Castor Oil: Benefits, Uses And Side Effects (2024)

Castor oil is a multi-purpose vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), a species mainly grown in Eastern Africa, South America and India.

The oil has a high concentration of ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid with a unique chemical structure that’s attributed to many of castor oil’s uses and benefits, such as its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, explains Samantha Schleiger, a registered dietician, women’s health specialist and owner of Simply Nourished Functional Nutrition, a private nutrition practice based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Though it’s available in various forms, such as standalone products or as an ingredient in products like skin creams, hair conditioners or other cosmetics, castor oil is only approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a laxative, says Barry Sears, Ph.D., a Boston-based biochemist, president of the Inflammation Research Foundation and author of the Zone Diet book series.

Although not commonly recommended in modern medicine, castor oil is believed to offer a wide array of benefits. However, additional research is needed to verify these claims.

• Laxative effects: Castor oil is recognized by the FDA as a safe and effective stimulant laxative. It works by stimulating the muscles of the small intestine, aiding bowel movements.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort associated with conditions like arthritis and joint pain. It can be massaged onto the affected area to provide relief, shares Schleiger.
• Wound healing: When applied topically, castor oil can create a moist environment conducive to wound healing, says Schleiger. It’s also believed to stimulate the growth of new tissue, reducing dryness and promoting healing.
• Skin hydration: Castor oil is often applied topically to the skin to help moisturize and soothe dry or irritated skin, adds Schleiger.
• Hair health: Castor oil is often used to combat hair loss and other scalp issues, such as dandruff. Its deep penetration into the scalp and hair allows it to revitalize and restore hair health, according to Schleiger.
• Antibacterial agent: Castor oil may have antibacterial properties. Some research finds it to be effective against certain bacteria, as well as skin, throat and wound infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that can lead to serious, life-threatening staph infections^[1]Fitranda MI, Sutrisno, Marfu’ah S. Physicochemical Properties and Antibacterial Activity of Castor Oil and Its Derivatives. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 2020;833(1):012009. .

Who Might Use Castor Oil?

“Various individuals may potentially benefit from the use of castor oil, depending on their specific needs and goals,” says Schleiger. People seeking natural remedies for certain health and beauty concerns may find castor oil particularly useful for their regimen, she adds.

Aside from its approved use as a laxative by the FDA, other potential benefits of castor oil are anecdotal, and further research is necessary to fully understand the extent of castor oil’s efficacy in certain areas, adds Dr. Sears, who advises consulting with a health care professional before using castor oil.

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As with any supplement, the usage and dosage of castor oil depend on the specific product and an individual’s needs, says Schleiger.

When used orally for a laxative effect, Schleiger recommends a dosage of 15 to 60 milliliters of castor oil per day. “Start with the lowest recommended dose and increase gradually, if necessary, to avoid abdominal cramping and other gastrointestinal discomfort,” she adds.

For topical application, Schleiger recommends conducting a patch test first—apply a small amount of oil on a patch of skin and wait for 24 hours to monitor for any allergic reactions. If no reactions occur, proceed to apply the oil directly to the affected area as needed. “Leave it on for a few hours or overnight, then rinse off if desired,” adds Schleiger.

Risks and Side Effects of Castor Oil

While castor oil is generally considered safe for most people when used as directed by a product’s manufacturer or a health care professional, certain individuals, including pregnant women and people with bowel obstruction or appendicitis, should avoid using it.

Potential side effects of using castor oil as a laxative may include abdominal cramping, vomiting, bloating and dizziness.

Castor oil may also interact with certain medications, such as Daybue (trofinetide), a treatment for Rett syndrome, and magnesium citrate, which is used to treat occasional constipation. Anyone considering using castor oil should first consult with a health care provider, especially if they’re using prescription medications, advises Dr. Sears.