Castor Oil: Ancient Remedy, Modern Must-Have
Castor oil might just be the most underrated oil in your wellness toolkit. Used for thousands of years (Cleopatra supposedly used it as an eye serum!), castor oil is packed with nourishing fatty acids and unique compounds that support everything from digestive health to skin repair and hair growth.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a thick, pale yellow oil derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). The key compound in castor oil is ricinoleic acid, a rare fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and deeply moisturizing properties.
Unlike many oils, castor oil has a thick, almost sticky consistency, which allows it to penetrate deeper into tissues and stay on the skin longer — making it ideal for therapeutic use.
If you don’t already have a bottle at home, this cold-pressed castor oil in amber glass is one of our favorite brands. CLICK HERE
Top Benefits of Castor Oil
1. Promotes Hair Growth
Castor oil is known to nourish the scalp, stimulate circulation, and help thicken hair. Many people use it on lashes, eyebrows, and along hairlines.
2. Moisturizes Skin
Its high fatty acid content makes it perfect for healing dry, cracked skin, especially on heels, elbows, and cuticles.
3. Eases Constipation (Internally)
Castor oil is a powerful stimulant laxative when taken orally. It works by increasing the movement of the intestines. (Use with caution and only short-term — more on that below.)
4. Supports Lymphatic Flow & Detox
When used topically with a castor oil pack (more on that below), castor oil may help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and encourage drainage through the lymphatic system.
5. Soothes Joint & Muscle Pain
Its anti-inflammatory properties make castor oil great for sore joints, backaches, and menstrual cramps when used in warm compresses.
6. Helps with Acne & Skin Issues
Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory nature may calm flare-ups, clear clogged pores, and reduce redness.
7. Belly Button Therapy
One of the lesser-known but highly talked-about practices is applying castor oil to the belly button (navel). Here's why:
- The belly button connects to over 70,000 veins and nerves in your body.
- It may help nourish internal organs through direct absorption.
- Castor oil in the navel may support hormonal balance, gut health, liver detox, and even menstrual relief.
- It’s deeply calming and grounding when used before bed.
Apply 1–2 drops directly in the navel and gently massage it in. Bonus if you lie down with a warm compress afterward.
Why We Use Castor Oil in Our Products
At OzzBarn, castor oil is a key ingredient in some of our most popular formulations — especially our Spot Balm and Night Time Tallow. Here's why:
- It enhances the absorption of other herbal infusions
- It delivers moisture deep into the skin
- It has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits
- It acts as a “carrier” to draw in other healing oils like frankincense or arnica
Its thick consistency helps our products stay where they’re applied — whether it's a troubled patch of skin or a sore muscle.
Why Cold-Pressed & Hexane-Free Castor Oil Matters
Most people don’t realize that not all castor oil is created equal — and the way it’s extracted makes a huge difference in quality, safety, and effectiveness. If you’re using castor oil for wellness, detox, or skin care, it should always be:
👉 Cold-pressed
👉 Hexane-free
👉 Stored in dark glass
What Is Cold-Pressed Castor Oil?
Cold-pressed means the oil is extracted by simply pressing the castor beans — without using heat or chemical solvents. This method preserves the integrity of the oil and protects its nutrients.
Benefits of cold-pressed castor oil:
- Keeps the ricinoleic acid intact — the main active compound responsible for its healing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing benefits
- Preserves enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants naturally present in the oil. Less likely to oxidize or lose potency
- Gentler on sensitive skin or delicate areas like the belly button, lashes, and scalp
What’s the Deal With Hexane?
Hexane is a harsh chemical solvent often used in commercial oil extraction. It helps manufacturers squeeze more oil out of the bean quickly and cheaply — but at a cost.
Why it’s a problem:
- Trace amounts of hexane can remain in the oil
- Hexane is a neurotoxin and potential carcinogen
- It may irritate the skin or disrupt endocrine balance over time
- It reduces the therapeutic value of the oil
If you're using castor oil for detox, hormone support, skin healing, or lymphatic health, the last thing you want is hidden toxins in the mix.
Quick Tip:
If it doesn’t say cold-pressed and hexane-free on the label, don’t use it — especially not on your belly, lashes, scalp, or skin.
Why Glass Bottles Matter
Castor oil should always be stored in dark amber glass bottles — and here's why:
- Castor oil is highly dense and will leach toxins from plastic over time
- Amber glass protects the oil from light and oxidation, preserving its potency
- It maintains purity, especially when used in sensitive areas like the belly, scalp, or skin
We never use plastic, even when we probably should, just for this reason.
How to Use Castor Oil
1. For Hair & Scalp:
Massage a small amount into the scalp and leave on for 20–30 minutes before washing. For hair growth, apply to the hairline and lashes nightly with a clean spoolie or cotton swab.
2. For Skin Moisture:
Use directly on dry patches, cracked cuticles, or as an overnight heel balm.
3. For Castor Oil Packs:
Soak a cotton flannel or cloth with castor oil and place it over your liver or lower abdomen. Cover with plastic wrap or wax paper and apply a hot water bottle or heating pad for 30–60 minutes. Use 3–5 times a week.
4. For Belly Button Therapy:
Add 1–2 drops to your navel before bed. Lie on your back and breathe deeply — or use a warm compress to take it further.
5. For Constipation Relief (Internally):
1–2 teaspoons on an empty stomach can act as a natural laxative. However, this should be used very sparingly and not for long-term constipation. Always consult your doctor before internal use.
Side Effects & Safety Tips
- Not for long-term internal use – Prolonged oral use can cause cramping, diarrhea, or electrolyte imbalance.
- Patch test first – Some people may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation.
- Not for use during pregnancy unless under professional guidance — castor oil can stimulate uterine contractions.
- Keep out of eyes and broken skin – Its potency can be irritating to mucous membranes.
Our Favorite Way to Use It: Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil packs are one of the best ways to deliver the oil’s benefits deep into the body. At OzzBarn, we use it for:
- Liver support during detox
- Period pain and bloating
- Postpartum healing
- Joint aches and inflammation
- Sleep support when placed over the abdomen at night
Final Thoughts
Castor oil isn’t trendy — it’s timeless. From ancient rituals to modern wellness routines, this humble oil earns its place on the shelf for everything from digestive relief to glowing skin.
We keep a bottle ready in the cabinet at all times — and after reading this, you might want to as well.
P.S. We use castor oil in a lot of our recipes. To browse products CLICK HERE
