DEHAY: The Wondrous Works of Castor Oil

By Savanna DeHay

Castor oil is a healthy and versatile oil that deserves a spot in every medicine cabinet. It can be used both externally and internally, from moisturizing skin to reducing inflammation. Castor oil can help us heal without reliance on pharmaceuticals. Let’s explore the myriads of benefits of castor oil.

Hair & Skin

Castor oil is abundant in natural fatty acids that benefit our hair, skin, and body. Ricinoleic acid, which makes up85-95% of castor oil’s fatty acid composition, is responsible for moisturizing, exfoliating, and anti-inflammatory effects (Chappuis). This thick, yellowy oil also is antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-bacterial, making it the perfect skincare for those struggling with acne, eczema, rosacea, dryness, or scarring.

Many popular skincare products are extremely drying and laden with chemicals that do more harm than good. It’s important to remember that our skin is our largest organ. Altreno, a prescription acne lotion, has the following ingredients (“ALTRENO- tretinoin lotion”):

• Benzyl alcohol
• Butylated hydroxytoluene
• Carbomer copolymer type A
• Carbomer copolymer type B
• Methylparaben
• Octoxynol-9
• Trolamine

Not only is castor oil perfect for our skin, but it is beneficial for our hair, too. Many people use castor oil to encourage hair growth, impart moisture to the hair, and to fight dandruff. Rather than spending money on gimmicky hair growth serum, try simply rubbing a little bit of castor oil on your upper and lower lash lines, eyebrows, and scalp to stimulate healthy, hydrated hair growth!

Scarring

Whether from acne, injury, or medical procedures, castor oil can help lighten scars. Since castor oil aids in moisturization and calms inflammation, this encourages the body to regenerate new and healthy skin at a faster rate. It also stimulates collagen production, contributing to anti-aging benefits. With 70-80% of the skin being composed of collagen, it is crucial to support skin health from a young age, as collagen decreases rapidly with age. Collagen is responsible for skin’s natural moisture, elasticity, and cell regeneration.

While many skincare products claim to contain collagen, research suggests that topical application alone is not effective in promoting skin health. We need to consume our collagen. This can be achieved by incorporating good quality bone broth (bonus points if it’s homemade!), chicken (with skin), fish (with skin), red meat, pork, eggs, and organ meats. Alternatively, consider using a quality collagen powder that can be easily added to coffee or smoothies.

Constipation

Castor oil acts as a laxative when ingested. It forces the intestines and bowels to compress harder than usual, allowing for stool to move more easily (Nall). This makes it a great natural remedy for constipation.

Castor oil is incredibly thick with a somewhat unpleasant flavor. Sometimes, though, you gotta do what you gotta do. To help alleviate constipation, the dosage is between one and three teaspoons orally However, it is not suitable for everyone, as some may experience nausea or abdominal cramps. First-time users should start with one teaspoon to minimize side effects. Consider diluting the oil with a thinner oil or beverage to offset the flavor and texture and make it more palatable. This natural remedy frequently works within two to three hours, but can take up to six. This is why it is advisable to not take castor oil at bedtime.

Pain & Inflammation

The high concentration of ricinoleic acid in this healing oil reduces pain and inflammation when applied topically (WebMD). According to Knee Pain Centers of America:

Castor oil is renowned for its wide-ranging health benefits. When applied externally, it has been known to increase lymph circulation, promote the elimination of toxins, stimulate the liver, and relieve pain sensations. It has a particularly potent effect on reducing local inflammation, making it a beneficial resource when dealing with ailments like knee joint pain.

This is where a castor oil pack comes in hand.

Castor Oil Pack
Equipment: Castor oil, a cloth or rag, plastic wrap, and heating pad
Directions:

1. Thoroughly soak the cloth in castor oil
2. Apply the pack on the pained area (e.g. knee, hands, etc.)
3. Secure the pack with plastic wrap to retain the oil and heat (it can be messy!)
4. Place a heating pad over the pack for 30-45 minutes

Tip: Essential oils can be added to the castor oil prior to soaking the cloth. The right essential oils can boost the healing benefits of castor oil!

