sensitivity and gastritis problem.
• finally, the other garlic benefits include by applying garlic oil or rubbing crushed garlic to head prevents hair loss.

  this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on. 
  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
  htps://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes 
  https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

BEWARE WHILE BOILING WATER FOR MORE THAN 2 MINUTES IN THE MICROWAVE

A 26-year old man decided to have a cup of coffee.
He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to
 heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before).
 I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he wanted
to bring the water to a boil. When the timer shut the oven off,
he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup,
 he noted that the water was not boiling, but suddenly the
 water in the cup 'blew up' into his face. The cup remained
intact until he threw it out of his hand, but all the water had
 flown out into his face due to the build-up of energy.
His whole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd
degree burns to his face which may leave scarring.

He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye.
While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to
 him stated that this is a fairly common occurrence and
 water (alone) should never be heated in a microwave oven.
 If water is heated in this manner, something should be
 placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as a
wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc, (nothing metal).
General Electric's Response:
Thanks for contacting us; I will be happy to assist you.
The e-mail that you received is correct. Microwaved water
 and other liquids do not always bubble when they
reach boiling point. They can actually get superheated and
 not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out
 of the cup when it is moved or when something like a
 spoon or tea bag is put into it.

To prevent this from happening and causing injury,
do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup.
After heating, let the cup stand in the microwave for
 thirty seconds before moving it or adding anything into it.

Here is what a local high school science teacher had
 to say on the matter: 'Thanks for the microwave warning.
 I have seen this happen before. It is caused by a
phenomenon known as super heating.
It can occur any time water is heated and
will particularly occur if the vessel that the water is
heated in is new, or when heating a small
amount of water (less than half a cup).

What happens is that the water heats faster than
the vapor bubbles can form. If the cup is very new,
then it is unlikely to have small surface scratches
inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to form.
As the bubbles cannot form and release some of the heat
 that has built up, the liquid does not boil, and the
 liquid continues to heat up well past its boiling point.

What then usually happens is that the liquid is
bumped or jarred, which is just enough of a shock
 to cause the bubbles to rapidly form and expel the hot liquid.
The rapid formation of bubbles is also why a
carbonated beverage spews when opened
after having been shaken.
If you pass this on, you could very well
save someone from a lot of pain and suffering.

 

 this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations

https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee

Some great uses of great shells !

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-
HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM      

FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG

HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/

FOR CROCHET DESIGNS- http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com/

 Skin-tightening face mask
Clean and dry the shells, then grind them with a mortar and pestle into powder. Mix the powder with an egg white, and then apply the paste to your face and wait for it to dry. Wash it off, and you’ll be able to feel the difference.

Keep your garden free of slugs and snails

Sprinkle crushed eggshells in your garden to deter slugs, snails, and even cutworms from eating your plants. If you have deer in the area, you’ll be happy to know that they hate the smell of eggs too.  Skin irritation remedy Use apple cider vinegar to dissolve an eggshell (this should take about two days), and then apply the mixture onto the irritated area for quick relief.  Use the membrane for various remedies The membranes inside the eggshells are incredibly useful for a variety of home remedies: Apply to boils to make them go away Apply on splinters or glass shards that you can’t easily remove with scissors – as the membrane dries out, it will pull out the splinter, making it easy to remove. Similarly, use on blackheads or to clear out pimples. Place the wet side of the membrane on cuts or scratches and let it dry. Doing this will hasten the healing process and minimize scarring. If you accidentally peeled skin from the sides of your fingernails, apply the wet side of a membrane and let it dry. This should stop the pain and help it heal quickly.

CORIANDER- HEALTH BENEFITS

A little-known property of this commonly used spice is that it can help control modern day ailments like anorexia and bulimia.

It revives interest in food.

It is said to improve male sexual vitality and tone the uro-genital system in general.

In its raw form (as a leaf) it can be used a poultice to relieve pain and inflammation.

Coriander tea/ concoction is said to help control piles. It has a tremendous impact on the digestive tract and can control most problems related to it.

It can control weakness, fainting, relieve chronic headache (when applied as paste at the forehead) and relieve inflammatory conditions like ulcers and boils.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com

Palmyra Fruit (Nongu) and Pathaneer

Palmyra Fruit (Nongu) and Pathaneer

Pathaneer and nongu are fast catching up with the city people.  It tastes good and is light on the pocket.

Nutritional value: Kal nongus (ripe fruits) and pathaneer are rich in carbohydrate and moisture content. They provide plenty of minerals such as calcium, phosphorous and iron, along with fibres and proteins to the body. The fruit contains Vitamins A, B and C in the form of ascorbic acid. It is perfect for the figure-conscious as it contains zero fat.

Health benefits: The pulp is highly nutritious and the fibrous outer layer mitigates body heat. Application of pathaneer on the body cures boils, rashes and dermatitis.