How to Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth, Skin Care and Health (18 uses)

Is your makeup kit loaded with an array of products, each serving a different purpose? Are you tired of using different home remedies to deal with different health conditions?

It would be really wonderful if a single ingredient could solve it all. It would not only help you get rid of the unnecessary clutter in your health kit but would also save a lot of money.

Though it sounds too good to be true, there is 1 natural ingredient that you may probably be aware of but never knew its alternative uses – Castor Oil!

Over the past few years, castor oil has trumped every other oil when it comes to its health and beauty applications.

Derived by cold-pressing the seed of castor bean plant, castor oil is loaded with a rare and potent fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. The acid is believed to have skin-healing, digestion-soothing, antibacterial properties. The oil is now being used as a bio-based raw material in various cosmetics and medicines.

An age old cure-all, castor oil has certainly come a long way from being an unpleasant purgative to now being a part of every beauty regime.

If you wish to indulge further into the benefits of castor oil, scroll down to learn how to use castor oil for hair growth, skin care and health.

Note: Make sure to use only hexane-free, cold-pressed castor oil for any of the remedies, as you don’t want to compromise with the quality.

HEALTH

Method 1: Laxative

For centuries, castor oil has been in use as a powerful laxative to treat constipation. The consumption of castor oil increases the movement of intestines and thus induces a bowel movement. It can also be used as a detox agent to clean out the intestines and improve your health. Mix it with some orange juice (with the pulp) to make it easy to gulp it down and also to get an additional boost of fiber that aids healthy bowel movement.

Things you’ll need:

• Orange juice with pulp (source of fiber) - 1/4 cup
• Cold-pressed castor oil (laxative) - 1/4 cup

Single-Step Treatment: Consume orange juice and castor oil blend

•  Take ¼ cup of orange juice along with its pulp.
• Add an equal amount of castor oil and mix well.
• Consume the drink in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Follow it up by drinking hot water after 20 minutes.
• Continue drinking hot water for 3 to 5 times after every 20 minutes.
• Once your stomach is completely clean, consume a cup of yogurt.

Use this remedy whenever you suffer from constipation.

Method 2: Dry eyes

Castor oil has been in use since Egyptian times for treating eye irritation. As the oil has antimicrobial properties, it can be used to steer clear of eye infections. It has even proven beneficial in treating serious conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.

Note: Castor oil can sometimes cause puffy eyes, swelling, and redness. If you notice any of these symptoms after the first use, discontinue this remedy.

Single-Step Treatment: Put a drop of castor oil in each eye

• When using castor oil for the first time, apply 1 or 2 drops on your upper eyelids at bedtime. The oil will easily seep into the eyes and start working its magic. Continue for 4 to 5 days.
• Once you get comfortable, put 1 drop of castor oil in each eye before going to sleep.
• Roll your eyes to spread the oil evenly. It can burn a little but the sensation should wean off within minutes.
• You may also have blurry vision when you wake up, but don’t worry, that too will clear up soon.

The castor oil remedy will give you relief from dry eyes after the very first use. Continue the treatment once every day to get rid of dry eyes in 7 to 10 days.

Method 3: Corn and Calluses

Corns and calluses are hard, thickened areas of skin on your hands or feet as a consequence of rubbing, friction, or pressure on the skin. As castor oil is rich in fatty acids, you can use castor oil as a moisturizing agent to get rid of corns or calluses. Regular application of castor oil softens the calluses and removes them completely within a few days.

Single-Step Treatment: Apply castor oil regularly on the calluses

• Soak a cotton ball in castor oil and press it against the corn or callus.
• Secure it over the hardened skin with medical tape and leave it on overnight.

Repeat every day for 1 week or more until the callus disappears. The effectiveness will depend upon the severity of your condition.

Method 4: Sore Muscles Reliever

It is no surprise to have a sore muscle after a great workout session. Popping pills or applying salves may not be the best route always. This is where castor oil comes handy in lieu of its anti-inflammatory properties. The skin readily absorbs castor oil which then increases the blood circulation around the sore muscle or joint and thus promotes faster healing.

Single-Step Treatment: Massage the sore muscle with warm castor oil

• Microwave some castor oil. The oil should be sufficiently warm to touch and not very hot.
• Massage the aching muscle with the oil until the oil is completely absorbed into the skin.

Castor oil massage will relieve the pain from sore muscles within an hour. You can also apply it regularly to get rid of joint pain.

Method 5: Wart removal

Warts are the non-cancerous growths of skin developed due to the human papillomavirus (HPV). The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of castor oil work against the wart-causing virus. The acid present in castor oil also irritates the wart and makes it fall off eventually. Combining it with baking soda can help draw moisture out of warts, break the cell clusters of warts and eventually make them fall off.

