“And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah,
that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief.
So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.”
Jonah 4:6
It is generally believed that the fast-growing plant in the fourth chapter of Jonah is the castor oil plant, the ricinus communis. This flowering shrub makes beautiful seeds that look a bit like ticks. The oil extracted from the seeds has many beneficial effects. This explains why the oil is called miracle oil in Dutch. The common English name is castor oil.
What is it and how does it work
Castor oil is a vegetable oil, which is very viscous. The castor oil is high in ricinoleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid. Studies suggest that many of castor oil's health benefits are due to its chemical composition.
When used externally, the oil can penetrate deep into the tissues through the skin and do its medicinal work there. Castor oil has the following effects, among others:
● antimicrobial (it kills bacteria and viruses)
● antioxidant
● anti-inflammatory
For thousands of years, castor oil has been used for its medicinal properties. The ancient Egyptians would use it in liniments and internally as a laxative.
When to use
Castor oil can be used for a wide range of conditions. Some examples of this are:
1. Various skin problems, such as dry, irritated skin and acne.
2. Inflammation of the eyelids, blepharitis,[iii] our own experience shows that it is also very effective with a stye (hordeolum).
3. Arthritis (osteoarthritis), joint inflammation, bunion
4. Constipation
5. Induce labor
How to use
Castor oil can be used both externally and internally. How you use castor oil depends on the desired application.
Externally, the oil can be applied to the desired area and gently massaged in.
As an oil cleansing for the face, castor oil is often mixed with other oils. After applying the oil mixture, leave it on for 10 minutes, then wash it off with a cloth soaked in warm water.
Around the eye it is advisable to dip a cotton swab in the oil and apply it to the outside of the eyelid. This can be done 2 to 3 times a day as long as it is necessary.
Sometimes it is desirable to apply castor oil for a longer, for example during the night. Then it is useful to make a compress with castor oil. This is easily done by folding a piece of cloth, for example flannel, several times to the required size, with the compress being several layers thick. Pour some of the thick, viscous oil onto the compress and give it some time to soak in. Place the compress with the oily side to the skin. If necessary, cover the compress with plastic to protect clothing or bedding from stains. Secure the compress with a plaster or a bandage. The compress can easily be reused several times. Before the next use, add some new castor oil.
To stimulate the intestinal function, the castor oil can be applied externally by means of a compress, as just described.[iv] But the oil can also be used internally to promote the flow of the intestines. Then you drink 1-2 tablespoons of the castor oil or use 60-90 ml as an enema.
It is not recommended to use castor oil during pregnancy. It helps the uterus contract, which can initiate labor. Between 40 and 41 weeks, the oil could be used to induce labor.[v] Never use this oil without consultation with and permission from your attending obstetrician or gynaecologist.
Warnings and Disclaimer
The information on this website is educational and general in nature. The blogs on this site are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, personal advice or treatment from a qualified health care professional.
Before use, especially if you want to use the castor oil internally or if you have chronic complaints, discuss with your practitioner whether castor oil is a good option for you.
In general, castor oil is safe to use and has very few side effects.
Preferably use cold-pressed, 100% pure castor oil.
Sources
[i] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084706/
[ii] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19288533/
[iii] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32422285
[iv] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21168117/
[v] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36275342/
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