How to Use Castor Oil in Your Daily Routine

Castor oil might not be the newest trend on the block, but its healing reputation goes back centuries. This golden oil has been used in everything from ancient beauty rituals to natural detox practices. Today, it’s making a well-deserved comeback in the holistic health world, loved for its ability to support the skin, scalp, digestion, hormones, and more.

If you’re curious about the benefits of castor oil, how to use it, and why it's worth adding to your routine, keep on reading. You’ll be amazed at how this one simple product can do so much!

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a plant-based oil derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, commonly known as the castor bean. It’s uniquely rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and deeply hydrating properties. Unlike lighter oils, castor oil has a thick texture that helps it stay on the skin or scalp longer, making it ideal for targeted treatments.

While it’s recently gained popularity again in the wellness space, castor oil’s therapeutic use goes back thousands of years.

Historically, castor oil has been used across multiple cultures. The Egyptians used it to treat skin conditions and as a natural laxative. In Ayurvedic medicine, it’s known as Eranda and has been used for detoxification, joint pain, and menstrual support. Traditional Chinese medicine also used castor oil in its healing practices.

Despite the ancient roots, modern holistic practitioners still swear by it today, and many are rediscovering its wide range of benefits in a non-toxic, natural approach to self-care.

The Many Benefits of Castor Oil

Deeply Hydrates the Skin

Castor oil is incredibly nourishing thanks to its high fatty acid content. It helps lock in moisture, making it especially beneficial for dry, cracked, or irritated skin. Many people use it as a natural alternative to petroleum-based balms, as it provides barrier support without clogging pores.

It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and can be used to soothe skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis. Some even use it post-sun exposure to support skin healing.

Promotes Hair Growth and Scalp Health

Castor oil is well known for its ability to support healthier, fuller hair. When massaged into the scalp, it helps increase circulation, hydrate dry patches, and reduce flakiness. Over time, this can contribute to improved scalp health and even hair growth.

It’s also a beautiful way to nourish the ends of dry or damaged hair. Many users see shinier, stronger strands with regular use.

Supports Hormone and Liver Health

One of the most popular ways to use castor oil in holistic wellness is through a castor oil pack. When applied to the lower abdomen or over the liver area, castor oil is believed to support the lymphatic system, encourage gentle detoxification, and even reduce menstrual pain.

While scientific studies in this area are limited, centuries of traditional use suggest that castor oil can be an incredibly supportive practice for those navigating hormone imbalances, fertility challenges, or general inflammation.

Helps Relieve Constipation

Internally, castor oil has long been used as a stimulant laxative. While effective, this use should be approached with caution and only under the guidance of a practitioner. The oil stimulates the bowels and can help relieve occasional constipation, but it’s not intended for daily or long-term use.

A gentler option is to use castor oil topically on the abdomen, paired with a warm compress to support digestion naturally.

May Reduce Inflammation and Pain

Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, castor oil can be applied topically to sore joints, tight muscles, or areas of discomfort. This makes it a great natural option for those managing arthritis, period pain, or even everyday stiffness.

Massage a small amount into the area and, for added benefit, follow with a warm heat pack to help the oil penetrate deeper.

How to Use Castor Oil

There are several ways to bring castor oil into your self-care routine depending on your needs.

For a castor oil pack: Apply a generous amount of castor oil to a piece of organic flannel or cloth. Place the cloth over your lower abdomen or liver area and cover with a warm water bottle or heat pack. Relax for 30 to 60 minutes. This method is often used to support hormone balance, menstrual comfort, and liver detox. Avoid castor oil packs during pregnancy unless advised by a health professional.

For scalp and hair treatments: Massage castor oil directly into the scalp and comb through the ends. Leave for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper hydration. Rinse thoroughly with a gentle, non-toxic shampoo. Explore our range of non-toxic shampoo here. 

For skin hydration: Apply a small amount to dry patches, lips, or cuticles. You can also use it as an overnight balm on heels, elbows, or other dry areas.

For lash and brow support (our personal favourite): Using a clean spoolie or cotton bud, apply a drop of castor oil to brows or lashes before bed. This helps condition and may support hair growth over time.

How to Choose a Quality Castor Oil

As always, quality matters. Especially when applying products directly to your skin or using them for internal health support. Look for the following when choosing a castor oil:

• 100% pure and cold-pressed
  
• Hexane-free (no chemicals used in processing)
  
• Packaged in glass bottles to avoid plastic leaching
  
• Certified organic whenever possible

You can purchase castor oil here.

Have questions or need a little guidance? Reach out any time via Instagram or email us at connect@herholisticstore.com — we’re always here to help!