Castor Oil: The Most Underrated Healing Oil (And 15 Ways to Use It)

When it comes to natural healing, castor oil is one of the most powerful and overlooked remedies on the planet. For centuries, it's been used across cultures for everything from pain relief and inflammation to hair growth, detox, and even eye health.

Derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a rare fatty acid with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and detoxifying properties. It penetrates deep into tissues and helps activate the lymphatic system making it a favourite in both folk medicine and modern natural healing.

Here’s a full breakdown of everything you can use castor oil for, how to apply it, and why it works.

 Internal Healing & Detox (External Application Only)

While castor oil should not be taken internally without professional guidance, applying it to the skin over specific areas can create powerful internal healing effects.

1. Castor Oil Packs for Liver Detox

• Stimulates liver function, bile flow, and lymphatic drainage.

• Helps with hormonal imbalance, acne, PMS, and sluggish digestion.

How to use:
Soak a cloth in castor oil, place it over the liver area (right side under the ribcage), cover with a towel and hot water bottle. Leave on for 30–60 minutes. Repeat 3–4x/week.

2. Castor Oil for Lymphatic Drainage

• Reduces swelling, water retention, and puffiness.

• Boosts immunity by supporting lymph movement.

How to use:
Massage oil onto lymph nodes: neck, underarms, groin, or behind knees. Can be paired with dry brushing.

3. Abdominal Massage for Constipation

• Softens hardened waste, relieves bloating, supports bowel movements.

How to use:
Warm castor oil and gently massage over the abdomen in circular motions for 10–15 minutes before bed.

Eye and Vision Support (External Use Only)

Many people use castor oil to support eye health, reduce irritation, and even aid in reversing early cataracts or dry eyes.

4. Under-Eye Brightening

• Reduces dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness.

How to use:
Dab a small amount under the eyes before bed.

5. Natural Eye Moisture (Eyedrop-Grade Only)

• Some use cold-pressed, sterile castor oil as natural eye drops to reduce dry eye symptoms.

Important: Only use high-purity, hexane-free castor oil labeled safe for ophthalmic use.

Hair, Brows & Lashes

Castor oil is one of the most popular natural remedies for hair growth and thickness thanks to its deep follicle-penetrating ability.

6. Hair Growth Treatment

• Stimulates follicles, increases thickness, and reduces breakage.

How to use:
Massage into scalp 2–3x/week. Leave on overnight or rinse after 1–2 hours.

7. Eyebrows & Eyelashes

• Thickens and strengthens sparse or thinning brows/lashes.

How to use:
Apply a tiny amount with a clean spoolie brush before bed.

8. Split End Repair

• Seals moisture and smooths frizz.

How to use:
Rub a few drops on ends after styling or washing.

Skin Healing & Topical Use

Castor oil deeply nourishes the skin and is ideal for wound healing, acne, inflammation, and scarring.

9. Moisturizer for Dry Skin

• Creates a barrier that locks in hydration.

How to use:
Apply to damp skin or mix with lighter oils like jojoba.

10. Scar and Stretch Mark Reduction

• Helps soften scar tissue and fade marks over time.

How to use:
Massage into affected areas daily.

11. Acne & Cystic Breakouts

• Fights bacteria and inflammation under the skin.

How to use:
Dab a small amount directly on blemishes at night.

12. Skin Tags & Warts

• Softens skin over time and supports removal.

How to use:
Apply with baking soda or by itself daily.

13. Eczema, Psoriasis & Rashes

• Reduces inflammation and soothes irritation.

How to use:
Massage gently into affected areas or use as a base for healing salves.

Pain & Inflammation

Castor oil helps relieve joint pain, back pain, and menstrual cramps when massaged into the area or used with a pack.

14. Joint and Muscle Pain

• Improves circulation and relieves stiffness.

How to use:
Massage into joints, cover with heat for deeper relief.

15. Breast Massage for Lumps or Tenderness

• Used traditionally to dissolve benign cysts and support lymph flow.

How to use:
Gently massage a small amount in circular motions. Use warm packs if needed.

Important Tips & Safety

• Always choose cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil for best results.

• Do a patch test before using on sensitive areas.

• Avoid internal use unless under practitioner guidance.

• Avoid during pregnancy unless advised, as it may stimulate contractions.

Castor oil is a must-have in every natural healer’s toolkit. From detox to skincare, pain relief to hair growth,  it offers true multi-purpose healing without the side effects of synthetic products.

At StemnRootz, we believe in returning to time-tested remedies that nourish the body at the root level. Keep a bottle of castor oil on hand, your body will thank you.