Evidence supporting the use of: Castor Oil
For the health condition: Bruises (prevention)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Castor oil has been used traditionally in various cultures as a topical remedy for bruises, swelling, and minor injuries. The oil is derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant and is known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. Folk medicine practices often recommend applying castor oil directly to bruised areas with the belief that it can speed up healing, reduce discoloration, and decrease swelling. The oil’s thick consistency may also provide a barrier, protecting injured skin from further irritation.

However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. While castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has demonstrated some anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory settings, there is a lack of rigorous clinical studies directly supporting its effectiveness for bruise prevention or treatment. Most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional knowledge rather than systematic research. Therefore, while castor oil is widely used for this purpose in traditional medicine, current scientific evidence does not robustly support its use for bruises.

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Products containing Castor Oil

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