Castor or ricin oil is a unique product, the amazing properties of which are in demand in many sectors from the aircraft industry to the food industry. It is obtained from the fruits of castor oil, a poisonous plant noted in the Guinness Book of Records. A lethal dose is found in only four seeds. However, pure cyanides are more difficult to extract from them than from almonds. Raw materials are collected manually and are associated with a fair amount of risk. In this case, oil obtained in a simple mechanical way is completely safe.
Up to 500,000 tons of ricin is produced annually in the world. Technical grade is used for lubrication, production of synthetic fibers, resins, paints and wax. Refined product is a part of therapeutic balms, ointments, cosmetic creams, lipsticks, perfumes and soaps, and is used in the manufacture of food flavorings and other additives. In its natural form, castor oil is popular for the treatment of many diseases and for cosmetic procedures. Ricin oil is widely used at home.
Preparation and Precautions
Before applying the oil as an external agent, it is necessary to check your sensitivity to the drug. To do this, rub a few drops on the inside of the wrist. If after 12 hours redness, rash or itching does not appear on this sensitive spot, castor oil can be safely used for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes. In order not to provoke an allergic reaction, it is better to use it not in its pure form, but as an additive to a cosmetic product.
Using castor oil inside, carefully read the label and make sure that the variety is intended for oral use, storage conditions are met and the expiration date has not expired.
Useful properties and indications for use
Castor oil contains several types of fatty acids. Almost 90% is accounted for by ricinoleic acid; linoleic, oleic, stearic, palmitic, linolenic, and eicosenic acids are present in small amounts. In addition, the substance contains vitamins A and E, essential oils, bioflavonoids and phytosterols. The chemical composition determines the valuable properties of castor oil, which has: barrier, antiviral, bactericidal, antifungal, moisturizing, nourishing, absorbable, antispasmodic effect.
At home, castor oil is indicated for the relief of pain in joints, muscles and menstrual pain. It relieves insomnia and migraines. Effectively helps against yeast and other infections. It is actively used for healing wounds, frostbite and sunburn. In addition, castor oil treats inflammation of the genitourinary system, tonsillitis, tonsillitis and other diseases of the oral cavity, eliminates long hiccups.
When ingested, ricin causes a reflex increase in peristalsis, which is why it is so popular as a laxative and anthelmintic.
Castor oil eliminates acne of various types, hair loss, dryness, peeling and other cosmetic problems. Gives skin elasticity and smoothes wrinkles. It has a whitening effect in the presence of freckles and age spots.
Harm and contraindications
Useful properties of castor oil in some cases may be unsafe. For example, the ability to cause shortened myometrium is sometimes used to stimulate labor. At the same time, inadvertently taking the drug as a laxative, a pregnant woman can provoke unwanted contractions at any time. In case of poisoning, castor oil is often used to cleanse the digestive system. But this is unacceptable in case of poisoning with alcohol, benzene, organic acids and other fat-soluble substances.
General list of contraindications
- Sensitivity to ricin acid.
- Pregnancy.
- Lactation.
- Children's age up to 12 years.
- Renal failure.
- Stones in the gall bladder.
- Ulcerative erosive inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Chronic colitis.
- Uterine bleeding, including menstruation.
- Intestinal bleeding.
- Syndrome "acute abdomen."
- Fat-soluble poisoning.
- Poisoning with male thyroid extract.
