What is castor oil?

Castor oil is made up of fatty acids with 90% of which is ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid found in other seeds but at a much lower concentration. It is believed the high concentration of ricinoleic acid is what gives castor oil its unique healing abilities. Castor oil contains anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties and can be used to treat a variety of health conditions.

How to use castor oil

Castor oil can be applied topically using castor oil packs are an easy way to infuse the healing properties of the oil directly into the tissues of the body. For best results, castor oil packs should be applied to the body for at least 4 consecutive days with each application being 45-60 minutes. For small areas, you can soak a band-aid in castor oil and apply it to the affected area. For pain conditions and scar tissue, apply castor oil pack directly to the area. Castor oil packs can be applied to the throat for a sore throat and the packs can be applied directly the cysts and growths. For most other conditions, place the castor oil pack on the torso stretching from the lower abdomen to the chest.

Conditions castor oil can help:

  • Break up scar tissue
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Infections
  • Constipation, especially in the elderly
  • Arthritis pain
  • Dermatitis
  • Shown to suppress tumor growth
  • Liver detoxification/liver congestion
  • Headaches
  • Gynecological conditions
  • Gallbladder inflammation
  • Gastrointestinal remedy
  • IBS
  • Bladder infections
  • Vaginal infections
  • Immune system stimulant
  • Lymphatic system stimulant
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Fluid retention
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Acne
  • Skin lesions

*Castor oil has been shown to cause adverse reactions in some. It is best to do a patch test before applying castor oil packs to check for skin sensitivity. Castor oil has also been shown to cause stomach discomfort in some people. If an upset stomach, diarrhea or other uncomfortable digestive issues occur after using castor oil packs, you may want to avoid using castor oil.

Nothing in this document is intended as a substitute for your doctor’s diagnosis and/or treatment. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA.