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Benefits and Side Effects of Castor Seed Oil

June 20, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Castor beans
Castor beans

Castor seed oil is derived from the seed of castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). Many people all over the world use castor oil for its many health benefits. Castor oil however, also has several side effects that many users should be aware of.

Ricinus communis can naturally be found all over the tropics, but it originated from India, Eastern Africa and the South Eastern Mediterranean. It is easily cultivated and can grow to tree-like size. The seed contains a large percentage of oil (40-60%) that contains numerous triglycerides, particularly the compound ricinolein. It is this compound that is responsible for castor oil’s potency as a laxative.

Health Benefits

Castor oil has many health benefits. Cold pressed castor oil has traditionally been used as a skin application to treat rashes, eczema, wounds, and burns. When used on the skin, it can also improve texture and conditioning. It can also reduce outbreaks of acne and pimples. To apply for this use, simply dab a piece of cotton or cloth containing a few drops of castor oil into the area to be treated.

Castor seed oils can also be used to massage swollen joints and tendons, reducing swelling and easing pain. A castor oil wrap can be made by treating a piece of cloth with castor oil, and placing a plastic wrap over it. It can be placed over a tender region, especially sore muscles and arthritic joints. A heat source (warm bottle of water or a heating pad is then placed over the wrap to maximize the effect.

Castor oil has been used in Italy during Mussolini’s fascist regime to induce diarrhea as a form of torture. It can, in moderate amounts, be a very effective laxative. A teaspoon of castor oil taken with lukewarm milk, ginger juice or orange juice can purge the body of toxins and intestinal parasites.  The effect starts an hour after taking the concoction. The effect may be unpredictable and can sometimes cause abdominal pain.

Abdominal cramps and headaches can be alleviated by rubbing the oil on the affected area.

Castor oil can be rubbed on the sides of the nose, under the eyes and behind the ears to relieve sinusitis.

A small portion rubbed into the breasts of a lactating woman is traditionally believed to improve the quantity of milk produced.

Applied to hair and scalp, castor oil effectively reduces dandruff and improves hair growth and luster. It can also reduce hair loss.

Applied to fungal infections like athlete’s foot, castor oil is an effective remedy.

Side Effects

The health benefits of castor oil are numerous; however, ingesting castor oil can also lead to several side effects. Castor oil contains the toxic compound ricin which can cause death when ingested in high amounts. Moderately high doses of ingested castor oil exaggerate its laxative effects, causing extreme diarrhea and vomiting. Use of castor oil in persons with intestinal infections or inflammations would further complicate the illness. Pregnant women should take very special care when using castor oil, since it can lead to abortions or premature births. Children should also never take castor oil since it is easy for them to overdose, leading to death. People with kidney disorders should also avoid using castor oil.

Castor oil is highly effective for a number of illnesses. The myriad uses of castor oil makes having a bottle handy in every household a good idea. However, bottles of castor oil should always be kept out of reach of children. Correct castor oil dosage should be followed since it also contains a very potent toxic substance. Proper care should always be used when ingesting castor oil, preferably under a physician’s or herbalist’s guidance.

References

  • Wedin, G.P., Neal, J.S., Everson, G.W., and Krenzelok, E.P. (1986). Castor bean poisoning. Am J Emerg Med.
  • Fae, Rita (2007) The benefits of Castor Oil retrieved from http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Alternative-Therapies/Supplements/The_Benefits_Of_Castor_Oil.aspx

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Health Tagged With: castor seed oil, essential oil, health benefits

Citronella Oil: Uses in Aromatherapy

June 19, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Citronella grass
Citronella grass

Aromatherapy utilizes airborne compounds and odors made by heating an oil or substance for a variety of purposes. Citronella oil is derived from plants of the genus Cymbopogan. There are two species that serve as a source of citronella oil, Cymbopogan nardus (Ceylon type) and Cymbopogan winterianus (Java type or maha pengri). They are cultivated in several countries including Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Africa, Vietnam, Central and parts of South America for use in aromatherapy. The oil is obtained via steam distillation from fresh to partly dry blades of the grass. The plant itself is known as a natural insect repellant and extracts were used as a natural spray for crops. It can repel mosquitoes, ants, moths, flies, and fleas.

Citronella oil is composed of different compounds depending on the species used. Cymbopogan nardus contains geraniol, limonene, citronellal, citronellol and methyl isoeugenol. Cympbopogan winterianus contains higher percentages of geraniol and citronellal.

Citronella oil can be applied topically to wound to hasten healing and prevent infections. It can be drunk diluted to water to cleanse the digestive system and can act as a diuretic to induce urination. Drinking it as a tonic could also help expel intestinal worms and other parasites. Application of the oil in the scalp and skin would get rid of body lice and fleas as well as repelling mosquitoes for up to an hour. Used on the face, it can help to tighten the pores and shield against bacteria. Applied to the underarms, it can be a refreshing alternative to commercial deodorants.The oil is used in aromatherapy to aid in the remedy of various illnesses as well as to prevent the onset of disease. It is similar in odor to citrus but less heavy. It is sometimes used to mask strong odors around the house or inside a particular room. Inhaling the fragrance made by citronella oil can improve resistance to common flu, cough and colds. It can clear a room of insects particularly mosquitoes and flies while imbuing the room with a pleasant odor. Smelling citronella oil can also boost the immune system as well as improving blood circulation. It produces a feeling of warmth and vigor to most users.

Experiencing aromatherapy using citronella oil would help against infections, both fungal and bacterial. It can also help improve the digestive process. The fragrance of citronella oil helps ease away stress and improve one’s mood. Inhaling the fragrance can also ease chest congestion.

For women with irregular periods or for those who experience menstrual cramps, citronella oil can ease the pain of severe menstruation while regulating the periodicity of the menstruation cycle (emmenagogue).

Citronella essential oil can be combined with other essential oils like lemon, Scotch pine and geranium to achieve the desired fragrance and to make a remedy for a particular illness. Cedar wood, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils would also blend well with citronella oil.

The oil itself can be used to massage sore areas, like joints and muscles to relieve swelling and ease pain. It can protect against skin infections from both fungi and microbes.

Citronella oil has many health benefits, especially when used in aromatherapy. Cheap, easy to obtain and versatile, citronella oil is a very good choice when it comes to aromatherapy. Its various other uses make it a beneficial asset in any household. Having a handy bottle of citronella oil will clear your house of pesky insects, while imbuing it with a wholesome fragrance that will certainly uplift spirits. If you’re looking to star an aromatherapy experience, citronella oil is a good one to start since it can accommodate various other oils.

References

  • Falsetto, Sharon (2009) Citronella Essential Oil: The properties and use of Citronella Essential oil in aromatherapy; retrieved from http://www.suite101.com/content/citronella-essential-oil-a98528
  • Lawless, Julia (1995). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils UK.  Thorsons
  • Mukherjee, Aparup. The health benefits of Citronella essential Oil. Retrieved from http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-citronella-essential-oil.html

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Health Tagged With: aromatherapy, citronella oil, essential oil, lemon grass

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