Castor Oil: The Ancient Remedy Still Thriving in Modern Homes

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There are certain remedies that quietly earn a permanent spot on your shelf, because they simply just work. Castor oil, for me, is one of them. I didn’t grow up with it. I didn’t even hear about it until a few years ago. But once I did, everything changed.

I came across castor oil while researching natural ways to support kidney health. I’ve lived with chronic kidney disease for years, and when I read about how a castor oil pack could help those with reduced kidney function, I was intrigued. Hopeful, even.

So I gave it a try.

For weeks, I wrapped a castor oil pack around my lower back each night before bed. The first thing I noticed? I was sleeping better, something I had been struggling with for months. I also started dabbing castor oil on those stubborn hormonal spots I used to get; the swelling would reduce overnight, and by the second night, the spot was often gone. That’s when I knew: this wasn’t just another natural remedy. This was something different.

Since then, I’ve used castor oil on my hair to tame frizz, around my eyes before bed, and most recently, on a torn foot ligament that I (regretfully) made worse by not resting. The swelling has been persistent, but castor oil has become my go-to. I use it three times a day now, and it’s helping more than I expected, especially with pain and inflammation.

I’m the person in my family who says, “Have you tried castor oil?” to almost everything. Yes, I know it might drive them slightly mad. But when something helps you feel better, sleep better, and heal more gently, you can’t help but want to share it.

And maybe, once you discover its benefits, you’ll find yourself saying the same.

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a thick, golden-hued oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, commonly known as the castor bean plant. Despite its name, the castor “bean” isn’t actually a true bean, but it does produce one of the most versatile oils found in natural health circles today.

It’s rich in a unique fatty acid called ricinoleic acid, which gives castor oil its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and deeply moisturising properties. This isn’t just marketing fluff, ricinoleic acid has been the subject of numerous studies exploring its role in everything from reducing inflammation to promoting lymphatic flow.

What makes castor oil particularly fascinating is how it seems to work with the body, rather than against it. It doesn’t force quick fixes. It supports, soothes, and encourages natural healing over time. That’s probably why it’s been used for thousands of years, quietly passed down through generations.

Today, you’ll find castor oil used in a wide range of applications, from skincare and digestive health to pain relief and hair care. And as more people turn away from synthetic solutions and look back to nature for answers, castor oil is slowly reclaiming its place as a trusted, all-around remedy.

Origins and Historical Use

Castor oil isn’t a new trend, it’s an old remedy with deep roots across cultures and centuries. Its history stretches back to ancient Egypt, where castor oil was used for everything from healing wounds to fuelling lamps. It’s even said that Cleopatra used it to brighten the whites of her eyes and nourish her skin.

In Ayurvedic medicine, castor oil has long been valued for its ability to balance the body and support digestion, detoxification, and inflammation. Traditional Chinese medicine also made use of castor oil, often applying it topically to remove “stagnation” or improve circulation in painful areas.

Throughout time, castor oil found its way into folk remedies around the world. Families would keep it on hand for everything from stubborn constipation and menstrual cramps to dry skin and sore joints. In some places, it was even used to help induce labour under medical supervision, showing just how potent its effects can be when used internally.

What’s remarkable is that despite modern advancements, this ancient oil has held its ground. People are still using it today for many of the same reasons our ancestors did, not because it’s trendy, but because it works.

How Castor Oil is Processed

The effectiveness of castor oil depends a lot on how it’s made. At first glance, it might seem like just another plant-based oil, but castor beans require special care during processing to ensure the final product is safe and therapeutic.

Castor beans naturally contain a toxic protein called ricin but don’t worry. During proper extraction, especially when done cold-pressed and hexane-free, ricin is removed, leaving behind only the beneficial oil. This is why choosing high-quality castor oil is so important.

The best method is cold-pressing, which involves mechanically pressing the castor seeds without heat or harsh chemicals. This helps retain the full spectrum of beneficial compounds, especially ricinoleic acid. You’ll often see the label “cold-pressed” or “virgin” on bottles of therapeutic-grade castor oil, and that’s what you want to look for, especially if you're using it on your skin, hair, or in castor oil packs.

Some castor oils on the market are refined with solvents like hexane, which can leave behind residue and strip the oil of its natural healing properties. So if you’re buying it for wellness purposes, opt for organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil in a dark glass bottle to preserve its purity and potency.

Think of it like choosing good-quality olive oil. The way it’s extracted makes all the difference in how well it works—and how safe it is to use.

