As we are sure you have heard, Castor Oil has really made a resurgence in popularity recently, especially on social media. And it’s no surprise, as this multifunctional oil has been used for centuries across many countries and cultures. With so many documented uses, we want to highlight the best ways to use Castor Oil for health, skin, and more.

What is Castor Oil?

Castor Oil is a vegetable oil that comes from the seeds (often called beans) of the Ricinus communis plant which is native to the tropical part of Africa. It is an extremely thick and viscous carrier oil that is a pale yellow color with a mild, earthy and nutty odor. One of the standout qualities of this oil is that it is extremely high in Ricinoleic acid, which is a very rare fatty acid not commonly found in other oils. This is what gives this plant so many of its special properties.

History of Castor Oil

It is said that Castor Oil seeds have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating use of this oil back to about 4000 BC! The oil was used in lamps for lighting, as well as a base for ointments. Beyond that, Chinese and Ayurvedic treatments used Castor Oil as a detoxifying medicine, a skin healer, and a sore joint reliever. More recently, in the 19th century, it became a household remedy in Europe and North America for everything from a laxative, to skin ailments, and even hair growth.

Benefits of Castor Oil

Because this oil contains about 90% Ricinoleic acid, it is incredibly anti-inflammatory. Inflammation in the body can show up in so many ways, which means that there are endless uses for this natural remedy. Whether it be used for pain, skin, hair, or detoxification, Castor Oil is a must have for your health and in your home. Please note that we are talking about topical applications below. If you plan to use Castor Oil internally, speak with your doctor first.

–Skin Care: Moisturizing, Acne Treatment, Scar Reduction, Wound Healing, Calm Irritation, Wrinkle Minimization

  *An animal study found that Castor Oil accelerated wound healing.

–Pain Relief: Ease Joint Pain, Calm Swelling, Soothe Arthritis, Reduce Muscle Tension

  *One study showed repeated application of a topical gel made with Ricinoleic acid was effective at reducing inflammation markers.

  **Another study proved that participants who applied Castor Oil to their painful knees for 2 weeks reduced joint pain.

–Scalp/Hair: Encourage Hair Growth, Fix Split Ends, Promote Eyelash and Brow Fullness, Dandruff Relief

-Detox/Lymphatic Effects: Castor Oil Packs, Lymphatic Drainage, Naval Oil Pulling, Improve Circulation

  *A small study showed that use of Castor Oil Packs increased lymphocytes immediately after use and normalized certain liver related blood markers after continued use.

–Digestion/Constipation: Improve Digestive Issues, Reduce Bloating, Balance Gut Health

As you can see there are so many ways that Castor Oil can be beneficial. But how do you use Castor Oil properly? Here are some helpful ways to incorporate Castor Oil into your health and beauty regimen.

Skin Health

When it comes to skin, Castor Oil can aid in reducing any issues that arise from inflammation. Oftentimes, this means dryness, redness, or even eczema. One thing to note is that because Castor Oil is so thick, you will want to dilute with another carrier oil before application. If you have oily skin, you should only use 10% Castor to 90% other carrier oil. But if you have dry skin, you can do a ratio of 50% Castor Oil to 50% other carrier oil. 

Mix all of the ingredients together and apply to the dry, irritated areas.

If you are looking for a great DIY wrinkle recipe, check out our viral “Botox in a Bottle.”

Liver Health

Creating a Castor Oil pack is one of the easiest ways to promote lymphatic drainage and decrease liver congestion. This tradition reemerged in the 1930s when Edgar Cayce touted its benefits after referring to how it was used in Ayurvedic medicine. These days, you have probably seen it on social media. Here is how you do it.

Pain Relief

Inflammation in the body often leads to pain in various areas. One of the healthiest ways to tackle pain is to use topical applications that go straight to the source. Utilizing the benefits of Castor Oil’s Ricinoleic acid along with Essential Oils that help to ease inflammation and reduce discomfort is the perfect answer to this common problem.

Mix together all of the ingredients in a glass bowl, then carefully pour into your container. To use: apply the oil to the painful area as needed.