Castor oil is a powerful carrier oil widely used topically as a skin moisturizer, carrier oil which mixes well with other essential oils and for other health purposes.

Primary benefits and uses

• Powerful laxative: Orally ingested castor oil is broken down into ricinoleic acid in the small intestine. This stimulates muscle movement in the intestines, providing temporary relief from constipation and helping to clear the bowels for medical procedures.

• Natural moisturizer: As an occlusive moisturizer, castor oil's high fatty acid content forms a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss, leaving skin feeling hydrated and smooth.

• Wound healing: Castor oil can help promote wound healing by creating a moist environment. A common clinical ointment for wounds, Venelex, combines castor oil with another ingredient for this purpose.

• Anti-inflammatory effects: Its primary fatty acid, ricinoleic acid, has anti-inflammatory properties that may offer relief for arthritis-related pain when applied topically via a castor oil pack.

• Denture cleaner: Research suggests that cleaning dentures with castor oil can help kill bacteria and fungi, like Candida species, which can cause infections like denture stomatitis. 

benefits

Some popular uses of castor oil include.

• Hair growth: Despite widespread anecdotal claims, no scientific evidence confirms that castor oil can stimulate hair growth or reduce hair loss.

• Detox and weight loss: Claims that castor oil can remove toxins from the body or help with belly fat reduction are unproven. Any weight loss is likely related to its laxative effects and not to fat loss.

• Anti-aging and acne: While its moisturizing properties can temporarily improve skin texture, there is no strong evidence that castor oil can reduce acne scars, wrinkles, or eliminate fine lines. 

Topical use

• Skin irritation and allergies: Applying castor oil can cause allergic reactions, such as rashes, itching, or swelling, in sensitive individuals. Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying it widely.

• Hair issues: On hair, pure castor oil can be difficult to remove and may clog pores on the scalp. In rare cases with long hair, it can cause acute hair felting, a condition where the hair becomes tangled and matted.

• Eye irritation: Never put castor oil directly into your eyes, as it can cause irritation, pain, and blurry vision.