How to use castor oil in your home couldn’t be easier. Grandma’s little secret remedy is still good today! I promise there is more to castor oil than a mere laxative.
Before we talk about how to use castor oil, it might interest you to know WHAT castor oil is. Castor oil is made from the castor bean or seed. The bean of the castor oil plant, also known as Ricinus Communis is pressed down to release the oil. It has been used around the world for centuries. Most of us remember our grandmothers or great-grandmothers having a bottle of this in the house. Some us may have vivid memories of drinking this as a kid…but I won’t go there.
So how can you use castor oil today, in your home? Glad you asked! Let’s look at the many health and home uses.
What is Castor Oil Good For?
Before looking at remedies it is important to start with the best castor oil – cold pressed and organic. This can be a challenge since most castor oils in stores are processed and some contain fillers. Remember NEVER ingest any castor oil that isn’t labeled Food Grade, like GreenIVe.
If you are pregnant or taking medications, you should talk to your health care professional before using castor oil.
Castor Oil for Skin
Acne – castor oil has been used a treatment for acne by moisturizing the skin, slowing bacterial grow and reducing inflammation. After washing your face apply a little castor oil to the affected areas (you may want to try just one the first time). You can rinse or leave on overnight as a treatment while you sleep.
Sunburns – Rub a little castor oil on that sunburn for the same cooling effect as aloe.
Wrinkles – A thin layer of the oil on your wrinkles can reduce their appearance. Or use it as a wrinkle preventative in areas where we are most prone to get them.
Dry Skin – using the oil can give you relief from dry skin.
Castor Oil for Hair Care
Hair – Castor oil for hair is said to help with growing, preventing loss, split ends and more. Many have found the oil beneficial to hair growth and to reverse hair loss.
Check out this article for how it works.
Castor Oil Packs
Menstrual Cramps – you can make a pack, much like the one for inflammation, to ease cramps. Check out this site for directions.
Inflammation – Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be quite beneficial for those with arthritis and sore muscles. Soaking some natural cotton cloth in castor oil and laying that on the sore area, with a heating pad can be very soothing. You can do this up to one hour a day.
Ringworm – Castor oil contains undecylenic acid, which is effective against fungal skin infections. Mix 4 teaspoons of coconut oil with 2 teaspoons of castor oil. Apply this to a sterile gauze and put this on the ringworm. Secure with tape and wear it overnight and do so each night until the ringworm is gone. Wash each morning.
Athlete’s Foot – Apply to feet when they are dry until cleared. Do not put on wet or moist feet or it could worsen the issue.
Other Ways to Make Castor Oil Work for You
Relieve Constipation – Not the most gentle remedy but it will get things moving, don’t leave the house!
Migraines – Use 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of castor oil in the hands and rub into the forehead and temples for up to a minute. This should give you relief, but you may be a little shiny.
Can Castor Oil Be Harmful or Cause Side Effects?
Some people have experienced an allergic reaction to the oil, including skin irritation and stomach discomfort. Please use with caution.
I hope you find a way to incorporate castor oil in your home as an effective natural remedy.
If you have other remedies or hints using castor oil, share them in the comments.
More On Home Remedies
Old Fashioned Home Remedies
10 Home Remedies For an Upset Stomach
Home Remedies For a Sore Throat
30 Awesome Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar
Bag Balm – 20 Reasons to keep it on hand
It should be noted that I am not a doctor or a medical specialist of any kind. Any and all advice in this post is informational purposes only and used at your own risk. It is assumed that you will be doing your own research on this topic and conferring with medical professionals as needed. This is not to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.