Amazing Benefits of Castor Oil + Over 15 Castor Oil Uses

Castor oil has been a beauty and wellness secret for centuries, praised for its powerful healing and nourishing properties. From promoting hair growth and moisturizing skin to aiding digestion and relieving pain, this versatile oil is a must-have in every natural remedy toolkit. Whether you’re looking to enhance your beauty routine or improve your overall health, castor oil has a solution for you! In this post, you’ll discover the amazing benefits of castor oil and over 15 incredible ways to use it in your daily life.

A bottle of castor oil on the kitchen counter.

I love using oils in my home, not just essential oils but also carrier oils, to make homemade products and apply topically to the skin.

A few of my favorites are coconut oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil, but although they are all great oils with many amazing benefits, none of them quite compare to castor oil.

Castor oil is more than just a carrier oil or a good moisturizer—it is incredibly healing.

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I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products mentioned here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor before using essential oils on children under 5 or while pregnant or breastfeeding. Please do not ask me for medical advice. Click here to read my full disclaimer.

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is made from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). It is 100% all-natural, odorless, and has a very thick consistency.

Castor oil has been used for thousands of years for medicinal and beauty purposes.

You can click here to learn more about the history of castor oil.

Benefits of Castor Oil

Castor oil has many incredible benefits, mainly due to its primary fatty acid, ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid is extremely moisturizing and also has healing properties.

The ricinoleic acid in castor oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These properties are one of the main reasons castor oil has so many benefits.

That said, many of the benefits are anecdotal. Below are some potential benefits of castor oil.

Promotes Hair Growth

There is a lot of hype about castor oil and its effect on hair growth on the internet. However, I couldn’t find any science-backed evidence that it can actually make hair grow longer.

That said, I have been using castor oil for years, and I’m pretty convinced of its ability to promote hair growth.

Promotes Brow & Eyelash Growth

I’ve also been using castor oil for years on my lashes and brows, and my brows and lashes are longer and fuller than they have ever been.

So I am also pretty convinced of its ability not just to promote hair growth on your head but also when it comes to your lashes and brows.

Heals Dry Skin

Castor oil is loaded with antioxidants and has many skin benefits. It is incredibly moisturizing and can heal dry skin thanks to its rich composition of fatty acids.

It also acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and preventing water loss.

Removes Moles & Skin Tags

The fatty acids in castor oil help to gradually break down abnormal skin cells. Castor oil also softens the mole or skin tag, causing it to shrink over time.

Although I have never used castor oil to remove a mole, I have inadvertently removed a skin tag with it.

I had a skin tag on the outside corner of my right eye for years. I started to use castor oil on my eyes to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and after a few weeks, the skin tag fell off.

So I can without a doubt say that it works!

Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Castor oil has deep moisturizing, collagen-boosting, and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

If you doubt castor oil’s ability to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, I encourage you to try it.

It really works!

Castor oil won’t completely erase wrinkles, but regular use can naturally smooth fine lines and improve skin elasticity!

Fades Stretch Marks

Thanks to the rich fatty acids in castor oil, it can penetrate deep into the skin, keeping it supple and helping restore elasticity. Over time, this can reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

The anti-inflammatory and healing properties of castor oil also encourage skin regeneration.

Supports Lymphatic Drainage

Castor oil is believed to improve the flow of lymph, which is the fluid that carries waste products away from tissues and into the bloodstream for elimination.

Supports Liver Function

When castor oil is applied over the liver area either directly to the skin or via a castor oil pack, it can help support liver function by increasing blood flow to the liver area.

Alleviates Joint Pain

Castor oil can help to relieve joint pain. This is believed to be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of ricinoleic acid.

Eases Menstrual Cramps

Castor oil is very well known for alleviating menstrual cramps. This is also believed to be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of ricinoleic acid.

Improves Fertility

Castor oil can help improve fertility by improving blood flow to the uterus. When blood flow is increased to the uterus, it can help to increase the uterine lining.

Reduces Inflammation

The ricinoleic acid in castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can reduce inflammation.

Breaks Down Cysts

It is currently unknown how exactly castor oil can break down cysts, but there is an immense amount of anecdotal evidence—not just cysts but also nodules, fibroids, and scar tissue.

Although no studies have been done to confirm castor oil’s ability to do this or explain how it does this, it is most likely due to the anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil and its ability to enhance the detoxification and natural healing mechanisms in the body.

Relieves Constipation & Improves Digestion

Castor oil can stimulate the bowels and relieve constipation. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil is believed to activate the EP3 prostanoid receptor on the muscle cells of the intestines.

This causes muscle contractions to help waste move through the intestines.

Castor oil packs can also stimulate other organs in the digestive system, which can help improve digestion.

Choosing the Right Castor Oil

Choosing the right castor oil is very important if you want to experience all the benefits castor oil has to offer.

You will want to use cold-pressed, organic castor oil for maximum effectiveness.

Also, ensure that it is hexane-free and free from artificial additives.

This is the one that I use most often.

Castor Oil Uses

You can use castor oil in a variety of ways. The easiest is just to apply directly to the skin or hair. One of the most effective ways to use castor oil is with a castor oil pack.

You can read this article, Castor Oil Pack Benefits + How To Make & Use Them, to learn all about them.