How to use castor oil in cosmetology
You can use castor oil for rubs, massages, applications, wrappings, as a part of natural masks, and as an additive in cosmetics industry, to strengthen its action.
| Application area | Amount of drug | Additional ingredients | Mode of application |
|---|---|---|---|
| To strengthen hair | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Apply to hair roots for 30-50 minutes. Wrap your head in a towel. Repeat 1-2 times a week. |
| To restore split ends | 1 teaspoon | - | Apply daily. |
| Against hair loss | 1 tablespoon | Vodka or lemon juice 2: 1. | Rub into the roots. |
| For eyelashes and eyebrows | 3-4 drops | Burdock oil 1: 1 or vitamin A (one capsule). | Lubricate every other day. |
| For beard growth | 1 tablespoon |
| Apply to the roots and hold for 30 minutes under a towel. |
| For facial skin | 1 teaspoon | 1: 1 olive, almond or sea buckthorn oil. | Use instead of a night cream. Suitable for sensitive skin. |
| Against facial wrinkles around the eyes | 3-4 drops | - | Apply 2-3 times a month, slightly driving into the skin with your fingers. |
| To reduce scars and stretch marks | Depending on the area of damage. | - | Apply with massage movements 1 time per day. |
| Against freckles and age spots | 1-2 drops | - | Lubricate 2 times a day. |
| For skin of hands and nails | 1 tablespoon | Flaxseed, sea buckthorn or olive oil 1: 1. | Replace regular cream 1-2 times a week or mix with it 1: 1. |
| For legs | 2 tablespoons | - | Apply to steamed dry skin, put on cotton socks. |
Use in folk recipes
Castor oil is an excellent assistant in the complex treatment of diseases such as arthritis or hemorrhoids. It enhances the action of anthelmintic drugs, relieves cough with bronchitis and reduces inflammation with otitis media and tonsillitis. However, when using home remedies, you must remember that relieving symptoms does not solve the problem. It is important to find out and eliminate the cause of the disease. The doctor will help you choose the right strategy to combat the disease.
| Application area | Amount of drug | Additional ingredients | Mode of application |
|---|---|---|---|
| For constipation | 2 tablespoons | - | Take on an empty stomach. |
| Slag removal | 1 tablespoon |
| Within a week on an empty stomach. |
| Shock slag removal | 1 g per 1 kg of body weight |
| Once on an empty stomach. |
| From helminths | 2 tablespoons | 100-200 grams of pumpkin seeds. | To eat seeds on an empty stomach, drink oil after 1-2 hours. Repeat for several days. |
| For weight loss | Depending on area | For massage - oil of lemon, cedar, grapefruit and lavender 1: 1: 1: 1: 4. | Massage and body wraps 3-4 times a week for a month. For wrapping you need a linen napkin in three layers and cellophane. |
| For arthritis | 3-4 tablespoons | - | Warm compresses for 20-30 minutes. |
| For muscle pain | 1-2 tablespoons | - | Rub massage movements. |
| For headaches | 2-3 drops | - | Apply to the temporal region before bedtime. |
| For colds and bronchitis | 1 tablespoon | For inhalation - 1: 1 eucalyptus oil. | Rub your chest before going to bed and warm yourself to cover. Inhalation is carried out after cleansing the airways of mucus. |
| With hemorrhoids and cracks | 1 tablespoon, for baths 15 drops in 4 l of water | - | Use a cotton swab dipped in oil as needed. |
| For burns, wounds and abrasions | Depending on the area of damage | - | Treat once a day until healing. |
| Anti-dandruff | 1 tablespoon |
| Rub massage movements into the scalp, rinse after half an hour. |
| Against nail fungus | 1 teaspoon | Lemon or tea tree oil 2-3 drops. | Wipe your nails 2 times a day. |
| Against acne | Depending on the area of damage | Olive oil 1: 1 for oily skin and 1: 2 for dry skin. | Apply for several minutes, rubbing with massage movements. Cover with a warm towel. Change it several times. Not suitable for sensitive skin. |
| Against papillomas and warts | 2-3 drops | - | Massage for 15 minutes clockwise. |
| Eye redness | 1-2 drops in each eye | - | Bury 1-2 times a day. |
| With barley | 1 drop | - | Bury once a day. |
| With otitis media | 3 drops in each ear | - | To bury or put on cotton wool. Repeat several times during the day. Unacceptable with purulent otitis media. |
| With angina | 1 teaspoon | Tincture "Rotokan" and a solution of "Lugol" 1: 1: 1. | Lubricate the throat with a gauze cloth 3 times a day. Inevitable gag reflex. |
| To remove the tick | 3-4 drops | - | First, as a grease to remove, then to disinfect the wound. |
Opinions and reviews of doctors and cosmetologists
Doctors urge you to carefully read the contraindications before using ricin oil orally.
