Depending on your age, you may hear “castor oil” and involuntarily shudder. Take a deep breath! Castor oil has many more uses and benefits for us than we previously thought, and no, you don’t have to drink it to get those benefits!
1. LAXATIVE
Historically, a teaspoon of castor oil was the typical “detox”. It was used by individuals with sluggish digestion, and was very effective at cleaning out the gut. While the idea of being “cleaned out” can sound great, very few feel fantastic after a round of castor oil. This is why we came up with using castor oil in a….
2. CASTOR OIL PACK
That’s right! A much gentler approach to a laxative that is comforting, relaxing and does not require internal use. To make a castor oil pack, heat castor oil on the stove or just rub room temperature castor oil on your belly. Place a heat pack over top and gently massage the oil into your abdomen. Remember to wear/use old sheets and clothes because the oil does stain. This method of castor oil use is great for colicky babies and adults.
3. PREGNANCY
Many women choose to rub castor oil on their bellies after 37 weeks of pregnancy to speed up the labour process. Some women may opt to take it internally, but please note: this is NOT recommended and should not be done without proper medical supervision.
4. HAIR GROWTH
A castor oil hair mask per week can keep the hair thick, shiny and strong. To do a mask, rub castor oil through the scalp, massage it in and work it all the way down to the ends of the hair. Tie up hair and let it sit overnight (use an old pillowcase), shampooing in the morning. This works really well for dry scalps, dandruff concerns, heat-damaged or colour-treated hair. I’ve read it can also help to thicken eyebrow hair if rubbed into the brow on a nightly basis, but I have yet to try it out!
5. JOINT PAIN
For those suffering from arthritis or sports-related joint pain, rubbing castor oil into the affected joints and covering with a heat pack can help it absorb faster through the skin. This can be done as often as needed, but ideally on a nightly basis.
6. SORE MUSCLES
For all the same soothingly good reasons as mentioned above, when your muscles are sore, castor oil can help reduce inflammation and pain. When used as a massage oil, it does have a much thicker consistency and requires a bit more work to be absorbed into the skin.