What’re the health benefits of Castor bean seed? Uses, Side Effects

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Do you know what castor bean seed can do for you?

Castor bean seeds are obtained from the castor plant, scientifically known as Ricinus communis.

The seed is encased in an outer covering which contains a fatal poison known as ricin, and can only be used once the hull is removed. Castor seeds have been used as one of the chief ingredients in a wide variety of medicines.

Castor seeds are found to be rich in oleic acids, ricinoleic acids, and linoleic acid with other fatty acids. Castor seeds are also rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and calcium. Castor seeds are also rich in triglyceride. (1, 2)

Castor seed is extensively used as a purgative, treatment for cough, cold, fever, worm troubles, and skin diseases.

The benefits of castor oil include boosting immunity, skin, and hair care, and relieving rheumatism, menstrual disorders, and constipation.

In this post, you will get to know the amazing health benefits of castor seed, its adverse effect, and how you can use it effectively. Feel free to skip ahead:

• About castor seed
• Health benefits
• Side effect
• How to select and store?
• Conclusion

About castor seed

Castor seeds have been found in Egyptian tombs and pyramids. It has been traditionally used as burning oil, body, and hair oil. The use of castor bean oil goes back 4000 years ago. It is used in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, and cocoa butter. (1, 2)

The plant can be found indigenous in some parts of Africa like West Africa and East Africa where it is used to formulate both edible and inedible economically important products.

Over the years, the Igbos in Africa, Indian Subcontinent, and the Mediterranean Sea are found to be the three extensive sources of the castor plant.

The varieties of castor which depending upon the color of the stem and branches, the habit of the plant, the nature of the capsule, duration, the size of seeds, and oil content.

The Igbo part of Africa has a type they call osisi ugba (ogiri plant) while the Indians have more varieties such as: (3)

NPH 1

GAUCH 4

YRCH 1

TMV 5

TMV 6

 CO 1 and TMVCH.

Health benefits

Here are the proven health benefits of castor bean seed need to know

1. Strong immunity

Castor seed oil has ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid work as an immunity booster. Because it improves lymphatic function, blood flow, and thymus gland health.(1, 3, 4)

 It promotes the production of lymphocytes in the body which helps in fighting the toxins and other bacteria present in the body. Castor seed oil is often used as an effective purgative.

Castor seed oil increases the activity of T-lymphocytes which is the type of white blood cells. This helps in the increased production of antibodies that help in destroying the disease-causing microbes and preventing infections.

Health Tip

 Ricinoleic acid found in castor seed oil improves your immunity.

2. Improve circulation

Castor seed oil has ricinoleic acid, which is helpful in improving the strength of the lymphatic system of the body.  Castor oil has an immediate impact on promoting the white blood cell (WBC) count in humans, as well as increasing T-11 cells (WBC acting as antibodies). 

The WBCs, produced inside the body’s lymphocytes, have a key function in killing off viruses, bacteria, fungi as well as cancer cells. (5)

Castor seed oil also enhances the quality of white blood cells which causes it to fight the disease agent and keep the body healthy and also helps to detoxify the body by bringing oxygen to cells.

Health Tip

Castor seed oil has ricinoleic acid which helps in promoting circulation from the heart to the rest of the body through small capillaries and arteries.

3. Skin health

Castor seed oil is rich in fatty acids that work as an excellent moisturizer for the skin. Castor seed oil can help in hydrating skin and in removing dry patches with eradicating different skin problems. (1, 6)

Castor seed oil goes in to the pores of the skin and stimulates the production of elastin and collagen.

It helps in reducing acne because it is a rich source of ricinoleic acid, which helps in fighting off the bacteria that cause acne. It repairs the tissues and eliminates scars and marks, making skin soft, smooth, and beautiful.

Castor oil is also used in burns and wounds because it gives protection from infections.

Health Tip

 Castor seed oil is rich in fatty acids, and undecylenic acid, which has germicidal and disinfectant properties.

It is useful for treating skin diseases and skin ulcers, particularly those which are caused due to bacterial or fungal infections like athlete’s foot, warts, itching, moles, cysts, and ringworm.

