If you are in your 30s or older, you probably remember the Tom and Jerry Cartoons. In it, the child forces Tom to drink the castor oil because he was a bad Puddy Cat. Then, Jerry accidentally guzzles it down as well. Both then upchuck, and it’s hilarious. I always thought, “how absolutely grotesque castor oil must be!” I didn’t know anything about it at all other than it must be gross and no thank you!
Well, as I have gone on my natural healthcare journey, I began to ask myself, “why so much propaganda against castor oil?”. Well, just like all other natural home remedies and previously recognized medicines, big pharma, John D Rockefeller, and later Bayer and Merck, had a stake in the demonizing of natural and herbal medicines. That is an interesting rabbit hole that you should definitely dive into!
I am not a doctor, please see my disclaimer. Also, I have affiliate links in this article.
Castor oil is incredibly helpful home remedy to keep on hand. Also, you should put it as a pack on your hand!
Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). It has been used for centuries for numerous health and beauty benefits. This makes it a staple in traditional practices across various cultures. Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which is a unique fatty acid that contributes significantly to its therapeutic properties.
Skin and Beauty
Cleopatra is said to have used castor oil for various beauty purposes, including:
Hair care: Castor oil was also used to strengthen and moisturize her hair.
Moisturizing skin: It was believed to help keep her skin hydrated and healthy.
Castor oil is rich in fatty acids. It is known for its moisturizing properties. It has been a staple in beauty regimens throughout history.
Castor oil is not commonly found in cooking oils. However, it is widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. It is also used as an industrial lubricant. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to various health and beauty routines.
Castor oil is great for moisturizing lips, face, and skin topically. It promotes healthy hair growth and healthy nails beds. Castor oil can reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. It treats eczema and psoriasis… I have psoriasis and have felt improvements with use.
It treats fungal infections like ringworm, athlete’s foot, and toenail fungus. Its active ingredient, undecylenic acid, has been shown to inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens. Not having ringworm is definitely a beauty bonus! I will expand on all the beauty and skin health uses in the future.
I won’t have recipes for skin and beauty in this post. There are recipes for other ailments below. Reminder: I am not a doctor and am not liable for how you use any information that I share.
Nutritional Profile of Castor Oil
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional profile of castor oil based on a standard serving size of one tablespoon (approximately 15 ml):
| Nutrient | Amount per Tablespoon |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 14 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 grams |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6.5 grams |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.5 grams |
| Protein | 0 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 0 grams |
| Fiber | 0 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
Ricinoleic Acid: Castor oil, extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis L.), contains a high concentration of ricinoleic acid, making up about 85-95% of its fatty acid content. The presence of the hydroxyl group on the carbon chain distinguishes it from other common fatty acids. This makes it unusually polar.
This structure gives ricinoleic acid and castor oil distinct physical characteristics. It is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid at room temperature. The hydroxyl group promotes hydrogen bonding. This contributes to castor oil’s higher viscosity compared to other plant-based oils. It also enhances its lubricating properties and oxidative stability. Source
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports skin health.
Omega-6 and Omega-9 Fatty Acids: These essential fatty acids contribute to various bodily functions, including inflammation regulation and skin health.
This website is full of great additional information. It also includes safety information regarding castor oil and the ricinoleic acid that comes from castor beans. Please go look at it! Ricinoleic Acid: What It Is, Uses, and Benefits – Biology Insights
Some of my remedies:
Castor Oil for Inflammation
This has become my go-to and the remedy that blew my mind! I had been in such insane pain due to my hip being out of place and being inflamed. I have a leg that is longer than the other by a small amount. It causes me a lot of trouble. Thank goodness no one notices! So, after I had a massage and a chiropractic adjustment, which helped a lot. (Normally, a massage fixes me pretty quickly, but I still had some issues by the next morning this time.) I was back to the same amount of pain as before my appointment. I had heard a little about castor oil, but thought is probably an old wife’s tale. However, with seeing how much it had been demonized and how much that drives me to dive deeper into research. I decided it was worth a shot. So, I ordered a bottle of castor oil and some packs. And then I was amazed!
