In the quest to clean up your day-to-day beauty and wellness behaviors, you may have come across castor oil during your searches for alternative natural health remedies. Castor oil isn’t new. Just ask any older relative, and they’ll confirm it used to be the go-to cure-all tonic, often given to children to treat everything from the common cold and stomachache to constipation and skin concerns.

As medicinal treatments developed, the healing properties of castor oil were exchanged for antibiotics, anti-fungal medications, and prescriptive remedies, but as consumers seek more natural solutions to everyday things, castor oil is making its way into pantries and kitchens yet again.

THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CASTOR OIL

So, what exactly does it do, besides helping protect against the aforementioned common childhood ailments?

Like many alternative and natural remedies, research is limited. Anecdotal evidence, on the other hand, is plentiful. With all-natural remedies, be mindful that they should be used as complementary to existing medical recommendations and should never replace existing treatment without consulting your primary care physician.

FUNGUS FIGHTER

Castor oil has many antifungal properties and can be helpful in the treatment of yeast and candida infections, which are notoriously hard to get rid of. Similar to coconut oil, castor oil can be used to restore the mouth’s microbiome through the process of oil pulling.

NATURAL LAXATIVE

This is the most well-known benefit. Castor oil is a stimulant laxative, meaning it helps to increase the movement of the muscles in the intestines, helping to clear the bowels. It can be used to relieve temporary episodes of constipation but shouldn’t be used as a regular treatment.

ACNE REDUCER

Given castor oils antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, using it as part of your daily skin regime can help fight bacterial overgrowth, when applied to the skin. It can also be used to tame redness and irritation – common symptoms of acne.

MOISTURIZER

Castor oil is rich in a monosaturated fatty acid called ricinoleic acid and is a humectant, which makes it a great hydrator and moisturizer for the skin. If you want to use it as your everyday moisturizer, consider mixing it with a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil since it’s pretty thick.

JOINT PAIN

Massaging joints after a painful workout is helpful for recovery, but adding castor oil can induce even more effective healing. Nerve inflammation, sore and tired muscles, and joint aggravation can all be alleviated by using castor oil.

PROMOTES HEALING

Since castor oil is a humectant, it quickly creates a moist environment that can promote wound healing and reduce the risk of infection. Castor oil also has a number of anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve pain and may be useful in reducing symptoms of arthritis or psoriasis.

HEALTHY HAIR

Castor oil can be used as a healthy fat for your hair, too, as it helps lubricate hair follicles and soothes aggravated skin. In dry conditions, it can help moisturize dry and irritated scalp conditions, treat dandruff, and help reduce flaking.

DIGESTIVE DISTRESS

While it’s well-known that castor oil is a powerful laxative, using a castor pack – a towel soaked in castor oil with heat applied – can be effective in helping to promote better digestive transit. Stomach issues and symptoms caused by IBS may also be helped using a castor oil pack.

TAKEAWAY

Although research is limited, castor oil is also said to help reduce fibroids (using a castor pack) and promote hair growth. It may also increase white blood cells, boost circulation, and heal sunburn.

Given the laundry list of things it can do, there’s no reason not to have a bottle of this magical health tonic in your kitchen or bathroom, but make sure to do your research and consult a physician before you use it to treat any ailment or condition.