Things you’ll need:

• Castor oil (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties) – 1 tablespoon
• Baking soda (breaks the cell clusters of warts) – 1 tablespoon
• Cotton ball or pad
• Bandage

Step 1. Mix castor oil and baking soda into a thick paste

• Pour 1 tablespoon of castor oil in a bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
• Stir the ingredients to form a thick paste.

Step 2. Apply the paste on the wart and leave it on overnight

• Apply the paste on the wart.
• Place a cotton ball or pad over it and secure it with a bandage.
• Leave it on overnight.
• Next morning, remove it and rinse the area with water.

Apply daily for 1 to 2 weeks to see the wart wither and drop off. 

Method 6: Hyperpigmentation Soother

An illness or injury can lead to hyperpigmentation, making your skin darker or lighter. It can become bothersome if the hyperpigmentation occurs on your face. Castor oil has been lauded as an excellent anti-pigmentation remedy. The fatty acids present in the oil pierce the scar tissues and pump them out.

Single-Step Treatment: Apply castor oil on your skin and leave it on overnight

• Clean your skin using a mild soap and rinse with lukewarm water.
• Apply a thin layer of the oil on your face and neck or any other affected area. Leave it on overnight.
• Rinse it off in the morning with tepid water followed by a moisturizer.

Apply castor oil every night to see a visible improvement after 2 weeks. Continue for 1 to 2 months to lighten your skin.

BEAUTY

# Skin

Method 1: Crow’s Feet/Wrinkles

Ricinoleic acid present in castor oil can also be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet, and fine lines. The antioxidants in castor oil work by rejuvenating the skin and slowing down the affect of free radicals on your skin, making it appear plumper and younger. The oil also helps increase the blood circulation in your face. More supply of nutrients and oxygen further helps in skin care.

Single-Step Treatment: Dab castor oil on your crow’s-feet

• Soak a cotton swab in castor oil and dab it on the affected areas.
• Gently massage the oil on the skin for 4 to 5 minutes, and then leave it on overnight.
• Rinse it off the next morning with lukewarm water.

Repeat every day for a month to see palpable results.

Method 2: Acne Treatment

Is there anything that castor oil can’t do? The anti-bacterial properties of the oil can also help clear out acne and prevent them from recurring again. And the best part is the oil works overnight. Now you don’t need to dread that pesky pimple before any big day.

Single-Step Treatment: Apply castor oil on the acne

• Wash your face with warm water to open up your pores.
• Take some oil on your palm and massage it onto your face in circular motions.
• Keep it on overnight and wash your face the next morning with cold water.

The pimple will be significantly reduced after a single use. If needed, repeat the application for subsequent nights to get rid of the acne completely.

Method 3: Nail Care

Long and lustrous nails are very desirable but it takes some dedication and care to maintain and grow nails. Castor oil can be used to nourish the nail bed and the surrounding cuticles to provide a healthy environment for the nail to grow. The fatty acids present in the oil also help repair the wear and tear of the nail, making it stronger.

Single-Step Method: Soak your nails in warm castor oil

• Warm up some castor oil in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
• Check the temperature of the oil; it should be sufficiently warm and not scalding hot. Soak your fingernails in it for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Using circular motions, gently massage the oil over your nails, cuticles, and surrounding skin for 2 to 4 minutes.
• Once done, wipe off the excess oil with a soft towel to protect your clothing from oil stains.

Repeat 3 to 4 times a week to maintain your nail health. 

Method 4: Dry Skin

Loaded with essential fatty acids, castor oil serves as a great moisturizer for dry skin. Castor oil also promotes the production of collagen in your skin, making it more youthful and preventing signs of aging. This wonder oil should be an essential part of your daily skin care routine.

Single-Step Method: Use castor oil regularly as a moisturizer

• Massage castor oil on your hands and feet before going to bed. You can also warm it up a bit, to make it absorb easily.

Use it regularly to keep your skin deeply nourished. 

Method 5: Thicken Eyebrows and Eyelashes

Castor oil is the best natural and inexpensive remedy for healing any type of eyebrow damage and growing thick brows and eyelashes. The oil is loaded with nutrients that trigger hair growth when applied regularly. It is also anti-bacterial and thus can get rid of the pathogens clogging the hair follicles of your eyebrows and eyelashes.

Note: Castor oil may cause irritation in some individuals. It is important to do a patch test before applying the oil near your eyes.

Single-Step Treatment: Apply castor oil on your eyebrows

• Put some castor oil on your fingertips and massage it into your eyebrows.
• For your eyelashes, dip a clean mascara brush in the oil and swipe it along the lashes.
• Leave the oil on for overnight.
• You can either just wipe off the excess oil with a paper towel or if it feels too sticky, wash your face with your regular face wash in the morning.

Repeat once every day. With regular application, castor oil should give good results within a month.

