Miracle worker and game changer were the words I kept hearing from friends who rang to see how my knees were going. Everyone had a story to share.

25 years of rep team netball had finally caught up on me. I was in agony. Black from thigh to ankle. Not able to sit or stand for weeks without screaming. I couldn’t bend or straighten my legs or let the knees touch each other or even a sheet lay on them. I laid on the lounge in and out of sleep for 5 weeks. Pain killers did next to nothing. Then 3 phone calls in a row suggested I try castor oil.
Funny how life works. I had bought a litre bottle of organic castor oil before my trip and it was still on the coffee table staring me in the face. Like life the answers are always right in front of us.
When I woke in agony at 1 am the next morning I took more pain killers but decided to give it a go. I massaged in the oil for 10 minutes and then added another thick layer of oil. I then glad wrapped my legs so the oil would penetrate deeper, sweat and not dirty the sheets. By 2am I was able to go to bed.
I woke at 10am the next morning. Got up, went to the toilet and checked the time on my phone.
Then I realised. OMG I slept through for 8 hours. The first time in 2 1/2 months. Omg I walked without pain. The next OMG was I could sit on the toilet without screaming. 95% of the pain was gone over night.
So then I was on a mission to find out why it worked and what it worked for. The stories kept coming from my clients. Some used it for joint and arthritis pain and inflammation. Others put it in their belly button for a range of digestive and bowel functions and to reduce belly fat. Others put it on the eye lids for cataracts or dry eye or to make their eyelashes grow. Others for dandruff and grow hair.
Why I think it worked so quickly is that Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has been shown to stimulate the immune system and increase the production of white blood cells to the site where it is applied. Castor oil can penetrate the epidermis within 15-30 minutes, reaching the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. With continued application, castor oil can penetrate into the dermis, reaching a depth of around 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 inches) within 1-2 hours. The hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue):, which is the layer of loose connective tissue beneath the dermis, within 4-6 hours. And although it was a wonderful find because it is the deepest penetrating oil you have to be careful what you add to it and for contraindications with medicines.
I would love to hear your Castor Oil stories.
Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, beauty and skincare routines, and even as a food ingredient.
Here are some of the reasons why castor oil is considered so beneficial:
Rich in antioxidants: Castor oil contains a high amount of antioxidants, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm irritated skin, making it an excellent treatment for acne, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Moisturizing and hydrating: Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which helps to lock in moisture and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and hydrated.
Antifungal and antibacterial properties: Castor oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it effective against fungal infections like ringworm and athlete's foot, as well as bacterial infections like acne and impetigo.
Wound Healing: Castor oil has antimicrobial properties that can help to promote wound healing by reducing the risk of infection and promoting tissue repair.
Natural pain relief: Castor oil can be used topically to relieve pain and reduce inflammation when applied to affected areas. It's often used to treat conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and menstrual cramps.
Supports hair growth: Massaging castor oil into the scalp can stimulate hair growth, improve circulation, and reduce dandruff.
Supports digestive health: Castor oil has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties..
Antiviral properties: Castor oil has antiviral properties, which can help combat viral infections like herpes simplex and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Eye Health: Castor oil can help to soothe dry, itchy eyes and reduce the risk of eye infections due to its antimicrobial properties.
Natural preservative: Castor oil has been used as a natural preservative in food products due to its antimicrobial properties.
Multi-purpose uses: Castor oil can be used for a variety of purposes, from cooking to skincare, haircare to medicinal uses.
Cautions of Castor Oil:
Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to castor oil, which can cause skin irritation, itching, or hives.
Toxicity: Consuming large amounts of castor oil can be toxic due to the ricinoleic acid content, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even death in severe cases.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While castor oil is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, excessive consumption or use on the skin may cause complications or interact with certain medications.
Interaction with Medications: Castor oil may interact with certain medications such as blood thinners, diabetes medications, and blood pressure medications, which can lead to adverse effects.
High Risk of Rectal Absorption: When used rectally, castor oil can be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, which may cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
Not Suitable for Infants: Castor oil is not recommended for infants under 6 months old due to its high ricinoleic acid content, which can cause respiratory distress.
Not Suitable for Certain Skin Conditions: Castor oil may not be suitable for individuals with certain skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, or eczema due to its comedogenic properties.
Quality Control Issues: Some castor oils may not be refined or processed properly, which can lead to contamination or adulteration.
To use castor oil effectively:
Always choose cold-pressed or expeller-pressed castor oil to ensure you're getting a high-quality product.
Start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed.
Apply topically to affected areas or massage into skin/hair/scalp as directed.
Consult with a healthcare professional before using castor oil for medicinal purposes.
NB: Remember to always perform a patch test before using castor oil on your skin or hair to ensure you don't have any sensitivity or allergic reactions.
It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using castor oil for medicinal purposes, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications. Always choose high-quality castor oil from a reputable source and follow proper usage guidelines to minimize potential risks and maximize benefits.
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