4 Benefits and Uses of Castor Oil

Castor oil serves multiple roles across medicine, industry, and pharmaceuticals. You’ll find it in foods, medicines, and skincare items, and it’s also used as an industrial lubricant and as a component in biodiesel.

Extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, castor oil has a history stretching back thousands of years. A heat-based processing step neutralizes the toxic protein ricin, rendering the oil safe for use.

In ancient Egypt, castor oil was employed as a fuel and for therapeutic purposes such as soothing eye irritation and helping to induce labor.

Below are four possible benefits and applications of castor oil. We also discuss its role in hair care and the precautions to consider.

2. A natural moisturizer

Castor oil is abundant in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid noted for its emollient qualities. It can be used on its own or blended with other oils as a natural substitute for commercial moisturizers.

Unlike many store-bought formulations, pure castor oil lacks synthetic additives and is appropriate for facial and body use. Still, it can cause irritation for some people, so always dilute it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying, and perform a small patch test on a tiny skin area before using it more widely.

3. May promote wound healing

Castor oil can assist wound healing by keeping tissues moist and preventing them from drying out.

For instance, Venelex, an ointment commonly used in clinical practice, combines castor oil with Peru balsam — a resin from the Myroxylon balsamum tree — to treat wounds.

Moreover, ricinoleic acid, the predominant fatty acid in castor oil, may reduce skin inflammation, support tissue repair, and help lessen pain in people with wounds.

Remember that topical wound products containing castor oil typically include several ingredients, not just castor oil alone. Do not apply castor oil directly to an open wound without first consulting a healthcare provider.

4. May be helpful for cleaning and storing dentures

Dentures are often colonized by various bacteria and fungi, including Candida species. If dentures aren’t properly cleaned and stored, this can cause oral issues.

Candida organisms, such as C. albicans, are particularly troublesome for denture wearers because they readily adhere to denture surfaces and mouth tissues.

An overgrowth of Candida can result in denture stomatitis, an infection that produces redness, inflammation, and discomfort in the mouth.

Some evidence indicates that cleaning dentures with castor oil might help lower the risk of denture stomatitis because castor oil can have antimicrobial effects against certain bacteria and fungi.

Can castor oil support hair growth and scalp health?

Many people apply castor oil as a natural hair remedy. Castor oil’s viscous nature may help coat the hair shaft, increasing flexibility and reducing breakage.

Although castor oil is a popular component of hair-care regimens, there’s limited evidence that it truly enhances hair health, stimulates new growth, or prevents hair loss.

The same caution applies to using castor oil on eyelashes or eyebrows. Some individuals use it hoping to boost lash growth, but scientific research has not demonstrated this to be effective.

In rare cases, castor oil can contribute to a condition called plica polonica in people with long hair, where hair becomes severely matted and tangled into a hard mass resembling a bird’s nest. This state is usually irreversible, and the only remedy is cutting the affected hair.

Although uncommon, those with long hair should exercise care when using castor oil as part of hair care.

Castor oil precautions

Castor oil is used both orally and topically for various issues. While it’s generally considered safe for many people, it can cause adverse effects in some users.

If you’re thinking of using castor oil, be aware of these possible side effects:

• Labor: Clinicians sometimes administer castor oil to induce labor in pregnant individuals. Therefore, anyone who is pregnant should avoid using castor oil.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects: Although it can relieve constipation effectively, castor oil may also produce GI effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, and bloating. It can cause dizziness as well. Use it for constipation only under medical guidance.
• Allergic reactions: Some people may develop an allergic response when castor oil is applied to the skin. Always test a small amount on a tiny patch of skin before wider use.

Individuals with certain medical conditions — including appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, bowel perforation, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — should avoid stimulant laxatives like castor oil because they can trigger serious complications.

Castor oil should not be used to self-treat medical conditions unless a physician has recommended it. Misuse can be hazardous. Consult a healthcare professional before using castor oil for any health concern.

Frequently asked questions

What is castor oil good for?

Castor oil is used by some as a potent laxative. It also may serve as a moisturizer and aid wound care, and some use it to help control microbes on dentures.

Can castor oil reduce belly fat?

Some believe castor oil aids weight loss because of its laxative effects, but there isn’t sufficient evidence to confirm this. Any observed weight change is more likely due to relief of constipation than fat loss caused by castor oil itself.

Learn more: Should you take castor oil to lose weight?

Does castor oil draw out toxins?

People have shared anecdotes that applying a castor oil pack over the liver helps detoxify it. However, there is no scientific proof supporting this practice.

Learn more: DIY castor oil packs and how to use them.

What are the benefits of castor oil on the face?

Castor oil may be a moisturizing option for facial skin, but there’s no clear evidence it improves conditions like acne. Always test a small patch first to check for allergic reactions and dilute it with a carrier oil such as olive oil.

Learn more: Can you use castor oil on your face?

Bottom line

Castor oil has been used for millennia as a natural remedy for a range of issues.

It can ease constipation and may function as a natural skin moisturizer and as a denture-care aid.

Even though many people apply castor oil to combat dry or thinning hair, there’s no conclusive evidence that it improves hair health or stimulates growth when used alone.

If you’re considering castor oil for constipation or any other condition, discuss it with your healthcare provider first to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your individual health situation.