Method 6: Stretch Marks

Massaging the skin with castor oil can also visibly reduce stretch marks. The hydrating and rejuvenating properties of the oil can quickly repair the skin.

Single-Step Treatment: Apply and massage castor oil on stretch marks

• Apply castor oil on the stretch marks with a cotton ball.
• Massage the affected skin with the oil for about 10 minutes. Castor oil is extremely viscous, and, hence, will need more working on to absorb into your skin.

Massage the affected skin daily with the oil until the stretch marks fade away.

Method 7: Smoothen Lips

Ditch those expensive lip balms to heal dry and chapped lips and slather on some castor oil. Castor oil works as a humectant to draw and retain moisture on the delicate skin of your lips. The nutrients work their magic to heal the skin and smoothen chapped lips.

Single-Step Method: Rub castor oil on your lips

• Rub some castor oil over your lips to keep them hydrated and prevent further chapping. You can also apply it at bed time and leave it overnight to give ample time to the oil to work.

Use regularly to maintain soft and smooth lips. 

Method 8: Mole Remover

Castor oil functions as a discutient – a substance that can remove tumor, abnormal growth, swelling, and cyst. Hence, it is can be used to get rid of moles as well.

Moles are a collection of skin cells produced by a pigment called melanin. These moles are non-cancerous and can appear anywhere on your body. Combine castor oil with baking soda to remove the moles without any pain. The baking soda releases free hydrogen ions that react with the skin cells and dehydrate them. As a result, the moles dry and fall off.

Things you’ll need:

• Castor oil (removes abnormal growth) – 1 teaspoon
• Baking soda (dehydrates skin cells of the mole) – 1 teaspoon

Single-Step Treatment: Apply baking soda–castor oil paste on the mole

• Mix 1 teaspoon each of baking soda and castor oil.
• Apply the paste on the mole and secure it with an adhesive tape. Leave it on overnight.

Apply the paste daily until the mole is gone for good. 

Method 9: Cracked Heels

Cracked heals are a result of lack of moisture, dry air, an unhealthy diet, wearing the wrong footwear, and/or prolonged standing on hard floors. Castor oil works as a thick and nourishing salve that fills up the cracks in your heels and also nourishes the dry and rough skin.

Single-Step Treatment: Rub castor oil on cracked heels every night

• Put some oil on your fingertips and gently massage it onto your cracked heels. Preferably do this at bedtime to give ample rest to your feet.
• Slip on a pair of clean cotton socks and let the oil work overnight.
• Wash off your feet the next morning with lukewarm water.

Repeat daily for 1 month to heal cracked heels completely.

# Hair

Method 1: Hair Growth

Castor oil has been an age-old remedy to get long and luscious locks. The oil works by rebalancing the pH level and replenishing the natural oils of the scalp. Castor oil also helps unclog hair follicles by removing the chemical buildup on the scalp, which may be hindering hair growth. The proteins and fatty acids further stimulate the hair growth.

Single-Step Method: Massage your scalp with warm castor oil

• Microwave some castor oil for 30 seconds. Make sure that the oil is the right temperature before applying.
• Apply the castor oil at the roots and slowly massage the oil onto your scalp with your fingertips.
• Wrap your head in a warm moist towel to help the oil get absorbed into the scalp.
• Let it stay on your scalp for 20 minutes before shampooing your hair as usual.

Massage castor oil weekly for healthy hair growth.

Method 2: Split Ends

The antioxidants in castor oil also support the keratin in hair by filling in the gaps in the hair shaft, making hair stronger, smoother, and less frizzy.

Single-Step Method: Apply castor oil directly on the split ends

• Apply a few drops of the oil directly to the split ends of your hair. You can also apply the oil on your scalp and work it through the hair shaft.
• Leave it in for minimum 30 minutes or overnight.
• Shampoo and condition your hair the next morning.

Apply 2 to 3 times every week to get rid of split ends and maintain healthy hair. 

Method 3: Shiny Hair

Everyday exposure to sun and pollution can turn your hair dull. Castor oil along with some honey and eggs can be used to replenish the proteins in the hair shaft and, therefore, restore the shine of your manes. Adding honey helps in retaining more moisture and taking away the frizz.

Things you’ll need:

• Castor oil ( fills in keratin gaps) – 1 tablespoon
• Honey (retains moisture) – 1 tablespoon
• Eggs (replenishes proteins) – 2

Step 1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl

•  Break open 2 eggs in a bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon each of honey and castor oil to the eggs.

Step 2. Mix and apply the hair mask once every week

• Mix all the ingredients and apply it on your scalp and hair with a brush.
• Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and let your hair air dry.

Use this mask once a week to restore the shine and maintain glossy hair.

 Summary of How to Use Castor Oil for Health and Beauty

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