Many uses for castor oil have been around for a long time. In fact, this unique oil has been used medicinally for about 4000 years. In addition to its medicinal uses, this multipurpose home remedy can be used in many different ways. Below you’ll find 101 uses for castor oil that span nearly every aspect of daily life.
Here you’ll find thirty different ways to use No products found. in medicinal applications. Keep in mind that while castor oil has been used by medical practitioners for a long time, you should always consult with your physician before changing your health routine. Each use listed here is for informational purposes only.
While many types of fungi are entirely harmless, there are a select few that can cause unpleasant reactions in the human body. If you’ve ever had a fungal infection like athlete’s foot, jock itch, or even ringworm, you know that getting rid of a fungus isn’t always easy. While everybody is different, many people find relief from the simple use of castor oil such as:
- Treat Candida Infections in the Mouth
- Fight Toenail Fungus
- Get Rid of Ringworm
Chronic Health Conditions
When it comes to preventing and treating chronic health conditions, you should always consult with your primary care physician or specialist. But, you should also consider bringing up the use of castor oil. While the research behind these uses is still developing, many anecdotal accounts have supported the use of castor oil to help with the following conditions:
Women’s Health
Each human body is incredibly complex and it’s truly a miracle how each bodily system works together to keep us alive. Health matters are typically even more complex for women. But, some research has shown that castor oil can effectively help improve many facets of women’s health. Some areas in which castor oil can help include:
Other Medicinal Uses
Because castor oil has so many unique properties, it is quite beneficial for a number of medicinal uses. In addition to the uses outlined above, castor oil is also useful in many other ways. Below you’ll find sixteen more ways to use castor oil to promote good health.
- Natural Laxative
- Hemorrhoid Treatment
- Promotes Wound Healing
- Natural Sleep Aid
- Relieves Colic
- Immune System Booster
- Increases Circulation
- Treats Styes
- Heal Minor Scratches
- Supports Lymphatic System
- Allergy Reliever
- Expels Tapeworms
- Cures Urinary Tract Infections
- Varicose Vein Removal
- Clear Congestion
- Relieve Cold and Flu Symptoms
While castor oil has primarily been used medicinally as a powerful yet natural laxative, it also has many potential benefits for the skin. Below we’ve outlined several ways that castor oil can be a boon to your daily skincare routine.
Acne
We generally associate acne with adolescence. However, as many adults know, acne isn’t isolated to the teenage years alone. While everyone’s skin is different, castor oil can be quite useful when dealing with a sudden onset of blemishes. Using oil to treat oily skin may seem counterintuitive, but for many people, it works quite well.
- Reduces Acne
- Skin Cleanser
- Prevent Breakouts
- Spot Treatment for Cystic Acne
Skin Appearance
There’s no denying it; good health often means having good looking skin. Women and men alike covet good looking skin, and usually spend a relatively large amount of money in an attempt to achieve their skin goals. Luckily, this cheap plant-based oil has been shown to improve many skin conditions resulting in better overall skin appearance.
You can use castor oil externally to improve the look of your skin in the following ways:
- Improve Skin Texture
- Helps Reduce Stretch Marks
- Minimize the Appearance of Scars
- Remove Moles and Skin Tags
- Reduce Hyperpigmentation
- Remove Warts
- Prevent Stretch Marks
- Minimize the appearance of cellulite
Rashes and dry skin are incredibly common, especially during hot summers and dry winters. Castor oil can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with rashes and dry skin. Plus, thanks to its natural antibacterial properties it will help keep your skin healthy. Even if you are facing a chronic rash condition, castor oil may provide you with some relief.
- Treat Skin Rashes
- Helps With Eczema
- Relieve Chapped Hands
- Treat Psoriasis
- Softens Rough Skin on Knees and Elbows
- Protect Skin from Bacterial Infections
Hair Related Uses
In addition to being beneficial for the skin, castor oil is also useful for your hair. This list of uses outlines different ways that this multipurpose seed oil can improve the overall condition of your scalp and hair. This ubiquitous ingredient can be combined with other health-promoting ingredients or used alone to enhance the color, texture, and damage of your hair.