4. Hair care

Castor seed oil is also a good solution for many hair problems. Because It is a rich source of Ricinoleic acid, which is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Hair loss is a common problem, and Castor seed oil is widely used for treating hair-related problems. It also improves blood circulation, promoting the growth of healthy and lustrous hair. It also prevents premature graying of hair and dandruff and promotes conditioning. (7, 8)

Hair loss is a common problem, and Castor seed oil is widely used for treating hair-related problems. It also improves blood circulation, promoting the growth of healthy and lustrous hair. It also prevents premature graying of hair and dandruff and promotes conditioning. (9)

Health Tip

Ricinoleic acid and omega- 9 fatty acids nourish the scalp and eliminate bacterial or fungal infections that may cause loss of hair which is found in castor seed.

5. for Female Health

Castor seed is used to reduce menstrual pain. Castor seed has Ricinoleic acid, is a natural emmenagogue, and stimulates menstruation in cases of delayed, painful, or obstructed menses. It also helps relieve pain during menstruation

Castor seed is also helpful in lactation. Castor seed nutrient is galactagogues by nature that stimulate the secretion of milk. Castor oil is helpful in enhancing milk flow due to the presence of fatty acids in it. (10,11, 12)

Castor seeds and castor seed oil have been helpful in inducing labor. There are times when a woman is in extreme pain but the labor isn’t beginning as smoothly as one would hope.

Health Tip

Castor seed has Ricinoleic acid helps in menstruation problems Nutrients in castor seed have galactagogue properties that help in the secretion and enhancement of milk and also help in inducing labor.

6. Rheumatism reliever

Castor seed has anti-inflammatory properties. So it helps in reduce pain and swelling on affected parts. Arthritis is a highly painful disease for bones and joints, and extreme levels of pain are relieved by the application and massaging of castor seed oil.

Castor seeds can be used to provide relief from nerve inflammations, sore muscles, joint pains, and all the other results of arthritis.

Rheumatism of joints and muscles can treat by application of castor seed oil because it contains oleic acids, ricinoleic acids, linoleic acids, and other fatty acids that are extremely effective in treating ailments related to rheumatism. (13,14, 15)

Health Tip

Castor seed oil is also really effective in treating gout, it can help in reducing pain, burning sensation, and sudden swelling up of joints

7. Cures constipation

Castor seed oil acts as a natural laxative that helps in stimulating peristalsis or the contraction of the muscles of the intestine. Peristalsis movement of the intestine can help in the easy removal of stool from the intestine.

Castor seed oil also works as a lubricant and lubricating bowels and in reducing the absorption of moisture from the intestinal tract. So increases the fluid content in the bowel, which causes enhance easy expulsion of stool and provides relief from constipation. (16, 17)

Health Tip

The use of the therapeutic amount of Castor seed can remedy constipation.

Side Effects

1. Pregnancy

Excessive use of castor seed oil may cause abortion, and it can also cause excessive pelvic contractions, which can lead to a miscarriage or premature delivery. So pregnant women are advised to take it in variably low amounts or better keep off from castor seed oil once they take it in.

2. Skin

The concentration of chemicals in castor oil is harsh on the skin. This makes some individuals get skin breaks when they come in contact with castor seed oil.

3. Stomach troubles

Too much consumption can also cause dehydration, diarrhea, nausea, cramping, etc.

How to select and store/ preserve castor seed?

Selection

Dried castor seeds are generally available in pre-packaged containers as well as bulk bins. Just as with any other food that purchases in the bulk section, make sure the bins are covered and that the store has a good product turnover rate.

Whether purchasing castor seed in bulk or in a packaged container, make sure there is no evidence of moisture or insect damage and that the beans are whole and not cracked.

Storage   

You can store dried castor oil in an airtight container in a cool dry and dark place in your house. If you store it in this way, it can last for up to twelve months.

Conclusion

The benefits of castor oil include boosting immunity, skin, and hair care, and relieving rheumatism, menstrual disorders, and constipation.

Over the years, the Igbos in Africa, Indian Subcontinent, and the Mediterranean Sea are found to be the three extensive sources of the castor plant with many varieties.

Whether purchasing castor seed in bulk or in a packaged container, make sure there is no evidence of moisture or insect damage and that the beans are whole and not cracked.

You can store dried castor oil in an airtight container in a cool dry and dark place in your house. If you store it in this way, it can last for up to twelve months.

I hope you get the value worth your time. I appreciate the time you spend with me. Leave a comment if you like this post.

Do you have any questions as regards the use of castor bean seed? Have you used castor seed oil to remedy any sickness before? Feel free to share with me in the comment below.

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The content provided in living Good Blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not intended to provide medical advice or take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal doctor. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Living Good Blog takes no responsibility for possible health consequences of any person(s) reading or following the information in this educational content. Viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medication, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.