This is a golden elixir that’s been hiding in plain sight for centuries ! Castor oil, a thick amber liquid that was a staple in your grandma’s medicine cabinet, is making a major comeback for good reason. This natural powerhouse is packed with ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid that works wonders for everything from aching joints to lackluster lashes.
Let’s dive in Castor oil’s most important ingredient: ricinoleic acid , a superstar compound (making up about 90% of its content).
It’s a natural anti-inflammatory… think ibuprofen but gentler! The list goes on…it’s also an antimicrobial warrior helping eliminate bacteria and fungi, and a circulation booster (whether that’s lymph fluid or hair growth).
Here are 5 Ways to Use Castor Oil
- Soothe Aching Joints
- Warm 2 tbsp castor oil with 5 drops peppermint oil.
- Massage into stiff joints and cover with a heat pack or heating pad for 20 minutes. The ricinoleic acid blocks pain receptors while improving circulation.
- Grow Luscious Lashes & Brows
- Apply pure castor oil with a clean mascara wand nightly and see results in 4–6 weeks.
- Detox Heat Pack
- Soak a flannel cloth in warm castor oil.
- Place over abdomen or sore muscles, cover with plastic and a heating pad… great for healing gut or menstrual issues.
- Deep Condition Your Hair – Mix 1 tbsp castor oil with 2 tbsp coconut oil, Apply from roots to ends, leave for 2+ hours before washing.
- Pro tip add a few drops of rosemary oil for extra growth stimulation.
Remember: Safety First!
While castor oil is usually safe, never ingest without medical supervision (it’s a powerful laxative).
– Don’t use if you’re pregnant, and do a patch test before full application.
– For eyes, only use sterile, medical-grade castor oil.
Ready to try it? Grab a bottle of cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil (glass bottle preferred).