Know the hidden facts about castor oil from Ayurveda

Castor oil is used for its super-beneficial qualities in India by both men and women. When taken in prescribed quantities, pure castor oil is one of the best ayurvedic remedies for treating several physical ailments naturally without harming your body in other ways.

Castor oil is a translucent oil with a pale yellow colour which has a unique taste and odour with changing boiling point. Castor oil is an important component of the medical, industrial and beauty industries. It is used as a coating of pills, an additive in foods, skincare essentials, biodiesel fuel, industrial lubricant, paints and more.

Known as Gandharvahasta Taila in Ayurveda, Castor oil is an ancient remedy to cure or improve conditions of the body from scalp to feet. Ricinoleic acid is one of the advantageous elements present in the quantity of up to 90% in refined castor oil along with other components like oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, a-linoleic acid, linoleic acid and dihydroxystearic acid.

Castor oil is extracted from castor seeds via different methods. The best method is a cold-pressed method which preserves the medicinal and aromatic properties of the oil. Chemically refined castor oil is not a good choice if you are using it for physical ailments. Pure castor oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, anti-rheumatic, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-allergic. It can be used as an emmenagogue, insecticidal, immune stimulant, laxative, anthelmintic, rejuvenative medicine, anti-ageing agent, germicidal, disinfectant, and analgesic agent.

In historic times, castor oil was used as a punishment for children when they did any mischief. It was used by ancient Egyptians as a laxative to get relief from constipation. It is considered one of the important parts of Cleopatra’s beauty kit. It is even said that the queen of the Nile used to use castor oil to brighten the whites of her eyes. It was also applied as hair gel by the Egyptians which was discovered in the mummy analysis. The Greeks used castor oil as body ointments, for hair growth and shiny texture.

Castor oil shows its roots in Ayurveda since 2000 BC as a traditional medicine for treating arthritis, constipation and worms. It has a superlative effect as a detoxifying, cleansing, nourishing and pacifying oil for the body. When mixed with other therapeutic oils, it can release tension in muscles and also helps calm the mind. It is recommended by Ayurveda today as an effective medicine for rheumatism, lumbago, hair fall, wrinkles, ovarian cysts, warts, menstrual discomforts, constipation, yeast infections, acne, ringworm, arthritis, piles, asthma and inflammatory nerves.

Ayurvedic Uses of Castor Oil

Castor oil has been used in ayurvedic therapeutic applications for centuries. It is also mentioned in the ayurvedic scriptures.

Following are the ayurvedic indications for understanding its usage

• Vranahara – Helpful in treating wounds
• Shramahara – Helpful in relieving tiredness
• Krumihara – Beneficial in getting rid of worms
• Sulaghama – Advantageous in relieving pain
• Anila Shodhanama – Helps in flushing out vatta
• Rasayana – Anti-ageing oil for reducing wrinkles
• Vardhamahara – Beneficial in treating hernia
• Virechana – Treatment for constipation
• Gulmahara – Helpful in curing abdominal tumours and cysts
• Jawara Hara – Aids in treating fever
• Kustha – Helps in curing skin disorders
• Keshya – Beneficial is various hair problems
• Dahahara – Gives relief in burning sensations
• Varnya – Useful in improving complexion

According to Ayurveda, castor oil has a sweet, pungent and astringent taste. When applied externally, it gives a cooling effect. The sweetness part provides nourishment while the pungency and astringency help in the removal of toxins. Because of the cooling nature of castor oil, it is said to ease the effects of pitta in the body along with calming skin irritation, inflammation while a cooling effect on scalp and mind tissues. Castor oil is considered a beauty product directly from mother nature. It is known to make hair thicker, longer and stronger. It nourishes the hair follicles by cleansing the scalp. It helps the hair retain the natural shine while making them luscious. For best results, it is to be applied on hair and scalp and left overnight. The next day when washed, it shows a clear improvement. Routine use can also treat hair fall problems. It is also applied on the scalp of babies for stronger hair. Castor oil can also make eyebrows and eyelashes to make them thicker. For radiant and clear skin, castor oil is an excellent remedy. It should be massaged on clean skin to see it glow radiantly.
In Indian households, castor oil is also used in the later stage of pregnancy to induce smooth labour. It is taken with or juice in a small amount prescribed by a doctor. For getting relief in rheumatoid arthritis, it is to take a teaspoon of castor oil with ginger tea every night which boosts blood circulation and benefits with its laxative properties. Skin conditions, especially psoriasis and eczema can be treated with the use of castor oil dues to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. For detoxifying the body in panchakarma to remove the ama, castor oil is mixed with herbs and taken in a prescribed dose. The use of castor oil stimulates the organs of excretion like the colon, bladder and uterus.

India is the largest producer of castor seeds in the world. Accounting for more than 85% followed by China and Brazil with 7% and 5% of production. We are one of the largest castor oil manufacturers in India, Gujarat. We manufacture different grades of castor oil to produce castor oil products for various industries. You can go through our product list and contact us for castor oil requirements.