9 Benefits and Uses of Castor Oil: Updated for 2020

Castor oil has been a staple of healthy living for generations. It has a wide range of benefits that range from skincare to medications. Many centuries ago, the Egyptians used castor oil to light their lamps and help bring their pregnant women to labor. 

Talk about versatile! Fast-forward to modern times, and not much has changed. Castor oil is still commonly used today, although its application is a little different from the Egyptian’s use.

If you have yet to discover the many benefits of castor oil, you are in for a surprise. You may just find that it is able to remedy an ailment that has plagued you for years.


The Benefits of Castor Oil

For Constipation

Having trouble going to the bathroom? If so, you have probably tried all sorts of over-the-counter products to varying effects. Many people discover products that work for a little while, only to find that they lose their effectiveness over time.

Classified as a stimulant laxative, castor oil has all-natural laxative effects that can help you get moving when you need to. It works by helping to activate the muscles that are responsible for clearing out your bowels. 

When you consume castor oil, your small intestine breaks it down to where the oil releases what is known as ricinus communis, ricinoleic acid, or just ricin. This acid is what is responsible for providing the stimulating effect within your intestines. 

Many elderly people rely heavily on these properties of castor oil to help with constipation. But that doesn’t mean others can’t benefit from it, too. Many medications are known for causing severe constipation, and castor seed oil may just prove to be that perfect ingredient you’ve been searching for.

Castor oil is much cheaper than man-made medications created to relieve constipation. This budget-friendly alternative is worth a try if you’re at your wit's end. Also, be sure to try our GoBiotix Prebiotic Fiber Boost for help in better bowel movements as a whole--while a laxative can be helpful with occasional constipation, improving your overall digestive wellness is by far a better long-term plan!


For Moisturization

Castor oil is rife with fatty acids that serve as moisturizers for your skin. If you’re prone to dry skin, you may find castor oil to be a huge benefit, as it locks in moisture to keep your skin feeling fresh all day long. 

Castor oil is even used in many cosmetic products to help stimulate hydration. You can sometimes find castor oil in products like makeup, lotions, and facial cleansers.

But you don’t necessarily need additional components to enjoy the healthy side effects of castor oil. Many people use it by itself and benefit from similar results. Plus, many store-bought products contain chemicals and additives that can be harmful to your skin. Furthermore, you’re likely to spend a small fortune on high end beauty products. Castor oil, on the other hand, is inexpensive and safe to use on your body. 

However, it should be noted that a select number of people find castor oil to irritate their skin. If you decide to use castor oil to treat skin ailments, start out by applying it to a small area of your skin to see how you will react to it. It often helps to also dilute castor oil in coconut oil or vegetable oil to reduce allergic reactions. 

For a healthier way to improve your skin, hair, and nails, try our GoBiotix Glow formula. With biotin, folic acid, and a whole bunch of other skin-boosting ingredients, it’s an easy way to get nutrients that support not only your skin, hair, and nail health, but provides overall health benefits for your whole body!


For Healing

The next time you have a cut or sore, try applying castor oil to it. Thanks to the humectant effects of castor oil, it helps heal wounds heal properly. Unlike over-the-counter medications and ointments, you don’t have to worry about additional chemicals that might break you out or cause skin irritation. 

Moreover, castor oil has natural compounds that help to stimulate the growth of your skin tissue. This helps to reduce the likelihood of infection while your wound heals. 


For Soothing

Castor oil is an excellent temporary pain reliever when applied to your skin. If you have occasional joint pain, you will find castor oil to help soothe those stiff and achy joints. 


People with dry and itching skin find castor oil to be a great relief also. The next time you have irritated skin, consider applying castor oil to it. You may just find that it soothes your irritation and provides you with the comfort you need!


For Blemishes

Breakouts got you down? Castor oil could hold the key to clean skin. It works by fighting debris that accumulate on your skin, thus reducing the chance for blemishes to develop. Since we know that castor oil helps soothe the skin, too, it is thought that this plays a big role in fighting acne.

Not only can it help you get rid of embarrassing acne and blemishes, but it can keep your skin safely moisturized and looking healthy.


For Oral Hygiene

This may be a shock to many people, but castor oil can even help mitigate plaque and support gum health with antimicrobial properties. This is due to castor oil’s special properties that ward off harmful bacteria. 

Many people who wear dentures even turn to castor oil, as it can help with mild pain associated with dentures. If you or someone you know wears dentures, suggest that they brush them with castor oil.


For Beautiful Hair

Dry and damaged hair needs hair care products like conditioners and moisturizers to keep it looking and feeling healthy. However, these can get to be very expensive, especially with continual use. 

Castor oil can help break the money-draining cycle thanks to its all-natural moisturizing properties. But the benefits to hair don’t end there. Castor hair oil (Jamaican black castor oil in particular) is even thought to help fight dandruff, breakage, hair loss, and scalp irritation, as well as supporting hair growth and overall health.

If you suffer from a dry, itchy scalp, consider investing in some castor oil. You may discover that it relieves your itchiness and helps promote fresher skin.


Better Sleep

Castor oil can even help you get a better night’s sleep. 

The castor oil becomes absorbed by your body and helps to stimulate better circulation. In time, the castor oil can result in a feeling of deep relaxation, assisting you as you drift off to sleep.

Many people struggle with getting a full night’s sleep. If you or someone you know is having difficulty sleeping, castor oil may provide the freedom you seek. 


For Headache Relief

Headaches can be incredibly difficult to overcome. For some people, castor oil helps to relieve the symptoms of headaches. This is done by rubbing a small amount of castor oil on the forehead and pressure areas.

Do this for about a minute the next time you or someone you know gets hit with a headache. Many people swear by this method and report reduced effects in as little as two minutes.

You may find that castor oil not only reduces your pain and discomfort but that it also saves you money in the long run.


A healthy diet plays a huge role in ailments and illnesses, as well. Be sure to check out our extensive selection of supplements to help you get on the right track to a healthier lifestyle. Taking natural supplements in conjunction with castor oil is a holistic way to boost your health in more ways than you may expect!



Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/castor-oil 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319844#1

https://www.healthline.com/health/castor-oil-for-face