Below, you will discover specific uses for each castor oil benefit mentioned above.

How to Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth?

To use castor oil for hair growth, you can simply apply it directly to the scalp and hair. However, castor oil is a very, very thick oil and can be a little tricky to work with.

I prefer to mix it with another carrier oil whenever I apply it to my hair and scalp.

You can check out my DIY Hair Growth Oil for a simple hair treatment using castor oil, almond oil, and essential oils.

How to Use Castor Oil for Brow & Eyelash Growth?

Castor oil can be applied directly to the brows and eyelashes to promote growth. I like to do this at night right before bed.

You can also check out my DIY Lash Growth Serum for an easy recipe that includes castor oil and essential oils.

How to Use Castor Oil for Dry Skin?

The easiest way to use castor oil for dry skin is just to apply it directly to the skin.

You can mix it with another carrier oil to make it easier to apply, but it’s not necessary.

I have a homemade foot cream recipe that you can check out. It is made with castor oil and other moisturizing ingredients.

I created it to heal cracked heels, but it can be applied anywhere you experience severely dry skin.

How to Use Castor Oil to Remove Moles & Skin Tags?

To use castor oil to remove a mole or skin tag, follow the step-by-step directions below.

Mix one teaspoon of castor oil with ½ teaspoon of baking soda to form a thick paste
Apply directly to the mole or skin tag
Cover with a bandage and leave on overnight
Rinse off in the morning and reapply daily for several weeks

If you have a small skin tag, simply applying castor oil to it daily for a few months may also cause it to fall off.

Never try to remove suspicious or changing moles. Always consult a dermatologist first.

Also, be consistent—natural removal can sometimes take weeks or even months.

How to Use Castor Oil to Reduce Fine Lines & Wrinkles?

To use castor oil to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, simply apply it directly to the skin.

If you have never used castor oil on your face, I recommend starting with a small area before applying it all over.

That way, you can minimize any adverse effects in case of a bad reaction.

I have never had a bad reaction using castor oil, but everyone’s skin is different, so you never know.

I also have a DIY Eye Cream Recipe that includes castor oil that works really, really well!

How to Use Castor Oil to Fade Stretch Marks?

To use castor oil to fade stretch marks, simply massage it onto stretch marks in a circular motion for 5-10 minutes.

You can cover the area with a warm towel or plastic wrap for 20-30 minutes to boost absorption.

Stretch marks take a long time to fade, so be consistent and apply castor oil regularly for at least 4-8 weeks.

How to Use Castor Oil to Support Lymphatic Drainage?

The best way to use castor oil to support lymphatic drainage is by using a castor oil pack.

Applying a castor oil pack to the abdomen is a great way to increase lymphatic drainage.

You can click here to learn all about castor oil packs.

You can also use castor oil to give a lymphatic drainage massage.

How to Use Castor Oil to Support Liver Function?

The best way to use castor oil to support liver function is by using a castor oil pack.

Simply apply the pack over the liver area.

How to Use Castor Oil to Alleviate Joint Pain?

To alleviate joint pain, simply apply castor oil to the area where you are experiencing pain or apply a castor oil pack to the area.

How to Use Castor Oil to Ease Menstrual Cramps?

To ease menstrual cramps, simply apply a castor oil pack over the lower abdomen whenever you are experiencing cramping.

However, I do not recommend doing this if it is your first time using a castor oil pack. Castor oil may be able to stimulate uterine contractions, which may cause severe cramping during your period.

If you are new to castor oil packs, I recommend applying one over your liver during the follicular phase a few times before using it during your period.

How to Use Castor Oil to Improve Fertility?

To use castor oil to boost fertility, simply apply a castor oil pack over the uterus area.

With that being said, if you are trying to conceive, only use castor oil packs during your period and the follicular phase of your cycle. Do not use it during your fertility window or luteal phase.

It is believed that castor oil can possibly stimulate uterine contractions and cause a miscarriage.

How to Use Castor Oil to Reduce Inflammation?

To reduce inflammation, apply a castor oil pack to the area of the body where inflammation is present.

You can also try a castor oil detox bath. Simply add 1–2 tablespoons of castor oil to warm bath water. Soak for 20–30 minutes while massaging inflamed areas. Rinse off and hydrate well after the bath.

Castor oil detox baths are great for systemic inflammation, toxin buildup, and skin conditions.

How to Use Castor Oil to Break Down Cysts?

To use castor oil to dissolve cysts, nodules, fibroids, and scar tissue, apply a castor oil pack wherever you are experiencing these types of issues. The pack can be applied over the ovaries for ovarian cysts, the thyroid for thyroid nodules, the uterus for fibroids, etc.

How to Use Castor Oil to Relieve Constipation & Improve Digestion?

To relieve constipation or improve digestion, apply a castor oil pack to the abdominal area.

You can also warm a few drops of castor oil and massage onto your abdomen in circular motions.

Some people ingest castor oil orally for constipation relief. I have never tried it, so I can’t share my experience or recommendation.

You can click here if you want to learn more about consuming castor oil orally.

Final Thoughts

It is incredible how one oil can do so much. I truly believe every household should have castor oil in it, as it can replace many other products.

And to be honest, there are actually more benefits and uses that are not listed in this post. I recommend reading the books below to learn more about castor oil and its uses.

I really hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if you have any questions.