These 12 powerful benefits of castor oil include smoother skin, healthier hair, fingernail and eyelash strengthening, and much much more.💚
Used for centuries and praised across cultures, castor oil is more than just a folk remedy—it’s a versatile powerhouse backed by both tradition and modern science.
Extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, this thick golden oil has a long record of use in ancient Egypt, India, and China, where it was valued for its healing, cleansing, and beautifying properties.
In the early 20th century it gained renewed attention in the West thanks to Edgar Cayce—the famed ‘sleeping prophet’—who recommended castor oil packs as a holistic treatment for everything from digestive issues to inflammation and lymphatic congestion. His supporters continue to swear by its deeply restorative effects, especially when applied topically.
Well nowadays the research is catching up. Studies show that castor oil contains ‘ricinoleic acid,’ a unique bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and moisturizing properties.
I’ve personally been rocking it for decades on my hair, skin, nails, and more—and I have long long hair and long nails that love the stuff. In fact some reports suggest that Cleopatra used it to brighten the whites of her eyes! 👀
So whether you’re looking for a natural way to boost hair growth, smooth skin, ease joint pain, strengthen fingernails and eyelashes, or even improve gut health and digestion, castor oil provides a wide range of stellar benefits.
Top 12 Castor Oil Benefits
Here’s a list of the top 12 health and beauty benefits of castor oil:
1. Promotes Hair Health & Growth
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which improves blood circulation to the scalp and nourishes hair follicles. It’s believed to stimulate hair growth, reduce hair fall, and add thickness and shine—especially helpful for thinning edges or bald spots.
Usage Tip: Apply warm castor oil to the scalp, massage for 5–10 minutes, and leave on for at least 30 minutes or overnight before shampooing. Use 2–3 times a week. I personally dilute it and smooth it through all of my hair to the ends with other emollients.
2. Softens Skin & Reduces Wrinkles
As a natural humectant, castor oil draws moisture into the skin and locks it in. It helps treat dry, flaky, or cracked skin, making it an effective remedy for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and winter dryness. It’s also effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, says this report:
“Castor oil is a natural emollient and moisturizer that penetrates the skin and helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which can soften and hydrate the skin. Therefore, castor oil is a wonderful natural treatment for wrinkles since it restores and rejuvenates skin’s natural youthful appearance by making skin smoother, softer and pliant.”
Usage Tip: Apply to dry areas after a shower or anytime. Ideal for face, elbows, heels, and knees. I often apply it to my face before bed. 😴
3. Supports Eyelash & Eyebrow Growth
A small amount of castor oil applied nightly may enhance lash and brow growth over time. Its nutrient-rich composition strengthens hair at the root, promoting longer, fuller lashes and brows naturally.
Usage Tip: Dip a clean mascara wand or cotton swab in castor oil and apply to lashes and brows before bedtime. Be careful not to get it in your eyes.
4. Cleanses the Bowels
Taken orally in small, controlled doses, castor oil acts as a stimulant laxative. It helps increase muscle contractions in the intestines, encouraging bowel movements and relieving occasional constipation. It’s also one of the only laxatives that cleanses both the small and large intestines. (Caution: not for long-term use.)
According to one report, “ricinoleic acid attaches to a receptor in your intestines. This causes the muscles to contract, pushing poop through your colon. It’s also sometimes used for cleansing your colon before a procedure like a colonoscopy.”
Usage Tip: Adults can take 1–2 teaspoons on an empty stomach. Effects typically begin within 6–8 hours. Do not use long-term or during pregnancy.
5. Reduces Inflammation & Joint Pain
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil can be massaged into joints or used in packs to relieve arthritis, sore muscles, and nerve pain. Edgar Cayce famously recommended castor oil packs for this purpose.
One report notes that “Observational studies indicate that topical application of ricinoleic acid (RA), the main component of castor oil, exerts remarkable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Pharmacological characterization has shown similarities between the effects of RA and those of capsaicin, suggesting a potential interaction of this drug on sensory neuropeptide-mediated neurogenic inflammation.”
Usage Tip: Warm castor oil slightly and massage into the affected area. Cover with a warm compress or castor oil pack for 30–60 minutes.
6. Enhances Wound Healing
Castor oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial effects, helping keep minor cuts, scrapes, and burns clean and hydrated, which can speed up healing and reduce scarring.
Usage Tip: Apply a small amount to cleaned minor wounds, scrapes, or dry patches. Cover with a bandage if needed.
