Castor bean has become very popular among members of the natural hair community who use its oil to stimulate hair growth. However, the oils of the vegetable can be used to do so much more.

Known to the scientific community as Ricinus communis, castor oil is a multi-purpose vegetable oil with several health benefits that has fpr years been used all across the globe.

As far back as ancient Egypt, people would use castor oil to fuel lamps, heal wounds and stimulate labour in pregnancy.

In modern times, the oil from these beans is often used in foods, medications, skin and hair care products.

Here are four benefits of castor oil that you may not have known.

1. Stimulative Laxative

Within the medical community, castor oil is known as a powerful natural laxative that aids in constipation.

It is particularly known as a stimulative laxative, meaning it increases the movement of muscles that push material through the intestines, helping clear the bowels.

Upon discovering this fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the oil to aid in the relief of occasional constipation.

Although it can be used to relieve occasional constipation, castor oil is not recommended as a treatment for long-term health concerns.

Castor oil should also only be consumed in small doses as larger amounts can cause abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

2. Natural Moisturiser

It is common knowledge within the natural hair community that castor oil can be used to moisturise the scalp, but it can also be used to moisturise the skin.

The vegetable beans are rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that retains moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin.

As such, manufacturers often use it in lotions, moisturisers and makeup products to promote hydration.

So, if you ever run out of lotion or are looking for a natural moisturiser, castor oil can be an adequate replacement.

The recommended way to use castor oil on the skin is to dilute it with other oils such as coconut oil and apply it to the skin.

3. Wound Healing

As previously mentioned, castor oil can also be used to heal wounds.

Applying castor oil to wounds creates a moist environment that may help promote healing and prevent sores from drying out.

It can also be found in popular ointments such as Venelex that is used to treat wounds.

The fatty acids found in castor oil also have anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties that can support healing.

4. Acne prevention

The fatty acids contained in the bean can promote the growth of healthy skin tissue, making it helpful in restoring uneven skin tones.

Castor oil also has a low comedogenic score, meaning it is less likely to clog your pores and create black heads.

The ricinoleic acid can inhibit growth in the bacteria that cause acne as well as reduce inflammation.

The oil can also be used to give you a smooth skin texture.