Castor oil has been in medicine bags and beauty routines since the old Egypt was not old – but now it has a big moment on social media. Tikok and Instagram are full of people who swear to remove the skin to increase hair growth, repair flatulence or even remove toxins by pouring it into their belly button.
But do these viral trends have a real science behind it? Experts say it is wise to check the evidence before they beat up something new on their skin or add to their routine.
We asked dermatologists, a specialist for hair restorers and a pharmaceutical researcher to share what castor oil really can do.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a vegetable oil from the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant. For thousands of years it has been used for beauty treatments and as a strong laxative and approved by the FDA for this purpose. It is very thick, has little to no fragrance and is packed with fatty acid called ricinolic acid.
Castor oil in the navel (pull navel)
A trendy use is “navel pulling”, a traditional Ayurvedic practice in which people put castor oil in the navel. Tikok posts claim that it can detoxify the body, improve digestion, make cramps easier, help them to sleep or even alleviate menstrual pain.
However, experts say that this practice has no solid scientific support. “There is no scientific evidence that supports the idea that the use of castor oil on the abdominal button (navel powder) offers systemic health or skin advantages,” said Tia Paul, MD of the board, the dermatologist, which was certified by the board.
“Trendy uses like insertion of castor oil in the navel or the application of castor oil packs on the skin are based on anecdotal claims and have no solid scientific support,” added John-Paul Andersen, Ph.D., pharmacologist.
While the use of a little castor oil on healthy skin is usually a low risk, the doctors warn that it is unlikely that it will provide the dramatic results that are seen online.
Castor oil for hair and skin
People use castor oil in skin care routines as moisture cream, acne or dry skin. It is also a popular addition to hair masks with claims that it can help your hair grow faster, look more brilliant and prevent a break. Some people say that they penetrate the oil on eyebrows and eyelashes and they look thicker and grow faster.
This is the good thing: Castor oil contains ricinolic acid that can help keep moisture and possibly have slight anti -inflammatory properties, said Paul. This can make it comforting for dry, rough skin. “However, there is no large -scale clinical research work that shows what improves chronic skin diseases or offers long -term advantages,” she added.
Paul also noticed that it can clog pores, especially in oily or acne -tended skin. But if you have skin on the drier side, the dermatologist Janet Vafaie, MD, Faad, certified by the board, said it could be worth trying it. “Castor oil is ideal for dry skin and cuticles, as it seals them in moisture and are sealed like a protective barrier.” Simply stick to small quantities and avoid your face, she said because his thickness can lead to clogged pores.
Castor oil for hair growth and scalp use
Do you hope for longer, thicker hair? Experts say they should manage their expectations. “There is no high-quality clinical data that show that castor oil promotes hair growth in the way people say online,” said Ross Kopelman, specialist for hair food restaurants, “that does not mean that it is useless-but it is definitely not a Miracle solution.”
While castor oil can seal dry hair and moisture, prevent or thin out hair thinning or reversal of the hair. “Castor oil is more of a moisture settler than a magical growth solution,” said Vafaie.
But be careful how you use castor oil on your scalp. “Castor oil is very thick and occlusive, which means that it can catch bacteria or clog hair follicles if it is used too often or stays too long,” warned Kopelman. “I treated patients who developed folliculitis [inflamed, pimple-like bumps on the scalp] of overuse. “
He suggested that only a small amount to use, test how her scalp reacts and washed it out well.
Casting oil packs and pain relief claims
Another popular trend is to use castor oil packs, soak a cloth into the oil and put it on the skin to relieve cramps, joint pain or inflammation. Wellness blogs and influencer videos often claim anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial advantages, but do not provide many evidence.
Experts say that this is because there is not much science to support these claims. “Most evidence of the anti-inflammatory advantages of Castor Oil come from small animal or laboratory studies and anecdotal reports, so that these claims are not clearly demonstrated in humans,” said Andersen.
He added that castor oil has some mild antimicrobial properties, but should not replace any medical treatments.
Castor oil for constipation
The role of Castor Oil as a laxative is the role of research that is most supported by research. It is approved by the FDA as a stimulating laxative for occasional constipation. “Ricinolic acid, the main active ingredient of the castor oil, is broken and activated in the intestine and activates prostaglandin receptors, whereby intestinal muscles contract and push the stool out,” said Andersen.
It works well, but experts warn that it is best used for short -term relief under medical supervision, since it can cause cramps, diarrhea and dehydration. And if you are pregnant, avoid it as a whole because it can trigger uterine contractions.
Should you use castor oil?
Casting oil has some proven usage purposes, e.g. B. the relief occasionally constipation and the support of moisture of dry skin. But many of the Buzzy claims online have no solid science behind it.
Our experts all agree: Before using castor oil on your body or in your wellness routine, speak to a health service provider (HCP). “It is very important to search for medical advice before casting oil is used for health purposes,” said Andersen.
Your HCP can help you find out whether castor oil is suitable for you and suggest products that are more secure or more efficient.
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