You have probably heard of Castor Oil but might be completely unaware of its capabilities as a natural health and wellness remedy. Nowadays, more people than ever are understanding the advantages of Castor Oil as a skin and haircare supplement and an all-natural treatment to alleviate pain inflammation and digestive issues.
Today’s article explores this versatile, effective carrier oil in depth to uncover its benefits, and ways you can incorporate Castor Oil safely into your daily routine.
Understanding Castor Oil
The Castor plant – or Ricinus communis - is native to the Mediterranean and tropical regions of Africa and India. It’s thought the Ancient Egyptians were the first to appreciate the plant’s benefits, using Castor to ease all kinds of ailments from acute pain to constipation.
Made from cold pressing the plant’s seeds, Castor Oil has a thick and somewhat sticky consistency. Despite that, it easily penetrates the skin when applied topically and delivers an abundance of goodness to support overall health.
With anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, emollient and antioxidant properties, Castor Oil is known to cleanse and protect the skin, add moisture and boost the complexion. Those same properties are said to work effectively on hair and alleviate scalp conditions that cause itching and dandruff. It is also thought to reduce muscle pain.
Benefits of Castor Oil
- Calms inflammation, to help reduce swelling and redness
- Soothes skin irritations and fungal infections
- May reduces signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles
- Soothes acne breakouts and calms redness
- Cares for wounds while encouraging healing
- Cleanses and softens the skin
- Enhances skin elasticity while boosting collagen production
- Reduces the appearance of minor scarring and blemishes
- Eases skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
- Said to stimulate hair growth and fight against dandruff
- Softens and hydrates hair while helping repair breakage
- Builds moisture retention in hair and skin
- Cleanses hair follicles to remove dirt and excess oil
- Can help improve blood flow and circulation
Common Uses of Castor Oil
Castor Oil is deeply nourishing with powerful healing, detoxifying and cleansing properties.
If you're wondering how to use Castor Oil, there are plenty of ways to do so for personal care, pain relief and overall health and wellness.
Let's look at some of the most popular uses of Castor Oil today:
Castor Oil for Skin
High in fatty acids and antioxidants, Castor Oil contains natural emollient properties and is highly regarded in the skincare industry as a versatile oil that supports multiple skin conditions.
- Rich in ricinoleic acid and anti-inflammatory properties, Castor Oil is known to help ease irritations caused by skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
- The intense moisturising properties in Castor Oil work to lock down moisture, smoothing and softening the skin naturally.
Castor Oil for Hair
- The emollient and moisturising properties in Castor Oil can help stimulate hair to grow thicker and longer naturally.
- Castor Oil conditions hair and can minimise hair loss by lubricating and strengthening the hair shaft to protect it from breaking.
- Some people use Castor Oil to promote eyelashes and eyebrow growth.
Castor Oil for Face
- It’s believed the rich fatty acid content in Castor Oil may help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin blemishes.
- Extensive hydrating properties in Castor Oil work to boost collagen production, even the skin tone and promote soft, supple and hydrated skin.
- Containing stearic acid and ricinoleic acid, Castor Oil fights bacteria that causes acne while also helping to relieve and calm inflamed acne-prone skin.
- The natural cleansing and detoxifying properties in Castor Oil work to purge dirt, toxins and excess sebum from the skin.
Castor Oil for Pain and Inflammation
With a rich content of ricinoleic acid – a natural anti-inflammatory - Castor Oil is known to soothe inflammation while reducing pain and swelling.
Castor Oil for Joint Pain
Ricinoleic acid is also believed to ease inflammation and painful joints, helping conditions like arthritis or sore muscles when used as a massage oil.
Castor Oil for Wounds
The antimicrobial properties in Castor Oil have been seen to encourage wound healing and improve scars.
Castor Oil for Period Pain
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in Castor Oil is said to help alleviate menstrual cramps and some believe may also relieve the symptoms of hormonal conditions like PCOS.
Castor Oil for Circulation
Other Castor Oil massage benefits include its ability to warm the skin and boost blood circulation.
Learn more about the benefits and uses of Castor Oil for pain relief.
Castor Oil for Digestive Health
With a rich content of ricinoleic acid – a natural anti-inflammatory - Castor Oil is known to soothe inflammation while reducing pain and swelling.
Castor Oil for Joint Pain
Ricinoleic acid is also believed to ease inflammation and painful joints, helping conditions like arthritis or sore muscles when used as a massage oil.
Castor Oil for Wounds
The antimicrobial properties in Castor Oil have been seen to encourage wound healing and improve scars.
Castor Oil for Period Pain
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in Castor Oil is said to help alleviate menstrual cramps and some believe may also relieve the symptoms of hormonal conditions like PCOS.
Castor Oil for Circulation
Other Castor Oil massage benefits include its ability to warm the skin and boost blood circulation.
Learn more about the benefits and uses of Castor Oil for pain relief.
How to Apply Castor Oil
Directly on the Skin: Castor Oil benefits are primarily received by using it directly on the skin. You can use it on its own or combined with safe levels of Essential Oils. It is also often recommended to blend with other Carrier Oil/s to thin out its notoriously thick, 'sticky' nature.
Skincare Formulations: Amazing for skin, Castor Oil makes the perfect addition to your D.I.Y formulations such as face & skin serums, body butters, lotions and moisturisers.
Massage: Dilute a few drops of your favourite essential oil in Castor Oil to create a soothing and hydrating massage oil.
Hair Treatment: Apply Castor Oil directly to your scalp, roots, and ends of your hair to create a nourishing hair treatment. Leave for as long as desired, and then shampoo thoroughly. For added hair-growing benefits, try adding a drop of Rosemary Essential Oil.
Joint Pain Relief: Using a small amount of Castor Oil, gently massage onto sore or achy areas to provide a natural remedy for muscle or joint discomfort.
Castor Oil Pack: Said to help relieve abdominal pain, period pain or promote a healthy bowel, you could try a Castor Oil pack on your stomach. Soak a cotton face washer in Castor Oil so it’s saturated but not dripping and lie on your back with the soaked face washer placed over your abdomen. Cover it with another dry face washer and then apply heat using a hot water bottle. Leave for an hour and feel the pain subside (Hint: use an old towel to lie on to prevent any oil from staining your bed sheets or couch).
Explore more uses of Castor Oil in our deep-dive articles about skincare, haircare and topical uses.
Is Castor Oil Safe?
Castor Oil side effects are rare, and it is generally considered safe for topical use. However, there are some considerations to take into account.
Castor Oil may trigger allergies and should be avoided by those allergic to nuts.
Before using Castor Oil, we recommend you perform a skin patch test to check for a reaction. Those with sensitive skin should perform the test at least 48 hours before general use to give the body enough time to respond.
Our products are formulated for aromatherapy purposes and are not food grade. Castor Oil should not be ingested or consumed internally or used for culinary purposes.
Castor Oil and Pregnancy
Castor Oil is generally safe for topical use to experience its therapeutic benefits. With this being said, some medical practitioners use Castor Oil to induce birth, and we recommend women in any stage of pregnancy to avoid using Castor Oil until first speaking with their GP or healthcare practitioner.
Where To Buy Carrier Oils?
While carrier oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the quality and purity of these carrier oils will vary. This is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO, we have a wide selection of carrier oils and organic carrier oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities, our costs are significantly less and allow us to offer high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!