The Surprising Health Benefits of Castor Oil: My Favorite Old-School Remedy for Everything from Constipation to Cysts

Let’s Talk About Castor Oil – The OG Healing Elixir

If you’ve never heard of castor oil outside of old-timey movies where kids gagged it down by the spoonful, you’re in for a surprise. This thick, sticky oil is derived from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis) and has been used medicinally for thousands of years. From Ancient Egypt to traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, castor oil has earned its reputation as a go-to remedy for detoxification, pain relief, beauty, and more.

I’ve personally used castor oil for years. Whether it’s applying it to my abdomen to help with constipation, rubbing it into a painful Baker’s cyst behind my knee, or using it on my skin for deep hydration, it’s always been one of my favorite wellness tools. That said, it’s not for everyone, and not every use will go as planned (more on that later).

Here’s everything I’ve learned about this humble powerhouse over the years, along with some science-backed benefits and quirky uses you might not expect.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

🧬 What Makes Castor Oil So Powerful?

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a rare fatty acid that contributes most of its therapeutic properties. It’s:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Analgesic (pain-relieving)
• Lymphatic-stimulating
• Moisturizing and skin-healing
• A powerful carrier oil (meaning it helps other ingredients absorb into the skin)

When applied externally, castor oil penetrates deeply and can affect the tissues and organs beneath the skin, which is what makes it such a unique remedy.

This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve personally used and loved.

✨ My Favorite Ways to Use Castor Oil

1. Constipation & Digestive Support

This is probably the most traditional use, but I never take it internally (it’s way too strong and unpleasant). Instead, I apply a thick layer to my abdomen, cover it with a castor oil pack (I use the ones from Queen of the Thrones – affiliate link), and let it sit for an hour or overnight. It stimulates the lymphatic system and helps “get things moving” naturally without cramping or urgency.

Why it works: The ricinoleic acid increases blood flow and reduces inflammation in the intestines, which can ease sluggish digestion and bloating.

2. Baker’s Cyst Relief

I had a painful Baker’s cyst behind my knee a few years ago. After applying castor oil and wrapping the area nightly for several days, the cyst noticeably shrank and the discomfort eased. It didn’t cure it overnight, but it made a huge difference in the long-term healing process.

Bonus tip: Add a few drops of frankincense or copaiba essential oil for added anti-inflammatory power.

3. Skin Moisture & Glow

This one’s simple but amazing. Castor oil is incredibly moisturizing, almost like a natural balm. I use a tiny amount on dry spots, lips, or mix it into my nighttime moisturizer when my skin needs a boost. It’s also a natural humectant, meaning it helps retain moisture in the skin.

4. Eyelash Serum – The Good, The Bad, The Puffy

Okay, full disclosure. I jumped on the internet bandwagon and tried using castor oil on my lashes to boost growth. Big mistake for me. Within two days, my eyelids were red, puffy, crusty, and itchy. It turns out that I’m mildly allergic to it when it’s used around my eyes. So, yes, castor oil can help with lash and brow growth, but be sure to patch test first! Don’t be like me.

5. Cysts, Fibroids, Gallstones & Even Kidney Stones?!

This is one of the more “woo-woo” sounding benefits, but it’s rooted in the oil’s ability to break up stagnation and support lymphatic drainage. Over time, consistent castor oil pack use has been said to soften and shrink:

• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids
• Gallstones
• Even kidney stones!

There’s limited clinical research here, but anecdotal evidence is strong. At the very least, it can reduce pain and inflammation in the surrounding tissue.

🔬 What Does the Science Say?

While many benefits of castor oil are rooted in traditional medicine, modern science is starting to back some of it up:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: A 2000 study in Mediators of Inflammation showed ricinoleic acid had a significant anti-inflammatory effect when applied topically.
• Pain relief: A 2024 study published in the Journal of Medical-Surgical Nursing found that castor oil packs helped reduce knee pain in older adults.
• Lymphatic stimulation: While it is harder to quantify, researchers and holistic practitioners agree that castor oil enhances circulation and supports detoxification through the lymphatic system.
• Skin benefits: Castor oil has been shown to inhibit bacterial growth and reduce irritation in some skin conditions.

🧴 How to Use Castor Oil Safely

If you’re just getting started, here’s how to use it without turning into a sticky mess:

✅ Choose the Right Castor Oil

Always go for:

• Organic
• Cold-pressed
• Hexane-free

👉 I personally love Queen of the Thrones brand (available on Amazon here) because they also sell reusable flannel packs that keep the oil where it should be—on your skin, not your sheets.

🛠️ How to Make a Castor Oil Pack

1. Apply 1–2 tbsp castor oil to your abdomen (or target area).
2. Cover with a cotton or wool flannel cloth or a dedicated castor oil pack.
3. Add a heating pad or hot water bottle on top if you want.
4. Relax for 30–60 minutes, or leave it overnight to allow the gel to fully absorb.
5. Clean up with a gentle wipe or a mixture of baking soda and water.

Do not microwave the oil or flannel pad.

❗️Possible Side Effects & Contraindications

While generally safe when used externally, castor oil isn’t for everyone.

⚠️ Avoid if:

• You’re pregnant or trying to conceive (can stimulate uterine contractions).
• You have sensitive skin or known allergies to castor oil (always patch test!).
• You’re on medications that affect lymph flow or skin integrity… check with your doctor first.

👀 Eyelid warning:

Please learn from my mistake and don’t apply castor oil near your eyes unless you’re absolutely sure you’re not reactive to it. Even organic, cold-pressed oils can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

🌀 Quirky & Unexpected Uses of Castor Oil

Here are a few other fascinating ways people are using castor oil:

• Joint pain relief: Apply over sore knees, shoulders, or fingers for arthritis relief.
• Liver detox: Packs over the liver area are said to help the body eliminate toxins.
• Menstrual cramps: Use over the lower abdomen to ease monthly discomfort.
• Scar softening: Massage into older scars or stretch marks.
• Hair oiling: Mix with coconut oil and massage into the scalp for hair growth support.
• Toenail fungus or athlete’s foot: Thanks to its antifungal properties.
• Callus softening: Apply overnight with socks for baby-soft heels.

🌿 Kelly’s Thoughts

Castor oil isn’t just an old-fashioned folk remedy… It’s a multitasking, science-backed wellness tool that’s earned a permanent place in my cabinet. From gut health to skin moisture, from reducing cysts to soothing inflammation, this sticky little bottle packs a powerful punch.

But like anything natural, it’s not magic and it’s not one-size-fits-all. Take your time, do a patch test, use it consistently, and give your body time to respond. And if you try the eyelash thing, let’s just say… proceed with caution!

🛒 Shop My Castor Oil Favorites

If you’re ready to dive into the world of castor oil, here are a few products I personally use and recommend:

🧴 Queen of the Thrones Organic Castor Oil (Glass Bottle)

🩵 Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Pack for Abdomen

🧺 Reusable Flannel for Castor Oil Packs

Want more old-school natural health tips and tools that actually work?

Subscribe to my blog Diary of a Self-Help Addict or follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more DIY wellness, clean beauty finds, and holistic living inspiration.

Pin it for later