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Health Benefits of Castor Seed And Its Side Effects

Last Updated: Sep 02, 2020

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Castor seed, obtained from the castor plant, is one of the few medicinal plants the use of which can be traced back throughout human history across different civilizations. One of the most common forms of usage of castor seeds is the castor seed oil, which is carefully extracted from the seeds while ensuring that the poisonous elements of the plant are kept away.

Castor seed has a vast number of applications and benefits with the chief among them being treatment of muscle and joint problems like rheumatism and arthritis. Other amazing benefits of castor seeds oil include relieving menstrual pain, improvement of skin tone and texture, being a great remedy for bruises and wounds and much more. By using castor seeds for the different ailments and problems, you will see wonderful effects in remarkably short durations.

What is Castor Seed?

For centuries, castor seeds have been used as one of the chief ingredients in a wide variety of medicines. Although castor seed is most commonly viewed as a remedy for rheumatism and arthritis, its benefits are far-ranging and the seed is used as commonly for cosmetics as it is used to treat common ailments.

Castor seeds are obtained from the castor plant, which is scientifically known as Ricinus Communis. Castor 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 are found to be rich in oleic acids, ricinoleic acids, and linoleic acids among other fatty acids that are extremely beneficial for a person’s health. Apart from the fatty acids, castor seeds are also rich in proteins, carbohydrates and calcium.

Nutritional Value of Castor Seed per 100gm

Let check out castor seed nutritional value per 100 grams, there are about 310 kilo calories, which are mostly a result of the fatty acids. Total fat present in castor seeds is 5.8 grams per 100 grams. Castor seeds have 65.37 grams of carbohydrates in 100 grams.

The protein content in every 100 grams of castor seeds the protein content is about 11.5 grams. Castor seeds also have 110 grams of calcium and 95 grams of iron present in every 100 grams.

Nutritional facts Per 100 Grams in Castor Seed

310
Calories
5.8 g
Total Fat
65.37 g
Total Carbohydrate
11.5 g
Protein

Vitamins and Minerals in Castor Seed

110 g
Calcium
95 g
Iron

Health Benefits of Castor Seed

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Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Castor Seed. You can use black castor oil for cooking purposes. Even you use castor seed for different medicinal purposes. It is used for hair care, face, skin care acne, constipation etc. It has Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Moisturizing and Hydration properties.

Castor seed helps to treat rheumatism

Rheumatism is a broad term used for joint and muscle diseases, which can cause chronic ailments in the human body. Oleic acids, ricinoleic acids, linoleic acids, and other fatty acids are found in rich quantities in castor seeds, all of whom are extremely effective in treating ailments related to rheumatism.

Castor seeds are also really effective in treating gout, a specific condition off rheumatism which can cause pain, burning sensation and sudden swelling up of joints.

Castor seed benefits for new mothers

The benefits of castor seeds begin right at the labor stage, with castor seeds and castor oil being 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.

In such cases, using castor oil can prove extremely helpful. After the birth of the child, one of the most important aspects is feeding the child. Castor seeds can be great to stimulate the lactation process if the mother is facing difficulties in the same.

Galactagogue properties are induced in castor seeds thanks to their emmenagogue nature, making the seeds perfect for stimulating the secretion of milk. Castor oil improves the quality of milk while easing the flow of milk. The high amount of healthy fatty acids in castor seeds ensures that there is a normal supply of the milk in new mothers and that this milk quantity can keep increasing as the child grows.

Castor seed helps in birth control

From helping in birth to preventing a pregnancy, castor seeds cover the entire spectrum. As discussed earlier, castor seeds contain trace amounts of toxic protein ricin. This protein, used in very small dosages, can be tremendously effective for birth control.

The fact that castor oil is equal in effects to germicidal substances makes it a great ingredient for spermicidal lotions, gels, and creams.

Castor Seed good for skin care

One of the biggest benefits of castor seeds and castor oil is their effectiveness in fighting skin-related ailments. Application of castor seed oil helps in fighting acne, stretch marks, dryness and sunburn among other things. Castor seed oil is one of the most vastly use ingredients for skin creams across the world that claim to treat stretch marks.

