How To Use Castor Oil For Eczema?

Castor oil has been used for decades as multi-purpose vegetable oil. Besides being used as vegetable oil, it's a popular natural beauty treatment and remedies for plenty of conditions. Usually, Castor oil is made from Castor seeds from the Ricinus communis plant. Although the ricin enzyme in Castor oil is toxic, the heating process the oil undergoes deactivates it, therefore, making it safe for use. While Castor oil has numerous applications, today, we will discuss how we can use Castor oil for eczema.

Usually, Eczema is a condition of the skin where the top layer of the skin lacks enough moisture to hydrate your skin well. Additionally, the skin is unable to ward off irritants, allergens, and bacteria, among other substances that cause aggravation. The good news is that there are plenty of essential oils that have been used for centuries to treat and manage a variety of skin ailments. Castor oil for eczema is among the best oil that can help you rejuvenate and repair the skin’s natural barrier in Eczema patients.

Types of Castor Oils

Generally, there are 3 major types of Castor oil that many people use for skin ailments. They include;

1. Cold-pressed Castor Oil

It's made by cold-pressing the Castor seeds to form oil. It's pale yellow. Many people like this type of oil because they believe that heating the seeds for extraction reduces its healing properties.

2. Hydrogenated Castor Oil

It's brittle and doesn't dissolve in water. It's mostly used in cosmetics and personal care products.

3. Black Castor Oil

It's formed by roasting the beans to extract black oil before pressing them.

Commonly, Castor oil is used as an additive in medications, foods, skincare products, industrial lubricants, and biodiesel fuel components, among other uses.

In ancient Egypt, Castor oil was used as a natural remedy for various conditions such as eye irritation, skin ailments, and as a labor stimulant for pregnancy women. Additionally, it was used as fuel in lamps. Castor oil can also be used to treat constipation and inflammation for patients with psoriasis condition and castor oil for eczema has amazing health benefits.

How To Use Castor Oil For Eczema?

Many people who use Castor oil for eczema tend to apply it directly to their skin using cotton wool. Since the oil is not readily absorbed by the skin, it's better to apply the oil before going to bed and allow it to rest on the skin throughout the night. You can then rinse it off in the morning using warm water. Remember to apply a moisturizer to prevent the skin from drying up.

Another way to use Castor oil for eczema is to dilute it with another essential oil such as olive and coconut oil. Besides adding more benefits to the skin, the mixture will be absorbed by the skin much faster. You can also use Castor oil like vegetable oil or add it directly to salads.

Why Is Castor Oil Good For Eczema?

While Castor oil is good for Eczema, you shouldn't use it entirely on its own to treat Eczema. However, it's an excellent home remedy that can manage the condition by reducing the symptoms of Eczema, such as pain and inflammation. Also, make sure to consult with your doctor before using Castor oil, especially if you are taking any medication. It may interact negatively with medication, which is not good. Here are a few properties of Castor oil benefits Eczema;

1. Ricinoleic Acid

This component is active and has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to manage and relieve pain

2. Undecylenic Acid

Undecylenic acid present in the oil helps to reduce warts infections fungi and bacteria. It also has healing abilities for inflammation conditions.

3. Fatty Acids

Restores and locks moisture over your skin and helps to reduce irritations. Helps to lighten the appearance of eczema flare-ups

4. Assorted Nutrients

Enhances collagen production, therefore, making the skin hydrated and supple

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Hydrates an itchy skin and stimulates healthy tissue growth.

6. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is rich in antioxidants, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that promote the repair of damaged skin.

7. Astringent Properties

Removes dirt from the skin pores, therefore, preventing acne breakout.

Side Effects And Risks Of Castor Oil For Eczema

According to studies, Castor oil is 100 % safe for use. However, because of the difference in skin sensitivity, some people can experience some allergic reactions. In case of such a situation, make sure that you seek immediate medical attention. Some symptoms of allergic reactions include;

• Itching
• Hives
• Skin rashes
• Swelling
• Skin burning

To be safe, just try the oil on a particular area and determine whether there is any negative reaction. In case of any negative reaction, then don't use it. You can talk to your doctor to suggest a good alternative. Additionally, there are other effective essential oils for eczema and psoriasis that you can use. They include;

• Coconut oil
• Olive oil
• Clove oil
• Hemp seed oil - Are mild enough and rarely cause itching or irritation even on sensitive skin

Remember that too much of anything is not good. Too much of Castor oil, especially if you are ingesting it can cause dehydration and diarrhea. Also, pregnant women should consult with the doctor before ingesting Castor oil, or you can opt to massage your skin with tee oil.

[Also Read: Essential oils for psoriasis]

What Can Worsen Or Trigger The Eczema Condition?

• Food allergies
• Skin and chest infections
• Medications for some conditions such as heart problems, malaria, and high blood pressure
• Nutrients deficiencies
• Skin damage from scratching, insect bites, or extreme weather exposure such as strong wind or sun
• Excessive intake of alcohol
• Smoking
• Stress

How To Make Castor Oil Packs

Ingredients

• Wool cloth
• External healing source such as hot water bottle
• Castor oil
• A towel

Procedure

• Soak the wool cloth in Castor oil and place it on the affected area. Alternatively, you can apply the oil directly on the skin and then place the wool over the oily skin
• Use the towel to prevent oil from ruining your clothes
• Place the hot water bottle on top of the wool cloth. It allows the oil to be absorbed by the skin easily
• Allow it to rest for about 20 to 30 minutes
• Remove the Castor oil pack and clean the skin with mild water
• Apply a moisturizer to prevent skin drying

An excellent ingredient worth adding to the pack would be raw honey. It has cleansing and moisturizing properties and is a common ingredient for treating eczema.

Conclusion

Castor oil is a natural and safe home remedy for both treatment and prevention of skin ailments such as eczema. It's readily available in local stores near you as well as in online stores. It’s best that you use natural Castor oil for eczema so that you can take advantage of all its healing components. Remember, don't use Castor oil as a treatment for eczema, talk with your doctor for proper medications. Castor oil is just meant to prevent and reduce the effects of the eczema condition.