Castor oil contains quercetin, which is an iron chelator.
Another “hot” item in the health and wellness world today? Castor oil.
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Castor oil is used for many things, usually topical, including:
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〰️Detoxification
〰️Constipation
〰️Dry skin
〰️Wound healing
〰️Acne
〰️Scalp treatment
〰️Antifungal agent
〰️Anti-inflammatory agent
〰️Labor induction
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Castor oil is primarily a monounsaturated fat (MUFA) made from the castor beans of the ricinus communis plant and contains many bioactive phytochemicals. It’s probably most well-known for the anti-inflammatory properties of its ricinoleic acid. But in my opinion, it has one compound that’s even more beneficial: quercetin.
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Quercetin, is one of the natural flavonoids found in foods including fruits, teas and vegetables. But one of my favorite things about it is its effect on iron.
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Other than its ability to scavenge free radicals and protect against lipid peroxidation, quercetin has been shown to remove iron safely out of the body, decrease iron absorption and combat inflammation in the body — all without having adverse effects on other potential mineral deficiencies.
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That’s some pretty awesome stuff right there.
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It’s important to note that castor oil is not recommended if you are pregnant, as it can induce labor (detoxification during this time is also not recommended).
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I use castor oil packs therapeutically with certain clients. Due to its effectiveness in detoxification, they can help with a wide variety of things including shifting mineral and hormonal balance in the right direction.
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Do you use castor oil? And if so, how do you use it?
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Not medical advice.
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Abdul, W.M. Hajrah, N.H. Sabir, J.S.M. Al-Garni, S.M. Sabir, M.J. Kabli, S.A. Saini, K.S. Bora, R.S. (2018). Therapeutic role of Ricinus communis L. and its bioactive compounds in disease prevention and treatment. Retrieved from: https://www.apjtm.org/article.asp?issn=1995-7645;year=2018;volume=11;issue=3;spage=177;epage=185;aulast=Abdul.
Anantha, D.A. Deviramb, G. Mahalakshmic, V. (2019). Phytochemical composition and antioxidant characteristics of traditional cold pressed seed oils in South India. Retrieved from: http://website60s.com/upload/files/1587008686_184_76.pdf.
El-Sheikh, A.A. Ameen, S.H. Salah, S. (2018). Ameliorating Iron Overload in Intestinal Tissue of Adult Male Rats: Quercetin vs Deferoxamine. Retrieved from: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jt/2018/8023840/.
Gandhi, B. (2018). Castor Oil: Here's How It Can Help With Your Hair, Skin & Digestion. Retrieved from: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/castor-oil-health-benefits.
Hatcher, H.C. Singh, R.N. Torti, F.M. Torti, S.V. (2009). Synthetic and natural iron chelators: therapeutic potential and clinical use. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3821171/.
Hezaveh, Z.S. Shidfar, F. (2019). Hydrophilic Phytochelators in Iron Overload Condition. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332800681_Hydrophilic_Phytochelators_in_Iron_Overload_Condition.
Kuabal, J. (2018). Benefits and Uses of Castor Oil. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/castor-oil.
Leopoldini, M. Russo, N. Chiodo, S. Toscano, M. (2006). Retrieved from: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf060986h.
Lesjak, M. Hoque, R. Balesaria, S. Skinner, V. Debnam, E.S. Srai, S.K.S. Sharp, P.A. (2014). Quercetin Inhibits Intestinal Iron Absorption and Ferroportin Transporter Expression In Vivo and In Vitro. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4109952/.
Li, L. (2013). The New Mainstream Uses of Castor Oil You Don't Know About. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-new-mainstream-uses-of-castor-oil-you-dont-know-about-218825761.html#:~:text=It%20contains%20omega%206%20essential,promotes%20the%20retention%20of%20moisture.
Moon, J. (2008). Iron, the Most Toxic Metal. Chico, CA: George Ohsawa Macrobiotic Foundation.
Orisakwe, O.E. Amadi, C.N. Frazzoli, C. (2020). Management of Iron Overload in Resource Poor Nations: A Systematic Review of Phlebotomy and Natural Chelators. Retrieved from: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jt/2020/4084538/.
Patel, V.R. Dumancas, G.G. Kasi Viswanath, L.C. Maples, R. Subong, B.J.J. (2016). Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Production. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5015816/.
Raman, R. Warwick, K.W. (2020). What Is Quercetin? Benefits, Foods, Dosage, and Side Effects. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/quercetin.
Tran, T.H. Guo, Y. Song, D. Bruno, R.S. Lu, X. (2014). Quercetin-Containing Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System for Improving Oral Bioavailability. Retrieved from: https://jpharmsci.org/article/S0022-3549(15)30672-9/pdf.
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