It is often mixed with other beneficial oils because it tends to be thick and sticky. It can be used on its own on the face and body.
Wound healing is promoted by castor oil. It stimulates tissue growth and forms a barrier that helps to prevent infection. One study conducted in a nursing home compared castor oil against other popular healing ointments on their elderly patients with pressure ulcers. They found those treated with castor oil healed much faster that those using the other ointments.
The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil have proven to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling when applied to psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of castor has shown to be beneficial in treating acne. The moisturizing qualities may also contribute to soothing inflamed and irritated skin associated with acne. It can help to soothe sun burns. The hair and scalp also benefit from application of castor oil to the scalp. The hair gets stronger and the scalp gets less flakes. Some even say it will promote hair growth.
Castor oil increases the blood flow. This property pulls fluid from the joints relieving pain from fluid buildup. It also diminishes age spots and smooths out the complexion.
Castor oil is anti-fungal. When used in the mouth it can fight off candida albicans which causes plaque buildup and infections in the gums. It has been used successfully on ring worms, athletes foot and yeast infections.
Castor oil packs have been used successfully with liver and gallbladder conditions. Studies have proven it is effective in normalizing liver enzymes when castor oil packs were applied to the liver area.
Historically castor oil has been used to alleviate constipation. It also helps with gas, bloating and abdominal
cramps. This oil is not absorbed easily in the intestines. It moved right through bringing hardened or stuck wastes with it. In small doses it is effective. Large doses may cause cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. It is not recommended for long term use.
Migraines may be helped with small doses of castor oil taken internally. Migraines are often linked to gut issues. Detoxing the gut with castor oil may help decrease migraine pain and frequency.
Many women have used castor oil to induce labor with success. I suggest doing this only with the knowledge and assistance of your doctor. Avoid internal use of castor oil when pregnant.
The mechanism of action is not understood through scientific experimentation, but the anecdotal benefits can no longer be ignored. There are several large hospital districts in the United States that are using castor oil packs for the benefit of their patients. Castor oil packs over the lungs are being used at the North Broward Hospital District in Florida for their cancer patients. They find that the side effects from chemotherapy are decreased and the lungs are detoxified. Other hospitals around the country are using castor oil packs for their irritable bowel syndrome, low back pain, congestive heart failure, gallbladder disease, kidney stones, ulcerative colitis and pertussis. (1)
Some beauty benefits include reducing fine lines and wrinkles, strengthening and helping to regrow hair, eliminating stretch marks, thickening eyebrows and eyelashes, softens cuticles and eliminates brittle nails, and it relieves chapped lips.
Castor oil comes from the seed of the ricinus communis plant. This plant and its seed are highly poisonous. During the extraction the castor oil is completely separated from the rest of the seed pod making it safe for use both topically and internally if used properly.
- Mein EA, Richards D G, McMillin DL, Nelson CD. Transdermal absorption of castor oil. Evid Based Integrative Med. 2005;2(4):239-244.
Disclaimer:
No statements on this website have been evaluated by the FDA. No statement on this site constitutes medical advice. Consult a medical doctor before trying any remedy on this website. We do not claim that any remedy on this site will cure anything. We are sharing our own anecdotal experiences with these formulas. All remedy ingredients are clearly stated. You are responsible to know your own allergies and to protect against them.