Castor oil is a thick, odorless oil made from the seeds of the castor plant. Its use dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was likely used as fuel for lamps as well as for medicinal and beauty purposes. Cleopatra reportedly used it to brighten the whites of her eyes. Today, most castor oil is produced in India. It’s still used as a laxative and in skin and hair products. It's also an ingredient in motor oil, among other things. The FDA says it’s safe for treating constipation, but researchers are still investigating its other potential health benefits.
Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the castor plant, known scientifically as Ricinus communis.
Castor oil isn’t considered an edible oil, and it has a very unpleasant taste. But some people take small amounts by mouth for medicinal reasons.
Nutritional Information
According to MyFitnessPal, a tablespoon contains:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
Castor oil also contains small amounts of:
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- Vitamin E
- Omega-9 fatty acids
- Omega-6 fatty acids
The active ingredient in castor oil is a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid.
Potential Health Benefits
There’s been little research into most of the traditional health uses of this oil. But some of its potential health benefits include:
Castor Oil for Constipation
The only FDA-approved health use for castor oil is as a natural laxative to relieve temporary constipation. Its ricinoleic acid attaches to a receptor in your intestines. This causes the muscles to contract, pushing poop through your colon. It’s also sometimes used for cleansing your colon before procedures such as a colonoscopy. Don’t use it for long-term constipation relief because you could have side effects like cramps and bloating. But your doctor can prescribe other laxatives that could give better results.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
The ricinoleic acid in castor oil may help fight swelling and pain caused by inflammation when applied to your skin.
Castor oil packs are used for various remedies, including constipation and menstrual cramps.
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Castor Oil for Wound Healing
Castor oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that may help speed wound healing, especially when it’s combined with other ingredients. Venelex, which contains castor oil and balsam of Peru, is an ointment used to treat skin and pressure wounds. The oil may help prevent infection by keeping the wounds moist, while the ricinoleic acid reduces inflammation. Don’t use castor oil on minor cuts or burns at home. It’s recommended for wound care only in doctors’ offices and hospitals.
Castor Oil Benefits for Skin
Because it’s rich in fatty acids, castor oil has moisturizing effects. You can find it in many commercial beauty products. You can also use it in its natural form, which is free of perfumes and dyes. Because it can be irritating to the skin, try diluting it with another neutral oil. Some people think castor oil's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects could help fight acne. But there’s no research evidence to back this up.
Castor Oil for Hair Growth
Castor oil is sometimes marketed as a treatment for dry scalp, hair growth, and dandruff. It may moisturize your scalp and hair. But there’s no science to back up claims that it treats dandruff or promotes hair growth. In fact, using castor oil in your hair could cause a rare condition called felting, which is when your hair becomes so tangled that it has to be cut off.
How to Use Castor Oil for Hair Loss
Are There Benefits to Putting Castor Oil in Your Belly Button?
This idea is based on an Ayurvedic treatment that suggests a Pechoti gland near your navel can absorb things like essential oils through your belly button. But there’s no scientific evidence that this gland exists. So there's likely no advantage to putting castor oil in your belly button. But it probably won’t hurt you, either.
Some people use castor oil packs as remedies for constipation, dry skin, arthritis, or period cramps, though there’s not much research to support the use of castor oil packs. Castor oil packs are pieces of fabric (usually cotton or wool) soaked in castor oil, which comes from the seeds of a castor bean plant. You apply them to your skin, with or without a heating pad. You can make your own or buy them. While a heated pad might feel soothing, castor oil may not offer you many other health benefits beyond that.
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“Castor oil’s benefits are limited, and there is still need for further scientific research,” says Margaret Mioduszewski, MD, a dermatologist at Overlake Medical Center.
Risks and Side Effects
Castor oil is also sometimes used for wounds, headache relief, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and inducing labor, though there is no scientific research to support whether it’s effective for these uses. FDA as a natural laxative. It uses ricinoleic acid to help you poop and relieve constipation. But it’s also been found to cause diarrhea and chronic constipation, so it’s not the go-to recommendation from most doctors.
While castor beans contain a poison called ricin, this toxin is removed during the processing of castor oil. But there are some health risks linked to its use:
- Allergic Reaction: If you’re allergic to the castor plant, you may have itching, swelling, or rashes if you apply the oil to your skin. Test castor oil on a small spot before you use it.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Discomfort: Castor oil can help relieve constipation. But it can cause nausea, abdominal cramping, vomiting, bloating, and dizziness if you take too much. Always talk to your doctor before you use it.
- Pregnancy Concerns: If you’re pregnant, avoid using it. It may induce labor. There isn't enough research to know whether castor oil is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It’s not clear whether it’s safe for infants or children, either. If you’re pregnant, don’t try castor oil without talking to your doctor.
- Medication Interactions: When you use castor oil for constipation, take it several hours before or after you take any other medications. Laxatives can change how other drugs work. Don’t combine it with any other laxatives or diuretics.
- Overdose: If you take too much castor oil, it can cause abdominal cramps, chest pain, diarrhea, dizziness, rash, and shortness of breath. Call poison control or your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
- Toxic to Pets: Castor oil isn’t as toxic to animals as raw castor beans. But if your pet swallows a lot of castor oil, contact your vet immediately to see if they need emergency treatment.
- Acne and Clogged Pores: “Whenever there is an oil applied to the skin surface, there is a risk of clogged pores,” Mioduszewsk says. This can lead to acne or folliculitis - when your hair follicles become inflamed. You can also get an allergic reaction or dermatitis, she says, which will cause itchy bumps on your skin where you applied the oil.
- Hallucinations: Hallucinations are one of the rarer potential side effects, but can be caused by swallowing a large amount of castor oil.
Common Questions About Castor Oil
Here are some answers to common questions about castor oil:
- What is another name for castor oil? Castor oil comes from the Ricinus communis plant and is sometimes called Palma Christi.
- What is the difference between coconut oil and castor oil? Coconut oil and castor oil are both natural oils, though they come from totally different sources. Castor oil is derived from castor beans, and coconut oil comes from raw coconuts. While coconut oil is often used in food preparation, castor oil is most often ingested as a laxative.
- What is the best form of castor oil to buy? The only FDA-approved use of castor oil is as a laxative. Talk to your doctor about whether you should use it.
- Can castor oil grow eyebrows and eyelashes? There’s no real evidence to support that castor oil can help grow eyebrows and eyelashes, Mioduszewski says. If you’re dealing with hypotrichosis, or abnormal hair growth, “there are more effective methods to treat it,” she says.
- Can I use castor oil in my eyes? There’s no clear consensus on whether castor oil can be used in your eyes. Some research has found castor oil to be a promising treatment for dry-eye disease, while many doctors caution against using it in your eyes as it can cause side effects like pain, irritation, and blurred vision. Because castor oil is a moisturizing agent, it may provide some relief for dry eyes, but it’s not going to cure the condition that causes it.
- Can I use castor oil as lube? According to Women’s Health Interactive, it can be safe for some couples, but it’s not ideal for everybody.
Castor oil has been used for centuries to treat constipation and may be a good natural moisturizer for your skin and scalp. But there’s not much scientific evidence to support castor oil’s other possible health benefits. Talk to your doctor before you take it.
