Castor oil, a therapeutic oil derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, has been used for thousands of years in many diverse cultures and civilizations for its powerful medicinal and cosmetic qualities. Its rich history spans millennia, with notable mentions in ancient Egyptian manuscripts, the Old testament and Ayurvedic texts from India. The most common conventional usage of Castor oil is that of an oral laxative but this is actually the only use I do NOT recommend it for. I primarily recommend Castor oil for topical usage. Castor oil has been studied to:
Increase hair growth when applied topically to the scalp or in eye lashes
Help with inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema when massaged in topically over affected areas
Support liver detox and lymphatic drainage when used in Castor oil packs
Soothe the gut and aid in constipation and IBS symptom relief in Castor oil packs
Lower inflammation when used orally in oil pulling regiments (Swished in mouth for 5 minutes and then spit out)
Support anti-aging by decreasing fine lines when applied around the eyes and forehead
In this article we are going to take a deeper dive into the origins and uses of Castor oil and explore its enduring legacy of natural health and wellness.
HAIR GROWTH Potential of Castor Oil:
In addition to its many topical skin uses, Castor oil has recently emerged as a potential elixir for promoting hair growth. High in essential nutrients and antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids, and most notably ricinoleic acid, castor oil's hair growing properties are beginning to be validated in the scientific arena.
Recent studies have honed in on ricinoleic acid, noting its role in stimulating the production of prostaglandin E2 within hair follicles as a driver for hair growth. Prostaglandin E2, an immune mediator, has been previously studied for its role in promoting hair growth. Anything that supports Prostaglandin E2 could potentially help stimulate hair growth. Intriguingly, preliminary animal studies conducted on rabbits treated with a 35% castor oil formula showcased not only increased hair growth but also enhanced hair thickness and fullness. While these findings are promising, further research is needed to solidify the potential of castor oil in the realm of hair growth(1).
Too much castor oil use in the scalp can be detrimental and has been linked to a condition called “felting” where hair follicles become matted together and actually fall out. It's important to use pure castor oil for hair growth with caution.
SKIN HEALTH: Harnessing the Anti-Inflammatory Power of Castor Oil:
Castor oil has remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. A recent mouse study delved into the active ingredient of castor oil, ricinoleic acid, showcasing its superior anti-inflammatory efficacy compared to capsaicin, a well-known, powerful, natural anti-inflammatory (2). While no direct human trials have been conducted on the usage of castor oil in inflammatory skin conditions it stands to reason that its anti-inflammatory effects would be helpful here. In addition to skin health this anti-inflammatory ability positions castor oil as a potential ally against many other diseases also characterized by inflammation, a category encompassing the majority of chronic diseases.
I personally have been experimenting with topical castor oil for my eczema and have noticed remarkable results. Within one week of twice daily castor oil application I noticed a significant decrease in redness, itching and flaking. I would not say that it 100% completely removed the look and appearance of my eczema but definitely got it down by 80%. Most notable it soothes itching like no other natural substance I have used before.
LIVER and LYMPHATIC Detox:
The versatility of castor oil extends its influence to liver health, where its deep-penetrating properties come into play. Applied as a castor oil pack over the liver area, it can enhance blood circulation, stimulate lymphatic flow, and support the body's natural detoxification processes. The anti-inflammatory calming effect on liver inflammation contributes to its detoxification support. To create a pack you place a small amount of castor oil on an organic cloth and place that over the area of the liver on the right side of the abdomen overnight. While you sleep the oil is absorbed and penetrates deep into the lymphatics over the liver. This is said to calm inflammation in the liver and support its detoxing functions overnight. In Chinese medicine the liver is most active from 1-3am so using castor oil packs overnight is giving the liver the support it needs when it needs it most.
In addition to liver support castor oil can be recruited for its ability to support lymphatic drainage as well. Dry brushing is a technique where a coarse brush is applied to the skin in a massage like fashion to stimulate lymphatic flow. Movements start at the periphery and move towards the heart. When castor oil is coupled with dry brushing, the procedure becomes a dynamic force in promoting the circulation of lymphatic fluid—a vital component of the body's detoxification mechanism. By facilitating the smooth flow of toxins out of the body, through its support of the liver and lymphatics, castor oil emerges as a multifaceted detoxification agent.