Equally effective is the use of castor seeds for treating skin infections and issues like yeast and fungal infections, warts and many more.

Castor seed oil also works great as a skin moisturizer. Being rich in fatty acids, this oil can penetrate your skin with ease, providing quick relief from dryness and cracked skin. Being odorless adds to its advantages as you don’t have to tolerate any strange smell once you apply this to your face.

Castor Seed helps in reducing menstrual pain

. The ricinoleic acid found in castor seeds eases the flow of menstruation and relieves the extreme pain along with the cramps. At the time of menstruation, a lot of women suffer from abdominal cramps and high amounts of pain. Some even suffer from obstructed and delayed menstruation.

Excessive bleeding can also make women anemic, which in turn can lead to depression and insomnia

Castor seed reduce arthritis pain

Arthritis is known to be a highly painful disease for bones and joints, and in some of the severe cases, patients can also suffer from limited movements or disability. The extreme levels of pain caused due to arthritis can be alleviated considerably by regular use of castor seed oil, massaging it onto the affected areas.

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

Castor seed treats Constipation

Castor seeds have long been known to be a highly effective remedy for constipation. Castor seed oil acts as a great laxative and makes bowel movements easier in case someone is suffering from constipation. Just one teaspoon of castor seed oil in the morning makes for a beneficial home remedy.

One can take the teaspoon of Castor seed oil with juice as well to avoid the bitter taste. However, you should be very careful in the use of castor seeds for laxatives and avoid use for more than three days in order to prevent symptoms of diarrhea.

Effective antimicrobial properties of castor seed

All kinds of fungal infections, scratches, cuts and bruises can be treated by using castor seeds. Castor seed oil is widely used as a treatment for relief from pain and itching in first kids. External bruises and deep wounds can be treated quite effectively by using castor seed oil.

Castor seed oil for hair growth

Apart from the numerous health benefits, castor seeds work like a charm to promote hair growth. Castor seed oil forms an essential part of a large number of hair care products.

The Castor seed nourishes the hair from the roots and makes them strong while enhancing the growth. Castor seeds are also a remedy for treating split ends and controlling hair breakage problem. For people who want thicker and darker eyebrows, castor seed oil can help them a lot. The use of castor seed oil can also help enhance the thickness of your eyelashes.

Castor seed removes ringworm

Once it affects the body, ringworm can be extremely difficult to get rid of. Ringworms can even lead to chronic conditions if not treated properly. The undecylenic acid present in castor seeds treats ringworms effectively and helps you get rid of them with ease.

Castor seed helps in draining excessive fluids

Castor seed oil packs can be used to get rid of excessive liquid from your lungs and liver. It acts as a fast agent and you can feel the benefits within an hour of use.

Uses of Castor Seed

The most common form of usage of castor seeds is the castor seed oil. Castor oil is used for a large number of ailments, medicines, cosmetic products and so much more. It is widely used in hair care products and skin creams to promote a number of benefits. Castor seeds are also used in antimicrobial creams due to their medicinal properties.

You can use castor seed oil for a number of muscle and joint related ailments by simply massaging the oil on the affected areas. It is especially useful for nursing mothers who are having trouble lactating.

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Side-Effects & Allergies of Castor Seed

Excessive use of castor seed oil during pregnancy can lead to abortion. For nursing mothers, while the oil helps in improving lactation, excessive use of the oil can adversely affect the baby. When using castor seeds as laxatives, one should always use it in moderation to avoid diarrhea.

Castor seeds should always be used after removing the outer covering properly in order to avoid the highly toxic protein, ricin. Excessive use of castor oil on the skin can turn skin red in some cases and if so, the use should be stopped immediately. Also, you should avoid using castor seed oils if you have blocked intestines or unexplained stomach pain.

Cultivation of Castor Seed

The origins of the plant can be found in East Africa. Over the years, the Indian Subcontinent and the Mediterranean Sea are found to be the two extensive sources of the castor plant.

References

Popular Questions & Answers

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    Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
    Reviewed By
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    Reviewed ByDt. Ms. Shilpa MarwahB.Sc (Home Science), Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health NutritionDietitian/Nutritionist
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