Is there an expiration and storage time?
Manufacturers of this product provide an initial warranty period of 3 months, during which they undertake to ensure that the quality of the product meets the standards, and also establish shelf life and expiration dates.
What time is set and what does it guarantee?
For castor medicinal oil, the following must be established:
- The shelf life is the period of time during which, subject to all manufacturer requirements, the drug retains the qualities and properties declared during production (SanPiN 2.3.2.1324-03).
- Shelf life is the period of time after which the product becomes unsuitable for use. It can be indicated as a date (best before) or as a time period (best within) (Article 472 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).
If, after the established storage period, the quality indicators of the drug have not changed, then it is suitable for use until the expiration date.
From what date does it count?
The countdown of any period begins from the production date. This period includes the time the drug is in the manufacturer’s warehouse, the time it is transported to the point of sale, as well as the period of its stay in the pharmacy warehouse. The shelf life must be less than or equal to the expiration date.
Marking according to GOST 18102-95
According to GOST 18102-95 “Medical castor oil. Technical specifications", the finished product is packaged in sealed glass containers, onto which labels are applied indicating the production date and shelf life.
For retail sale, the drug is packaged in opaque glass bottles of 25, 50 or 100 ml, which are stored indoors, protected from direct sunlight, at a temperature not exceeding +18°C. Each bottle must be tightly closed with a plastic stopper and screw cap and placed in a separate cardboard package.
The text of the instructions for use must be printed on a sheet and included in each package. It is allowed to apply the full text on the cardboard packaging or label on the bottle.
The production date, expiration date and storage conditions must be indicated on the label and on the cardboard packaging.
Read more about where and in what form the date of manufacture should be indicated and how to understand the indicated expiration date of the medicine here.
The drug can be released for sale after the expiration of the established shelf life, but provided that its quality meets the requirements of GOST.
How many do they make and what do they depend on?
The maximum shelf life of this medical product is 5 years. During this period, the drug fully complies with the stated quality requirements, subject to the following conditions:
- Store in a dry, dark place, away from direct sunlight. The presence of cardboard packaging provides additional protection.
- The temperature should not exceed + 200C.
- The bottle cap must be tightly closed. There must be a plug.
- Do not allow the drug to be poured from the manufacturer's container into other bottles, or to mix products from different bottles.
Under the influence of sunlight, elevated temperature and humidity, as well as when interacting with atmospheric oxygen, the drug oxidizes and becomes unusable within 5-10 days. The product has a shelf life of 2 years if the same conditions are met.
Does castor oil have an expiration date and shelf life? How many do they make and what do they depend on?
Castor oil is a product that is obtained by pressing from a plant called castor oil. The color can vary quite widely - in pharmacies you can find colorless, yellowish and even dark brown oil. The shade depends on the method of purification of the product, but light castor oil with a barely noticeable yellowness has the greatest benefit.
Castor oil does not have a distinct odor; if you sniff carefully, you can only smell a faint aroma of wax.
The glycerin taste of the healthy product is much more interesting - it is rather weakly expressed, but after swallowing it leaves a long unpleasant aftertaste.
That is why most people, despite the well-known benefits and harms of castor oil, are wary of the product and do not like to take it orally in its pure form.
How to make butter
Castor oil (castor oil) is made from the seeds of the castor bean plant, a plant in the Euphorbiaceae family, which is a green shrub.
In addition to oil, castor bean seeds contain the toxic substance ricin. In order to remove ricin, castor beans are subjected to heat treatment.
Castor oil can be cold-pressed or hot-pressed.
For masking and medical purposes, a cold-pressed product is used.
For the production of textiles and leather products, perfumes, and lubrication of moving parts in technology, a hot-pressed product is used, since it does not dry out or freeze.
The oil contains acids:
- ricinoleic;
- oleic;
- linoleic;
- stearic;
- palmitic.
In industry, hydrogenated castor oil is most often used - a chemical substance that negatively affects the human body, worsening metabolism in the cells of internal organs. Therefore, it cannot be used internally.
Chemical composition and calorie content of castor oil
The composition of castor oil can be considered truly unique. Almost entirely healthy oil consists of fatty acids - oleic, palmitic, stearic. The main acid in its composition is ricinoleic acid - it occupies about 90% of the total volume.
Castor oil contains absolutely no minerals, contains no proteins or carbohydrates, and contains only fats as nutrients. The vitamin group is represented by tocopherol, or vitamin E.
As for the calorie content of the product, it is very high - almost 900 kcal per 100 ml. But at the same time, the daily dosage of oil is only about 10 ml, so increased nutritional value rarely harms the figure.
Ingredient Features
Castor oil (Oleum Ricini) is a special type of vegetable oil. It is used to treat various diseases, beauty care, massage, and so on.
The product is obtained from the seeds of the castor bean. They are processed by cold pressing. Nowadays, there are various types of such plants that can be found throughout the globe.
The appearance and size of castor beans depend on the region in which they are grown.
Tropical latitudes are suitable for the growth of castor beans, since here there are optimal conditions for its stable development. The tree grows up to 12 meters in height. You can also find it in the north of France, but here the tree does not exceed 1.5 meters in height.
Castor oil
The product has a viscous and thick consistency. In its color, yellow tints are acceptable, which are almost impossible to notice when using the ingredient.
The taste of the component is peculiar because it resembles glycerin. But it is light and unsaturated, so the oil does not cause disgust. Its aroma is almost impossible to smell. It contains notes of wax and glycerin.
