I first came across castor oil as my due date was nearing with my first child. Like many expectant moms, I was eager to meet the baby and turned to Google for ways to hasten labor. I tried many folk remedies, like walking, eating spicy food, bouncing on a medicine ball, consuming pineapple, dancing, and drinking raspberry leaf tea. However, I found some methods I wasn’t brave enough to try, especially castor oil—and I’m glad I didn’t! Here’s why:
Derived from the castor seed native to India, castor oil is known for its high content of ricinoleic acid, believed to be the source of its health benefits. Historically called Palma christe because its leaves resembled Christ’s hands, it’s important to note that while castor oil may offer health benefits, the castor seed itself is toxic. Using castor oil internally can be safe, but it requires caution.
Castor oil has been used historically in ancient Japanese healing practices and various other cultures. It’s even mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical texts, where early Egyptians used it on skin as far back as 1550 B.C. The FDA classifies it as “Generally Regarded As Safe,” and a tablespoon a day is approved for internal use. However, it can cause significant digestive discomfort for some people. I’m not a medical professional, so it’s best to consult your doctor before using castor oil or any other remedy internally.
Some people use castor oil internally to induce labor, but research suggests it’s not effective and can cause severe diarrhea, supposedly stimulating uterine contractions. I chose not to try this method and wouldn’t recommend it, as it might increase the risk of the baby passing meconium before birth. It’s also used for relieving constipation but with similar side effects.
Personally, I prefer using castor oil externally and wouldn’t use it internally. It’s one of the oils I use for my daily oil cleansing routine, which has vastly improved my skin. After discovering my MTHFR mutation, I explored castor oil packs, where castor oil is placed on a cloth on the skin and heated for at least an hour to promote lymph and liver function. Unlike some detox methods, castor oil packs generally don’t have negative side effects, and many people report better sleep, more energy, and improved skin.
Even for external use, it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider to ensure it’s suitable for you. Avoid using it if you’re pregnant or have health issues. I also recommend patch testing any new oil on a small area of your skin first.
The advantage of castor oil packs is that you can apply them where you need the benefits most. They leverage castor oil’s anti-inflammatory and lymph-stimulating properties safely. According to a 1999 study, using castor oil packs for a minimum of two hours increased T-11 cell counts significantly for about seven hours. These cells, part of our immune system, help fight off infections and support the body’s defense mechanisms.
In essence, castor oil packs are suggested to naturally detox the liver, support uterine and ovarian health, enhance lymph circulation, and reduce inflammation. While comprehensive studies on external use are limited, preliminary ones and a history of traditional applications suggest effectiveness. There’s also some evidence they may suppress tumors and positively impact arthritis.
Besides their physical benefits, castor oil packs encourage relaxation, bringing their own health perks. They are easy to do at home, requiring you to relax for at least an hour—often a needed pause in our busy lives. Though potentially messy, with good preparation they aren’t too troublesome.
You can gather items needed for castor oil packs yourself or purchase a complete kit. I’ve tried some quality ones that come with cotton flannel and a non-messy wrap-around pack eliminating the need for plastic wrap. Before using, prepare the area to avoid mess; place an old shower curtain covered with a sheet underneath to prevent stains. This makes cleanup minimal—I usually just store the sheet in the bathroom for repeat use.
Castor oil is also useful for other purposes at home. It’s rich in fatty acids and boasts antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply castor oil packs for 60-90 minutes as soon as issues arise, doing this about three times a week for three weeks. Always check with a doctor to exclude more severe causes.
This information was medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board-certified family physician. As always, this isn’t personalized medical advice, and it’s vital to consult your doctor. Have you used castor oil? I’ll be sharing more of my favorite uses soon, but feel free to share your experiences!