Pregnancy

For thousands of years, castor oil has been used to induce labor. Multiple studies have shown that pregnant women who are overdue usually go into labor within 12 hours of taking castor oil. Another study found that castor oil can also help speed up labor in women whose water has broken.

Caution: Castor oil should not be taken by women who are less than 40 weeks pregnant, as it can induce premature labor.

Final Thoughts

Castor oil has been a trusted remedy for thousands of years. It’s versatile, affordable, and natural. Using castor oil can help you take control of your health and well-being. Save money and reduce your reliance on Big Pharma. Grab some castor oil today!

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Sources

• ALTRENO- tretinoin lotion. Daily Med, 2 March 2020, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=1412aba5-71aa-4cce-8db4-c189bed1852c#:~:text=Each%20gram%20of%20ALTRENO%20contains%200.5%20mg%20(0.05%25)%20of,%2D9%2C%20purified%20water%2C%20sodium. Accessed 23 June 2025.
• Berg, Dr. Eric. 5 Amazing Castor Oil Benefits. Dr. Berg, 9 April 2025, https://www.drberg.com/blog/interesting-benefits-of-castor-oil. Accessed 24 June 2025.
• Boyd-Barrett, Claudia. Castor oil to induce labor. Baby Center, https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-body/castor-oil_40008026. Accessed 30 June 2025.
• Chappuis, Barbara. The Ultimate Guide: The Most Effective Ways To Use Castor Oil In Your Skincare. Bee Naturals, 17 April 2024, https://www.beenaturals.com/blogs/beenaturals-blog/the-benefits-of-castor-oil-in-skincare. Accessed 23 June 2025.
• Castor Oil Heat Pack. Aura Cacia. https://www.auracacia.com/recipes/castor-oil-heat-pack. Accessed 30 June 2025.
• How to Use Castor Oil for Knee Joint Pain. Knee Pain Centers of America. 14 April 2025, https://www.kneepaincentersofamerica.com/blog/castor-oil-for-knee-joint-pain. Accessed 25 June 2025.
• Kay, Stephanie. 8 Foods High in Collagen. Kay Nutrition, 16 April 2024, https://kaynutrition.com/foods-high-in-collagen/. Accessed 30 June 2025.
• Moradi, Maryam, Niazi, Azin, Mazloumi, Ehsan, and Lopez, Violeta. Effect of Castor Oil on Cervical Ripening and Labor induction: a systematic review of meta-analysis. National Library of Medicine, 30 June 2022, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9240406/. Accessed 30 June 2025.
• Mutchler, Cristina. Castor Oil for Labor: Does It Work, and Is It Safe? Very well Health, 3 July 2024, https://www.verywellhealth.com/castor-oil-for-labor-8663088. Accessed 30 June 2025.
• Nall, Rachel, MSN, CRNA. Does castor oil help with constipation? Medical News Today, 26 October 2023, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313523#dosage. Accessed 24 June 2025.
• Parkman, Joanna. How to Make Castor Oil Serum for Eyelashes. Treehugger, 4 January 2022, https://www.treehugger.com/castor-oil-for-eyelashes-5215870. Accessed 23 June 2025.
• Sealife, Anatori. What causes constipation? Parkland Natural Health, 11 April 2019, https://wellness-studio.co.uk/common-causes-of-constipation/. Accessed 24 June 2025.
• WebMD Editorial Contributor. The Health Benefits of Castor Oil. WebMD, 19 September 2023, https://www.webmd.com/diet/castor-oil-health-benefits. Accessed 25 June 2025.

About Savanna DeHay

Savanna DeHay graduated from North Idaho College in 2022, and currently lives in North Idaho. She writes about health, current events, and other important issues.

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