- Used It in Natural Shampoo Bars
- Natural Hair Conditioner
- Can Enhance Natural Hair Color
- May Promote Hair Growth
- Repair Split Ends
- Dandruff Treatment
- Treat Scalp Infections
- Strengthen Hair
- Helps Tame Frizzy Hair
- Promote Scalp Health
- Making Curls More Manageable
- Prevents and Treats Cradle Cap
Castor oil is an incredibly versatile tool to have in your beauty regime. Again, it can be used on its own to create dramatic effects, or combined with other ingredients to make all natural beauty products. Even if you don’t use castor oil on a regular basis, keeping a bottle of this inexpensive oil on hand can save you in a pinch.
- Natural Mascara
- May Eliminate Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- Thicken Eyebrows
- Lengthen Eyelashes
- Soften Cuticles
- Relieve Brittle Nails
- Hydrate Chapped Lips
- Reduce Dark Circles Around Eyes
- May Thicken Hair
- Can Be Used In Natural Perfumes
- Make a Pre-Shave Oil
- DIY MakeUp Primer
- Making Soap
- Moisturizer
Pain Relief
When in pain, most people will try anything to find relief. Anecdotal evidence has shown that castor oil can be particularly useful when facing different types of pain. From arthritis pain to painful cracked heels, castor oil treatments can help alleviate your pain and get you back to feeling normal.
- Topical Anti-Inflammatory
- Natural Arthritis Remedy
- Soothes Cracked and Dry Heels
- Relieves Sunburn
- May Help Migraine Pain
- Reduce Menstrual Cramps
- Relieve Calluses
- Reduce Joint Pain
- Relieves Gallbladder Pain
- Soothe Aching Feet
- Alleviate Sciatica Pain
While the benefits of castor oil have been well demonstrated above, there are still a few more uses that didn’t fit well anywhere else on this list. For these uses we’ve tried to group them as best as we can, but as you can see some of them are unique. But, if you already keep castor oil on hand, why not try out some of these home remedies?
Outdoor Uses
It may be surprising, but castor oil can be used outside of your home also. When caring for your pets, trying to get rid of pesky rodents, or even trying to control a flea issue, this cheap oil is a boon. Castor oil can help in any of the following ways to improve your outdoor life.
- Mole Repellent
- Perk Up Ferns
- Treat Minor Pet Wounds
- Flea Repellent
Personal Care
While several personal care uses appeared above, there are still a few more that we haven’t covered. Below you’ll find nine more ways to use castor oil in your personal care routine. Keep in mind, everybody is unique, and while these uses may work well for some, they might not work for others.
- Promotes Oral Hygiene
- Treat Mouth Sores
- Massage Oil
- Eliminate Corns on Feet
- Increase Libido
- Used in Spermicide
- Castor Oil Pack
- Supports Weight Loss
- Detoxifying Agent
Additional Uses
Last but not least, we come to our previous three uses for castor oil. Each item on this list is a great way to use castor oil that didn’t fit anywhere above. As with any of the other suggestions on this list, always use caution when implementing a new home remedy.
- Long-term Preservation of Whole Grains
- Mechanical Lubricant
- Lubricate Scissors
A Few Final Words
Castor oil has a unique chemical composition that allows it to be useful in a wide array of uses. However, as we mentioned above, each human body is unique. Some applications will work well for some people and not at all for others.
In general, scientific research supporting castor oil is available but is also limited. For example, we know that castor oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, but we don’t know how useful those properties are. Always check with your doctor before trying a home remedy for any illness or chronic condition.
Additionally, keep in mind that a vast majority of these uses are topical, meaning that you apply the castor oil to your skin. Ingesting too much castor oil can be dangerous, and it has a slightly unpleasant taste. Castor oil should not be given orally to children under the age of 12 and should only be used under close supervision during pregnancy.