7. Clears Acne & Reduces Breakouts
Despite being an oil, castor oil is surprisingly good for acne-prone skin. Ricinoleic acid fights acne-causing bacteria, while its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects calm irritated skin and may help shrink blemishes.
Usage Tip: Use as a spot treatment or mix with a non-comedogenic oil. Apply to clean skin and rinse off after 15–20 minutes or let it sit while you sleep.
8. Fights Fungal Infections
Castor oil has demonstrated antifungal properties, making it effective against conditions like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and fungal nail infections when applied topically.
Usage Tip: Apply twice daily to the affected area. For nails or feet, soak in warm water first for better absorption.
9. Nourishes Dry Brittle Nails & Cuticles
Applied to nails and cuticles, castor oil strengthens keratin and improves nail resilience while deeply moisturizing the skin around the nails—perfect for brittle nails and hangnails. I also suggest taking silica for hair and nails.
Usage Tip: Rub a drop of castor oil into each nail and cuticle daily before bed.
10. Stimulates Lymphatic and Liver Function
Castor oil packs placed over the abdomen are believed to stimulate lymphatic drainage and support liver detoxification—a popular holistic health practice rooted in Cayce’s protocols.
Usage Tip: Soak a flannel cloth in castor oil, place over the abdomen or liver area, cover with non-toxic cling wrap, and apply a hot water bottle or heating pad for 30–60 minutes.
The following castor oil kit includes a naturopathic body/liver pad with straps:
11. Prevents Stretch Marks & Fades Scars
Due to its deep-penetrating and collagen-stimulating abilities, castor oil is often used during pregnancy or weight changes to prevent stretch marks and fade the appearance of scars over time.
Usage Tip: Massage gently into stretch-prone areas like the belly, thighs, and breasts daily. Can also be used on old scars to soften their appearance.
12. Treats Scalp Conditions Like Dandruff
Castor oil’s antimicrobial and moisturizing effects help soothe dry, itchy, and flaky scalps. Regular application balances oil production and reduces dandruff without harsh chemicals. It’s also good to ditch hair products with toxic chemicals and rock plant-based naturals instead. Plus, washing your hair often is not advised. I have long healthy hair and rarely use shampoos.
Potential Side Effects & Safety Precautions
While castor oil is generally safe for topical use, keep these precautions in mind:
- Allergic reactions: Do a patch test before full use—some people may experience rashes or irritation.
- Eye irritation: Avoid direct contact with eyes when applying to lashes or brows.
- Oral use caution: When taken internally, castor oil should only be used occasionally and at recommended dosages. Avoid during pregnancy or with gastrointestinal conditions without consulting a doctor.
- Staining: Castor oil is thick and may stain clothing or bedding—use protective covers when applying packs.
- People with certain conditions like gastrointestinal obstruction, appendicitis, IBD, or bowel perforation, should avoid stimulant laxatives like castor oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I leave castor oil on overnight?
A: Yes, and especially for hair and skin treatments. Just be sure to protect bedding or wear a shower cap if it’s heavily applied to your hair. Whenever I smooth is lightly through my hair and onto my face it doesn’t stain the bedding.
Q: How often should I use castor oil for hair growth?
A: Two to three times per week is ideal for potentially noticeable results over a few months. I’ve personally been using it for decades and my hair is now past my bum.
Q: Is castor oil safe for pregnant women?
A: Topical use is generally safe, but oral use is not recommended without medical supervision, especially during pregnancy.
Q: Can I mix castor oil with other oils?
A: Castor oil blends well with lighter oils like jojoba, rosemary, almond, or coconut oil.
Q: Is Jamaican Black Castor Oil different?
A: Yes, it’s processed differently (roasted beans) and may have a stronger scent. It’s often used specifically for hair and scalp treatments.
Q: Can Castor Oil Cause Hair Felting?
A: According to reports, “Acute scalp hair matting [i.e., felting] or bird’s nest hair is a rare condition” with only 17 cases reported worldwide. Since castor oil is very thick and sticky, if you have very dense hair, you may want to dilute it with other moisturizers and conditioners and go light.
One report suggests that people with long hair shouldn’t use castor oil at all, but I disagree. I’ve never had a problem on my very long hair. Of course I don’t pour an entire bottle on my head… lol, and I comb it through with smoothing moisturizers.
Takeaway
From ancient times to modern routines, castor oil continues to prove itself as a powerful, multi-purpose health and beauty aid. I first heard about it when I was researching Edgar Cayce, and I’ve been using it since. 😀 💚
The medical and health topics covered on the PlateofGrass website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to prevent or cure any disease. This article and its content is presented ‘as is’ for informational purposes only.
