Are There Any Benefits of Castor Oil?
Isabella Cannon
| 3 min read
Isabella Cannon is a Corporate Communications intern...
Medically reviewed by Shanthi Appelö
Castor oil has been gaining popularity among the internet as social media influencers make various claims about its benefits.
People have used castor oil for thousands of years as a natural treatment for a variety of health issues. It is derived from the Ricinus communis plant’s seeds. While castor oil has the potential for a wide range of benefits, there are many precautions and alternatives to consider before using it.
Castor oil as a laxative
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of castor oil as a stimulant laxative for temporary relief for occasional constipation. While castor oil is effective as a laxative, there are more effective methods with fewer side effects. Using too much castor oil can have negative side effects like abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Some groups may be more at risk of using castor oil, such as elderly individuals and those pregnant. According to the Cleveland Clinic, castor oil should be avoided orally during pregnancy as it has been linked to premature labor.
Although other uses of castor oil exist, such as treatment for wound healing, arthritis, headaches, menstrual cramps and labor induction, these indications are not FDA-approved, according to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Castor oil for your skin
Castor oil is packed with ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Castor oil may be beneficial in hydrating the skin and promotes an increase in healthy skin tissue. People have used castor oil to treat dry patches, chapped lips and minor wounds.
However, castor oil may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with skin conditions or oily skin. Its consistency can clog pores, potentially worsening acne for those with oily or sensitive skin. More research is needed to determine its use in skincare. There’s no research evaluating the safety of using it directly on your face. It’s best to talk to a health care professional about the best options for moisturizing your skin.
Castor oil for your hair
Castor oil is sometimes marketed as a treatment for dry scalp, hair growth and dandruff. There is no evidence to support castor oil promotes hair growth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. In fact, overuse can lead to buildup on the scalp, which may cause irritation or even hair shedding in some cases. Additionally, some people experience scalp sensitivity or allergic reactions. The Cleveland Clinic recommends rosemary oil as a safer hair treatment alternative to castor oil.
What is castor oil packing?
In recent wellness trends on social media, people have been applying castor oil to their belly buttons or using castor oil packs for various health benefits. Users claim that applying castor oil to the belly button can support digestion, improve skin hydration and even help with menstrual cramps. However, there is no scientific research proving their effectiveness according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Overall, it’s important to take castor oil’s holy grail online claims with a grain of salt. Most ailments castor oil has been claimed to fix have more effective, well-studied options. Talk to your health care provider before implementing castor oil into your routine.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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