14 Practical Reasons to Stock a Bottle of Castor Oil at Home

14 Practical Reasons to Stock a Bottle of Castor Oil at Home
(Pavel Ilyukhin/Shutterstock)
By
6/6/2017
Updated:
6/6/2017

Many of you are probably familiar with castor oil as the go-to concoction that old-time healers recommend for a wide range of ailments — from constipation to colds and fever, and even as treatment against parasitical worms. Castor oil is claimed to be one of the best remedies there is.

I have previously written about the mysteries — and potential health uses — of castor oil, and despite having minimal research backing up its potential medicinal effects, I do believe that there are notable benefits from using this versatile oil.

It’s one of the most well-known natural remedies with a long enough history to at least warrant greater scientific exploration — nevertheless, a little careful at-home experimentation before using it wouldn’t hurt.  

The Uses of Castor Oil Date Back Centuries Ago

Castor oil is made by pressing the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis), which is native to India, although it is now cultivated in Mediterranean countries such as Algeria, Egypt and Greece. In France, castor is grown as an ornamental plant because of its large and lovely foliage.

Many ancient civilizations, including early Egyptians, Chinese and Persians, valued the castor plant for its many uses, such as fuel for lamps and as an ingredient in balms and ointments.

Ricinoleic acid is said to be the primary healing ingredient in castor oil (Swapan Photography/Shutterstock)
Ricinoleic acid is said to be the primary healing ingredient in castor oil (Swapan Photography/Shutterstock)

During the Middle Ages, the castor plant became well known in Europe for treating skin ailments. The Greek physician Dioscorides even described how to extract the oil from the plant, but warned that the seeds should be used externally only as they are “extremely purgative.”

Castor oil is a triglyceride that is composed of fatty acids, 90 percent of which is ricinoleic acid. Other seeds and oils, like soybean oil and cottonseed oil, also contain this unique fatty acid, although in much lower concentrations.

Ricinoleic acid is said to be the primary healing ingredient in castor oil and, according to David Williams, a medical researcher, chiropractor and biochemist, it’s:

“[E]ffective in preventing the growth of numerous species of viruses, bacteria, yeasts and molds. It’s successful as a topical treatment for ringworm, keratoses, skin inflammation, abrasions, fungal-infected [fingers] and toenails, acne and chronic pruritus (itching).”

In his article, Williams also says that in India, castor seed plants are traditionally used for various health conditions such as dysentery, asthma, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease and bladder and vaginal infections.

“The most effective use of castor oil is castor oil packs or poultices, which increase topical absorption. When used properly, castor oil packs improve the function of the thymus gland and other immune system functions,” he adds.

14 Ways You Can Use Castor Oil at Home

If you have a bottle of castor oil ready at home, then good for you; if not, then you should consider buying a high-quality brand right away. You will surely be impressed by this versatile oil’s many uses. The website Natural Living Ideas gives 14 ways on how you can use castor oil, which I’ve summarized below:

1. Safe and natural laxative. A 2010 study highlighted how castor oil packs helped to effectively reduce constipation among the elderly. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) actually deems this oil “generally regarded as safe and effective” for use as a stimulant laxative.

Oral ingestion of castor oil can “purge” the digestive tract within two to five hours. However, remember to take it in the appropriate dose. Adults can take 1 to 2 tablespoons, while children 2 to 12 years old should be given only 1 to 2 teaspoons.

Infants below 2 years old are not advised to take more than a teaspoon at a time. When giving it to children, try mixing it in freshly squeezed juice so it becomes more palatable.

(Kzenon/Shutterstock)
(Kzenon/Shutterstock)

2. Muscle pain relief. Rub it on your muscles after an intense workout to promote blood circulation and relieve soreness. Mix it with peppermint oil or Roman chamomile oil for extra healing and soothing effect.

3. Alleviates joint pain. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil has a decongestant effect on the lymphatic system, which is responsible for collecting waste from your tissues and carrying it to your bloodstream to be eliminated.

If the lymphatic system is not working properly, such as in people with arthritis, joint pain occurs. Massaging castor oil on the joints can help ease the congestion and jumpstart your lymphatic system.

A 2009 study published in Phytotherapy Research supports this, and reveals that castor oil helps relieve pain among patients with knee osteoarthritis.

4. Helps treat fungal diseases. It’s said that castor oil is just as effective as anti-fungal drugs in treating common infections like ringworm, jock itch (tinea cruris) and athlete’s foot.

Simply warm the oil, apply onto the affected area before bedtime and leave it on overnight. Repeat for a week or until the infection has disappeared completely.

5. Promotes healthy hair growth. Massaging warm castor oil on your scalp (and even your eyebrows) may stimulate the follicles and result in extra hair growth. Do this every night, and you might see improvement in as little as two weeks. Castor oil may work on areas that have been affected by alopecia as well.

Castor oil locks in the moisture in your hair, giving it a richer and thicker appearance. (Maryna Pleshkun/Shutterstock)
Castor oil locks in the moisture in your hair, giving it a richer and thicker appearance. (Maryna Pleshkun/Shutterstock)

6. Gives your hair a richer color. Castor oil locks in the moisture in your hair, giving it a richer and thicker appearance. To get this effect, warm a tablespoon of the oil and use your fingertips to coat each strand, running your fingers through your locks to get it on as much hair as possible.

7. Natural mascara. Melt a tablespoon of beeswax in a double boiler, then add 2 tablespoons of charcoal or cocoa powder (depending on your hair color) and castor oil and mix until you get the desired consistency.

This homemade mascara contains no toxic chemical ingredients, unlike other conventional beauty products out there. Alternately, you can apply castor oil to your lashes every night to make them look fuller and thicker.

8. Skin moisturizer. The fatty acids in castor oil can nourish and moisturize dry skin. Due to its viscous nature, it stays put and easily penetrates into your skin tissue.

Remember that a little goes a long way — simply rub a teaspoonful between your palms and apply all over your skin.

9. Banishes blemishes and other skin problems. Say goodbye to unsightly and embarrassing skin growths with the help of castor oil.

Because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it may have some beneficial effects on skin tags, acne and warts. One study published in the Journal of International Toxicology also found that castor oil may have positive effects against occupational dermatitis.

10. Assisting a good night’s sleep. It’s said that dabbing a small amount of castor oil on your eyelids can help you fall asleep much easier. Castor oil may promote a deeper and longer sleep.

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