Castor oil has been utilized for centuries in the Far East, Africa, and the Mediterranean region for its remarkable health benefits. For many today, however, castor oil is primarily known for its use as a laxative. Yet, this versatile oil offers a myriad of other applications that can significantly benefit your hair, skin, and face. Read on to discover the extensive health benefits and uses of castor oil.
Castor oil is extracted from the castor bean (Ricinus communis). It is produced by cold pressing the seeds and subsequently clarifying the oil with heat.
Castor oil is composed of approximately 90% ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid that is largely responsible for castor oil's beneficial properties. In fact, ricinoleic acid is a rare compound, found almost exclusively in castor seeds. Scientists are still working to fully understand its mechanism of action, but they have discovered that ricinoleic acid binds to specific receptors in the intestines and uterus. This discovery may explain how castor oil works and could lead to the development of new drugs [11].
In the past, there have been concerns about the safety of ingesting castor oil, likely due to the presence of ricin, a toxic compound found in the castor seed. However, during the extraction process, this toxin becomes deactivated, rendering the oil safe for consumption in appropriate doses.
Here are the many health benefits and uses of castor oil.
Castor oil is a well-known natural remedy for constipation and is considered one of the best natural laxatives. It works by increasing intestinal movement, which helps facilitate bowel movements [1, 2].
Castor oil is generally recognized as safe for ingestion. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that castor oil is "generally recognized as safe and effective for use as a stimulant laxative" [1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established an acceptable safe daily intake for an adult at up to 0.7 mg/kg body weight [1].
Important Note: While generally safe, castor oil can cause side effects. Please read the "Precautions and Side Effects" section at the end of this article before using it. It is also advisable to consult your doctor before internal use to ensure it is safe for your specific health condition.
Dosage for Laxative Use: To use castor oil as a natural laxative, it should be taken on an empty stomach:
Adults: 1 to 2 tablespoons.
Children 2 – 12 years old: 1 to 2 teaspoons.
Children under 2 years old: Not more than a teaspoon at a time.
Do not exceed the recommended dosage and do not take it for more than 7 consecutive days. It may take 6 to 12 hours for castor oil to produce a bowel movement. If your condition persists or worsens, or if rectal bleeding occurs, consult your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a serious medical problem.
Castor oil possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed to stimulate the lymphatic system, which aids the body in fighting inflammation and disease. A properly functioning lymphatic system enhances the body's ability to heal itself [4].
A study investigating the effect of ricinoleic acid on inflammation found that it has properties similar to capsaicin, a known natural pain relief remedy [4]. Capsaicin reduces pain by decreasing a chemical in the body that sends pain signals to the brain [5]. This is why topical applications of chili and cayenne pepper can relieve pain.
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis most commonly associated with aging, characterized by chronic joint inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, predominantly affecting the joints, and is classified as an autoimmune disease [3].
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil can be used to relieve joint pain associated with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is effective whether taken orally or applied topically.
When taken orally, castor oil has shown effectiveness as a pain relief treatment. A trial involving patients with knee osteoarthritis who were given castor oil three times a day for 4 weeks yielded surprising results: castor oil was as effective at relieving pain as diclofenac sodium (a common NSAID). Importantly, patients using castor oil did not experience the side effects often associated with NSAIDs [3].
Other natural remedies for arthritis include Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), sesame seeds for knee osteoarthritis, and combining castor oil with essential oils for pain and inflammation relief.
Because castor oil contains many anti-inflammatory properties and positively impacts the lymphatic system, some scientists are exploring its potential role in treating certain cancers. Although more research is needed, there have been interesting results from clinical trials on using castor oil to inhibit tumor growth.
For example, the International Journal of Toxicology published an instance where castor oil extracts were able to suppress tumors in male mice [6]. Another study in the Chinese Journal of Cancer Research showed that ricinoleic acid combined with selenium (found in Brazil nuts) was able to kill off ascites tumor cells [7]. Castor oil has also been cited in research as a possible inhibitor of breast cancer [8].
Another remarkable use of castor oil is in aiding the body to naturally fight infections and heal wounds. Its ability to improve blood circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system is beneficial in combating infections. Furthermore, studies on castor oil have demonstrated its effectiveness in killing off bacteria and fungi.