My husband used the packs on his wrist (carpal tunnel), lower back (injuries), and his feet (inflammation from injuries). He has a lot of injuries due to having incredibly demanding jobs…. and then I also work him like a slave on the Ranch. So, this poor guy doesn’t get a break.
We each wrapped ourselves in packs and woke up with almost no pain. My husband’s wrist was better than his untreated wrist, his back was relaxed, he slept deeper. I woke with incredibly less pain in my hip. I was able to walk without limping. I slept like a baby that was given a shot of whiskey and lavender. A great bonus… both our digestion was fantastic! (TMI… I have IBS and this is a big deal to me!)
- Take 1/4 cup castor oil.
- Then, put oil onto the cotton fabric of choice.
- Next, wrap cotton fabric onto your skin in the location of the pain.
- Now you can either wrap with a plastic wrap to keep in place or buy the wraps that I did. (or these disposable ones ) It also comes in a set.
Additional remedies below:
Castor Oil Pack for Constipation
We all have days when things aren’t flowing as they should. You can get this remedy and more from Master Recipes from the Herbal Apothecary.
This is a simple topical treatment that has profound effects on the body.
- Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of castor oil on the abdomen, ensuring to cover the entire area.
- Next, place a strip of cotton fabric over the abdomen. Be sure it is something you are not that attached to, as the castor oil will stain it. (You can also choose to buy these castor oil packs which are waterproof).
- Then, place a hot water bottle or heating pad over the towel and relax for 30 minutes.
This treatment works best if done a minimum of 4 consecutive days a week.
As a Natural Laxative
For adults, you can take a typical dose of 1 to 2 tablespoons of castor oil on an empty stomach. This will get things moving fast!
The FDA has approved castor oil to be used as a laxative.
Castor Oil for the Flu
Applying a castor oil pack to your abdomen twice daily is a wonderful way to invigorate your immune system and help clear toxins from your body!
Simply rub 2 tablespoons of castor oil over your abdomen, then cover it with a soft cotton towel and a hot water bottle or heating pad. Enjoy a relaxing session for 30 to 45 minutes, or feel free to apply it before bedtime for a restful night’s sleep.
Castor Oil for Fibroid Treatment
Apply a castor oil pack to the abdomen twice daily to reduce inflammation and support the excretion of excess estrogen.
Spread 2 tablespoons castor oil over the abdomen.
Cover with a cotton towel and then a hot water bottle or heating Pad.
Relax for 30 to 45 minutes or put on before bed and go to sleep.
Castor Oil Pack for Menstrual Support
2 tablespoons black cohosh root
1 tablespoon rose petals
castor oil
Put the herbs in a glass baking dish. Cover them generously with castor oil. The oil should be at a depth of 1 or 2 inches. Bake at 170 F for 4 hours. Once cooled, strain the mixture with care. Apply 1 or 2 tablespoons over the abdomen and cover with a soft cotton cloth. Enjoy the soothing warmth by applying gentle heat for 30 to 45 minutes. Drink some raspberry leaf tea and relax.
For the best results, aim to use the packs 4 consecutive days a week. Do this during weeks 1 to 3 of your menstrual cycle. Feel the wonderful benefits!
Arthritis-Relief Castor Oil
This infused castor oil should reduce discomfort, but it does more than just pain relief. It’s a great anti-inflammatory; castor oil is absorbed through the skin and can lubricate the joint as well. It assists the immune system if autoimmunity is part of the problem.
1 teaspoon lobelia leaf
1 tablespoon black cohosh root
3/4 cup castor oil
Put the herbs in a glass baking dish. Pour castor oil over the herbs to a depth of 1 or 2 inches. Bake at 170 degrees F for 4 hours. Allow to cool and then strain. Apply 1 or 2 teaspoons to the painful area and cover with a cotton towel and then a heating pad or hot water bottle
I hope these remedies help you in your quest to have less pain and better health. Subscribe to make sure you never miss a post!
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