Castor Oil… Worth All the Hype?
There has certainly been a huge amount of coverage in the media recently, promising incredible, often miraculous results, when using castor oil. Last year, I was fortunate enough to visit The Rain Forest, and I spoke to a plant expert who told me locals used castor oil for many common ailments from tummy upsets, toe fungus, wrinkles, hair and nails, joint pain, age spots, aches and many more.
My Very Unscientific Trial
So, I thought I would give it ago for a few months and see if I noticed any benefits. This is a very unscientific trial, and I would suggest doing your own if you are interested in using castor oil.
Skin
I have very dry skin and while that was wonderful as a teenager (no spots!), it is not quite so good as you age. I was not really concerned about wrinkles, more about the texture and feel. I used cold pressed, hexane free (I was told this was the best) castor oil in the morning and at night on my face.
It is a very heavy oil, and quite sticky, and some people choose to add a lighter carrier oil, but I just used it straight from the bottle. After just one month, I could see and feel a difference in the texture, but no difference to my age spots.
By the end of three months, my skin was much softer, the texture improved and I think the age spots (I only have two tiny ones) did seem to be a little lighter.
Hair and Nails
Like my skin, my hair tends to be a little dry and can be frizzy in damp weather. I used castor oil once a week on my hair, massaging a tiny amount into my scalp and spreading it down through my hair.
It does need a lot of washing out, but my hair texture has really improved. As an added bonus, on frizzy hair days, the teeniest amount on the ends made a huge difference.
However, the best result for me was my finger nails. Again, they tend to be a little dry, especially as I have aged. For the last 10 or so years, a split has occurred on one of my thumb nails about half way down and nothing I have done has helped.
Generally, this would happen every month as the nail grew in length, but since daily application of castor oil this has not happened once!
Joints
There have been some amazing claims for castor oil in respect of joint pain, especially arthritis. This is something I have been a little skeptical about, but I have to say my joints do feel easier, though I am guessing this is more of a long-term thing.
I rubbed neat oil into my knee and wrist (where I have arthritis) about twice a week. I think I am going to increase that to every day for the next month or so, and see if the improvement continues.
More Un-Scientific Trials Needed
I would say that some of the claims may be a little overenthusiastic, but for a product that is quite inexpensive, natural and has been around for thousands of years, it will always have a place in my bathroom cabinet. I am looking forward to a few more unscientific trials to see what else works for me!
Also read, Do You Show Special Attention to the Delicate Skin Around Your Eyes?
Please Join the Conversation:
Have you used castor oil? What did you use it for? Did you have improvements? Is there some cosmetics product you have tried and what is your unscientific conclusion?
Tags Mature Skin Care
I was having severe pain in my left wrist (referred pain, said the doctor) from arthritis in the base of my thumb. It was so bad I would have to rest my arm against my upper chest as it was the only place that was a little bit more comfortable. It was too painful to lift a pot or anything heavy. I was using Voltaren which the doctor recommended. It was no help at all.
A friend told me to put a castor oil poultice on my wrist. I kept it in on for several days and…no more pain. Occasionally my wrist is painful so I reapply the poultice but so far brilliant.
Hi Toni, thanks for joining in. I have heard this and several people swear by it for arthritis. I am just increasing the amount of days I use it myself! x
I have found that castor oil combined with shea oil makes a superb nighttime facial oil. It leaves my skin soft and avoids the dreaded winter dryness (I live in the Eastern U.S. where winter winds and dry air take a toll on my facial area.
Hi Marlene, that sounds like a great idea! Lily x
I have always had dry skin. About ten years ago, my thumbnail did the same thing: it split down the center. I was told this happens with age. I’m going to try castor oil and see what happens. Thank you for the idea!
Hi, thanks for joining the conversation. I honestly can’t believe the improvements in my nails. Hope it works for you too! Lily x
I have been using castor oil (hexane free, cold compress, glass bottle) daily approx. 10 mths. from face to soles of feet, all sparingly, concentrating on face, hair, including eye lashes/brows, hands, joints, belly button and over liver area (detoxification). I have noticed much benefits from growth of eye lashes, skin improvement, lightening of blemishing areas/spots, joint stiffness relief but mainly overall better systemic healthiness. I had minor gut issues which a change of diet was the contributing factor, but I am able to attest that since using castor oil I have felt better and bodily functions have been regulated and consistent. I now apply areas fully 1-2x wkly. My daily regimen before bed; drop in my belly button, lips, lashes and liver area. Results may vary from person to person. I am 68yo. This is my result observations. Thank you for allowing me to share and if I may recommend Dr Marisol-Queen of Thrones
Hi Terry, thanks for joining the conversation. You sound like you have a lot of experience using castor oil. Thank you for sharing it! Lily x
How do you keep the oil from staining your bedding, when you apply it to your face and body before you go to bed?
Hi Ann, yes that can be a problem. I tend to put an older pillowcase on when I use it at night. Mostly I put it on as soon as I wake up but if my skin is excessively dry, I use it at night too. Lily x