Research published in the Bulletin of Environmental, Pharmacology and Life Sciences showed that it was effective against Staphylococcus (bacteria causing food poisoning, skin infections, and pneumonia) and Streptococcus (responsible for sore throats and skin infections) [10]. The research also indicated that castor oil is antifungal, though bacteria were found to be more susceptible than fungi.
Castor oil has been traditionally used for centuries as a method to induce labor [6], as it can induce uterine contractions. However, most healthcare practitioners advise against using it for this purpose. A study concluded that “castor oil for induction of labor was neither harmful nor helpful” [9].
The benefits of castor oil extend beyond the skin to hair as well. Using castor oil as a hair mask can yield noticeable benefits, leading to shinier, healthier hair. Castor oil also supports hair regrowth and helps treat dandruff.
Castor oil can also contribute to keeping eyelashes and eyebrows healthy, shiny, and may encourage their growth.
Castor oil can be used to alleviate a variety of skin complaints. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties make it an excellent product for skin treatment. Some skin problems that castor oil can help treat include:
Dry skin
Damaged skin
Diaper rash
Acne
Castor oil is also excellent for cleansing the skin.
Castor oil is considered one of the best natural remedies for acne, primarily due to its ricinoleic acid content. Ricinoleic acid penetrates deep into the skin, fighting bacterial overgrowth that can clog pores, while simultaneously softening and hydrating irritated skin.
Here are several ways to use castor oil for treating acne:
For a natural acne treatment, dab castor oil onto the affected area with a clean cotton swab.
You can also mix castor oil with other essential oils known for acne treatment, such as tea tree and lemon essential oil. All these options help reduce redness and swelling of acne blemishes.
To prevent future breakouts, first wash your face with warm water to open pores, then massage some castor oil into your face and leave it on overnight, rinsing the next morning.
Important note: It's recommended to do a patch test with castor oil first to ensure you don't develop an allergic reaction. Initially, you might also want to leave castor oil on your face for only a few hours (not overnight) to observe any negative reactions.
Castor oil is considered a top natural remedy for improving age spots and hyperpigmentation. It possesses skin healing properties and helps to tone your skin.
Castor oil can be gently massaged into the skin to reduce the appearance of age spots and dark pigmentation. Leave it on for 2 hours before washing off. Doing this twice a day may help fade dark spots and tone your skin.
The rich fatty acids in castor oil can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Simply massage castor oil into the affected area for about 15 minutes. You can also mix it with coconut oil or sweet almond oil for additional benefits. For enhanced effectiveness, you can wrap a warm cloth around the area after massaging the castor oil and leave it on for 15 minutes.
The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil are highly effective in treating boils, making it one of the best natural remedies for them. Soak a cotton ball in castor oil and place it on the boil, securing it with gauze. Change the dressing after a few hours.
Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common and bothersome issue. Castor oil provides an effective and safe way to alleviate the symptoms. Massage your washed heels with castor oil every evening.
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, castor oil is excellent for helping treat eye styes, which are often caused by a staph infection. To treat a stye with castor oil, wash the eye with warm water and dry it with a clean towel, then apply two to three drops of castor oil directly to the stye. This can be done three times per day until the stye shows signs of improvement.
There is anecdotal evidence that castor oil can aid in a good night's sleep, with many people reporting it helps with insomnia. It can be used by rubbing some oil on your eyelids, or some individuals use it in a heat pack on their back an hour before going to bed.
You can combine castor oil with other natural oils or certain foods that promote better sleep.
Regularly massaging a small amount of castor oil into the cuticles of your nails can contribute to strong, healthy nails.
Always follow the dosage instructions provided on the bottle. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults take no more than 0.7 mg/kg body weight daily, which is approximately 1-2 tablespoons. Children between 2-12 years old should take about 1-2 teaspoons. Children under 2 should not have more than a teaspoon at a time. Castor oil can be mixed with juice to make it more palatable.
Of course, if you notice unpleasant side effects, you should reduce the dose or discontinue use entirely.
Castor oil is generally recognized as safe for consumption. However, because it affects the intestines, it can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Avoid taking castor oil if you have had surgery or health issues related to gastric or bowel problems. Most women who participated in studies on castor oil for labor induction reported experiencing bouts of nausea [6]. If you are taking castor oil for reasons other than its laxative effects, diarrhea or loose stools could also be considered a side effect.
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