Health & Beauty Benefits of Castor Oil

Castor oil isn’t just versatile, it’s powerful. What sets it apart from many other oils is its ability to penetrate deep beneath the skin's surface, reaching tissues, lymph nodes, and even organs when used consistently. This is largely thanks to its high content of ricinoleic acid, which allows it to travel through multiple layers of the skin far more effectively than most plant oils.

While many oils simply sit on the skin and provide surface moisture, castor oil works on a much deeper level, stimulating circulation, softening fascia, and even supporting the body’s detox pathways. That’s why you’ll often find it used in packs applied over the liver, kidneys, or joints. It doesn’t just soothe, it activates.

Here are just some of the ways castor oil can support your health and beauty routine:

Sleep and Relaxation – Helps the body wind down when used in a castor oil pack, especially over the abdomen or back.

Inflammation and Pain Relief – Reduces swelling, soothes sore joints and muscles, and supports injury recovery.

Hormonal Breakouts and Skin Healing – Reduces redness and swelling, especially with repeated use.

Frizz and Hair Nourishment – Softens dry, brittle hair and smooths frizz with regular application.

Under-Eye Swelling and Fine Lines – Hydrates and supports skin texture around the eyes.

Immune and Lymphatic Support – Stimulates lymph flow and supports detoxification through external application.

How I Use Castor Oil

As I shared earlier, castor oil has become my go-to remedy for a wide range of issues, from hormonal breakouts and poor sleep to swelling and injury recovery. I’ve used it in packs for kidney support, dabbed it on my skin, massaged it into my hair, and even applied it to reduce inflammation in my foot.

While it’s not the easiest oil to work with, it’s thick, sticky, and can stain fabrics, I honestly don’t mind. The benefits far outweigh the mess. Castor oil has become a trusted part of my daily routine, and I genuinely feel the difference when I’m using it regularly.

How to Use Castor Oil Safely

While castor oil is incredibly versatile, it’s important to use it with care—especially if you’re new to it. A little goes a long way, and how you apply it can make all the difference.

For external use (which is most common):

1. Always start with a patch test, especially if you have sensitive skin.

   
   

2. When using a castor oil pack, apply a small amount of oil to a soft cloth (like organic flannel), place it on the area (e.g., lower back, abdomen), cover with a towel or wrap, and add gentle heat if desired.

   
   

3. Use old clothes or bedding, as castor oil can stain.

   
   

4. Don’t reuse packs more than a few times unless you’re cleaning them properly.

   
   

5. Avoid internal use unless under medical supervision. Castor oil may act as a strong laxative, but its internal use should always be approached with caution.

   
   

6. Pregnancy caution: Always check with a healthcare provider before using castor oil packs during pregnancy.

   
   

7. Storage tip: Keep it in a dark glass bottle, away from heat and sunlight.

Choosing the Right Castor Oil

Not all castor oils are created equal and the quality you choose can impact how well it works for you. Because castor oil is often used for therapeutic purposes, it’s worth investing in a version that’s pure, clean, and effective.

Look for:

• Certified organic

• Cold-pressed

• Hexane-free

• Stored in dark glass

• Thick, pale golden colour with a natural scent

Brands that prioritise purity will usually make this clear on the label. When in doubt, reach out to the company and ask how their oil is processed.

Scientific Backing

While castor oil has long been valued in traditional medicine, modern science is beginning to catch up, offering insight into why it works so well.

Ricinoleic acid, which makes up the majority of castor oil, has been studied for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial effects.

A study published in Pharmacognosy Reviews highlighted ricinoleic acid’s potential in treating inflammation and pain.

Another study in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine showed that castor oil packs may help stimulate lymphatic drainage, supporting detox and reducing fluid buildup.

Research also suggests that castor oil can support wound healing by increasing circulation and reducing dryness.

Though more human trials would strengthen the evidence, the growing body of research supports what many of us already know through experience: castor oil works.

Final Thoughts

Castor oil might not be the most glamorous item in your wellness toolkit, it’s thick, a little messy, and it doesn’t come with flashy packaging. But for those of us who’ve used it and felt its effects, it’s nothing short of remarkable.

From easing inflammation and supporting sleep to calming breakouts and aiding recovery, castor oil has proven itself time and again in my life. It’s simple, natural, and, when used consistently, surprisingly powerful.

You don’t need to overhaul your routine to benefit from it. Start small. Try a castor oil pack, dab it on a skin flare-up, or smooth a little into the ends of your hair. Give it time. Let it show you what it can do.

And maybe, like me, you’ll find yourself recommending it to everyone around you.