SOOTHING THE GUT: A Calming Touch for Digestive Health:
The application of castor oil packs over the stomach and intestines extends the influence of castor oil to gut health as well. Applying castor oil packs directly over the center of the abdomen lowers inflammation and soothes the gut, providing relief for various digestive concerns. While oral consumption of castor oil is known to aid in constipation and increasing bowel movements, research reveals that topical use as a pack can also alleviate constipation symptoms just as effectively. A study conducted on elderly patients in Turkey found significant improvement in constipation symptoms for 80% of participants who applied castor oil packs to their abdomens before bed (3).
ORAL HEALTH: A Fresh Perspective on Oil Pulling:
Delving into traditional Ayurvedic practices, castor oil emerges as a unique candidate for oil pulling—a technique whereby a small amount of oil is swished in the mouth for 5-15 minutes aimed at maintaining optimal oral health. Traditionally performed with sesame or coconut oil, oil pulling with castor oil offers heightened anti-inflammatory and penetrating properties. Applied this way castor oil can most effectively lower inflammation in the gums and support gum health compared to other oils. Clinical trials have also shown that consistent oil pulling with castor oil can also reduce the number of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth over time (4).
The viscosity and penetrating nature of castor oil translate into a shorter swishing time—3 to 5 minutes compared to the 10-15 minutes typically associated with traditional oils. A cautionary note: Do not swallow the oil! Also always dispose of the oil in a garbage can rather than the toilet or sink to prevent potential pipe clogging.
ANTI-AGING Properties: Nurturing Skin with Castor Oil:
While direct evidence may be lacking, the proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of castor oil position it as a compelling candidate for anti-aging skincare. Anecdotal evidence abounds, with many attesting to its efficacy as an anti-wrinkle serum. A few drops applied around the eyes before bedtime can reduce inflammation and offer robust antioxidant support to the delicate skin cells.
The scientific exploration of castor oil transcends the boundaries of beauty rituals, revealing its potential in promoting hair growth, supporting skin health, aiding digestion, and contributing to oral wellness. As research continues to unveil the myriad benefits of this versatile oil, castor oil stands poised as a holistic solution for those seeking natural and science-backed approaches to health and beauty.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CASTOR OIL:
My personal recommendation on the best Castor oil on the market is Queen of Thrones organic cold press castor oil. This is the castor oil that I personally use and recommend for people. I am an affiliate for the company, meaning if you purchase using my link and discount code you receive 10% off and I receive a 10% commission. Even though I benefit financially from your purchase I would never recommend a product that I didn't personally use and see have tremendous objective benefit. If you do decide you want to try castor oil make sure the company you use is:
Organic, cold pressed, hexane free
100% pure, extra virgin
Always in glass, amber bottles (Castor oil is extremely absorbent and penetrative. When in plastic bottles it can absorb the toxic chemicals from the plastic. Castor is also extremely reactive to sunlight so must be kept in dark amber bottles away from the sun)
To try Queen of Thrones organic castor oil click the link below and use code “Dr_MarkIwanicki10” for 10% off any purchase in the store over $50:
https://shop.queenofthethrones.com/dr-markiwanicki
REFERENCES:
Rusu, M. & Csedo, C. & Marcus, G. & Lupuliasa, Dumitru. (2008). Preclinical study on the hairgrowth and regeneration of external use lotions containing castor oil (Ricini Oleum) in rabbits. 56. 507-512.
Vieira C, Evangelista S, Cirillo R, Lippi A, Maggi CA, Manzini S. Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8. doi: 10.1080/09629350020025737. PMID: 11200362; PMCID: PMC1781768.
Arslan GG, Eşer I. An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb;17(1):58-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.04.004. Epub 2010 May 18. PMID: 21168117.
Peng TR, Cheng HY, Wu TW, Ng BK. Effectiveness of Oil Pulling for Improving Oral Health: A Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Oct 11;10(10):1991. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10101991. PMID: 36292438; PMCID: PMC9602184.