Occasional use is approved by specialists, and is even prescribed to empty the intestines before certain procedures and studies.
Alertness is caused by recipes for shock cleansing the body. In addition to toxins and parasites, a castor-rich cocktail can save a person from most of the intestinal microflora and provoke a prolonged disruption of the digestive tract. Before the procedure, consult a gastroenterologist.
Attempting to lose weight by taking ricin on a regular basis can also be harmful, nutritionists say. The effect is short-term. Weight loss after castor is due to the release of the intestines and the release of excess fluid. It does not affect the deposition of fat, but it can disrupt the water-salt balance, cause swelling or dehydration.
The opinions of trichologists regarding the benefits for hair are contradictory. On the one hand, clinical trials have not been conducted, on the other, there is some experience of successful folk use. Castor oil really “awakens” the hair follicles and enhances hair growth, making them beautiful and healthy. Ricin is prescribed as an additional tool in the treatment of scalp from dandruff, dryness, hair loss, not associated with hormonal causes. Ultimately, a lot depends on the individual characteristics of the body.
Dermatologists and cosmetologists advise using hydrogenated oil, not pharmacopeia, for external use. It is important to check the skin reaction to the drug before use, especially in large areas, for example, during massage.
Most reviews emphasize that ricin acts mildly, especially for sensitive and dry skin. Penetrating into the deeper layers, it nourishes and effectively restores cells.
Does an overdose happen and what to do with it
In case of an overdose, castor oil causes persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and, as a result, dehydration of the body. Possible weakness, dizziness, hallucinations, loss of consciousness. Symptoms occur when the daily dosage is exceeded seven times.
The infamous dictator Benito Amilcara Andrea Mussolini used castor to execute opponents of the regime. This is because accidentally poisoning with such dire consequences is impossible.
To eliminate signs of an overdose, first stop taking the substance. Symptomatic therapy is indicated. It is important to immediately make up for the loss of electrolytes by taking a large amount of liquid.
If neurotoxic symptoms occur, an ambulance should be called urgently. In clinical conditions, diazepam is administered intravenously, using specific antidotes - loperamide and atropine sulfate.
Useful information and tips
- Quality oil has a slightly yellowish color, and the more transparent, the better it is cleaned. It is this tool that is sold in pharmacies for medical and cosmetic purposes.
- Castor oil is stored in a cool dark place. Gelatin capsules - up to 2 years, oil in an airtight bottle - up to 5 years. The opened bottle must be tightly corked and stored only in the refrigerator. Shelf life and use of clean oil after opening coincide. A cosmetic product mixed with retsin is stored less than usual.
- Orally can be taken no more than three days in a row.
- Apply to the skin in its natural form or in a mixture with other substances can be no more than a week. After a course of treatment, a break is needed.
- Castor has a faint odor and an unpleasant, glycerin taste. A thick and viscous liquid causes a vomiting reflex when swallowed. To facilitate reception, it is recommended to immediately chew it with dried fruits.
- Calorie content - 899 kcal per 100 grams.
- To wash off the oil from the hair, use a weak solution of vinegar before applying shampoo.
- Despite the fact that it whitens the skin well, it gives the exact opposite effect on the hair. Therefore, blondes should use it with caution.
- Warm milk helps to cleanse your face and hands thoroughly after castor procedures.
- Useful properties used in everyday life to care for leather goods. It restores even the most neglected things and shoes.
The widespread use of proprietary products often makes you forget about the use of simple home recipes. But castor oil remains a sought-after and indispensable product. Castor, like a magic elixir, returns beauty, youth and health.
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