100 grams of product contains 899 kcal. There are no proteins, carbohydrates, water or dietary fiber in its composition. It is rich in fat, the percentage of which is 99.9 g.
Beneficial properties of castor oil
The benefits and harms of castor oil for the body are very wide. Castor oil when used correctly:
- relieves symptoms of colds and alleviates bronchitis,
- effectively cleanses the intestines and removes toxins and harmful substances from the body,
- helps you lose weight quickly without harming your health,
- relieves pain in joints and muscles,
- has a beneficial effect on the skin - heals wounds, ulcers and burns, relieves irritation,
- removes papillomas and warts,
- helps with dry eyes,
- strengthens hair and promotes its abundant growth,
- relieves hemorrhoids and helps eliminate them,
- cleanses the facial skin of acne, age spots and blackheads.
It is impossible not to mention the most famous property of castor oil - it is one of the most effective products that help with constipation.
Application of the product in cosmetology
People discovered the beneficial properties of castor oil back in ancient times. It was applied to the face and body, as a result of which the skin became elastic and youthful.
Castor oil is also used for hair, since it contains valuable microelements. Using the ingredient you can make your hair shiny and healthy. In addition, the growth of strands will accelerate significantly, because they will stop falling out.
Using castor oil for hair
The benefits of facial oil are great, which is why almost all women use it. Previously, this ingredient was used to wipe burnt areas and scars, which quickly healed. Nowadays, the use of the component in cosmetology is as widespread as it was many years ago.
Thanks to its unique composition, castor oil is suitable for any skin type. It returns elasticity, softness and beauty to the dermis. If you have dry skin, be sure to use a de-flaking ingredient.
Using this ingredient you can perform beneficial massages. It is rubbed into the skin with gentle and smooth movements. After a massage session, you can feel lightness throughout your body. The skin becomes firmer, more elastic and toned.
Indications for use of castor oil
Since the beneficial effect of castor oil on the body is quite strong, in order to avoid harm, it is recommended to use it only if there are special indications. These include:
- constipation and intestinal congestion,
- haemorrhoids,
- inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary area,
- sand and stones in the gall bladder and kidneys,
- joint diseases,
- muscle strains and skin lesions,
- female gynecological ailments,
- colds,
- liver ailments.
Castor oil can be used for cataracts and inflammatory processes in the eyes. It will help eliminate the infection and eliminate dry mucous membranes.
Contraindications
Castor oil belongs to soft base oils that have virtually no contraindications for use and are free of side effects. The only exception is the ingestion of large doses of castor oil compared to recommended doses, which can cause nausea, discomfort and pain in the gastrointestinal tract.
Castor oil should not be used during pregnancy due to the active stimulation of labor and lactation, as well as in case of poisoning with benzene and phosphorus, and other fat-soluble compounds.
Use of castor oil in folk medicine
To properly use the healing properties of castor oil, you need to know when and in what quantities to use it. Traditional medicine can offer many proven recipes.
Colon cleansing and constipation relief
The healing properties of castor oil for the intestines consist of a powerful laxative effect. It is very easy to get rid of constipation with the help of castor oil - you just need to take a small spoon of oil on an empty stomach early in the morning. If the taste of the product seems too unpleasant, you can wash it down with water or orange juice.
For constipation, useful castor oil helps very quickly. But if the effect does not occur immediately, treatment can be continued for 3 days - there will be no harm from this.
Can I use it if the date has expired?
After two years from the date of production of the product, it is necessary to visually check its color, smell and consistency. If the organoleptic characteristics have not changed, then the drug has retained all its inherent properties, and it can be used until the deadline indicated on the packaging.
After the expiration date, castor oil decomposes into fractions and becomes unsuitable for use.
Is it dangerous to use expired?
Using an expired product for cosmetic purposes can lead to negative consequences, such as deterioration of the skin, inflammation and peeling.
Using castor oil after the expiration date for medical purposes is strictly prohibited! Taking this drug orally causes poisoning, allergic reactions and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Before using any medicinal product, you should carefully read the attached instructions, pay attention to the date of manufacture and expiration date, because It is he who guarantees the benefits and safety of the drug. How to store and for how long after opening you can use Phenazepam, Paracetamol, Otipax, Levomekol, Acyclovir, iodine, activated carbon, potassium permanganate, Linex and hydrogen peroxide - read in separate materials.
What are the signs of a spoiled product?
A high-quality product is absolutely transparent, colorless or light yellow, and has a viscous consistency. Its peculiarity is its light smell. Sediments and cloudy inclusions are not allowed. After 5 years from the date of production, as well as if the manufacturer’s requirements are not met, the drug changes its characteristics:
- acquires a rancid, acrid taste and smell;
- Precipitates, cloudy inclusions or complete turbidity form;
- turns dark red or dark brown;
- becomes thicker.
The unsuitable product should be filled with a fat-soluble detergent, mixed well and poured down the drain.
The quality and safety of using the purchased drug are the main factors that encourage you to choose this product. Strict adherence to storage conditions will allow castor oil to be used beneficially before the expiration date.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter.
Contraindications
Castor oil belongs to soft base oils that have virtually no contraindications for use and are free of side effects. The only exception is the ingestion of large doses of castor oil compared to recommended doses, which can cause nausea, discomfort and pain in the gastrointestinal tract.
Castor oil should not be used during pregnancy due to the active stimulation of labor and lactation, as well as in case of poisoning with benzene and phosphorus, and other fat-soluble compounds.
