✨ Castor Oil: Benefits, Uses & How to Choose a Quality One

Written by Emily Pankratz Nutrition

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m all about finding simple, foundational ways to support your health — tools that have been used for generations and actually work with your body.

One of my favorite tried-and-true tools? Castor oil.

This ancient oil is packed with therapeutic benefits that go far beyond what most people realize — from supporting detox pathways to promoting lymphatic flow, skin health, and even hormone balance.

Let’s explore why castor oil deserves a spot in your wellness toolkit, how to use it safely, and which brands I personally love.

🌿 What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is extracted from the castor bean (Ricinus communis) and has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt. Historically, it was used for wound healing, skin nourishment, and internal cleansing — and it still holds incredible value today.

This golden oil contains ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid with strong anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and moisturizing properties. It’s also rich in antioxidants, Vitamin E, and omega fatty acids — making it a powerhouse for both internal and external health.

👉 Learn more about the science behind castor oil in Dr. Axe’s article on castor oil benefits

🔬 The Functional Benefits of Castor Oil

So what makes this oil so special? Here’s what I love most:

🌿 Reduces inflammation — helps calm the body’s inflammatory response
💧 Supports lymphatic flow — encourages gentle detoxification
💤 Promotes better sleep & stress resilience
🧠 Enhances circulation and cellular repair
💪 Eases sore muscles and joint tension
✨ Moisturizes and nourishes the skin

The two standout compounds — ricinoleic acid and quercetin — give castor oil its anti-inflammatory and restorative edge.

💫 My Favourite Ways to Use Castor Oil

Here’s how I personally use castor oil in my home and with clients:

1. Liver Detox Support

This is the most well-known use! Applying a castor oil pack over your liver (right side under your rib cage) can help support detoxification and reduce inflammation.

How to do it:

Apply about 1 tablespoon of castor oil to a wrap or soft flannel cloth.
Place over your liver area.
Secure it with a gentle tie or wrap and leave on for 1–2 hours, or overnight if tolerated.
Do this a few times a week.

⚠️ Avoid using castor oil packs during pregnancy or menstruation, as it can increase circulation and bleeding.

Curious about the research? Check out Fallon’s Table blog on castor oil benefits

2. Skin and Hair Care

Castor oil is deeply moisturizing and helps lock in hydration. I love applying a small amount to my eyebrows, forehead, and neck before bed. It’s rich in fatty acids that help nourish and protect skin cells.

You can also use it on your scalp or the ends of your hair for extra shine — just use sparingly (it’s thick!).

3. Pain & Inflammation Relief

For sore muscles or joints, apply castor oil topically and place a warm compress over the area. It helps reduce inflammation, ease discomfort, and promote healing.

This is one of my favorite self-care tools for neck tension, back pain, and cramps.

4. Chest & Lung Support

During cold or flu season, a gentle castor oil pack over the chest can help open up lymphatic drainage and support respiratory comfort.

For kids, use smaller wraps and apply lightly — I’ve used it this way myself during respiratory flare-ups, and it can be incredibly soothing.

5. Thyroid & Organ Support

Applying a castor oil wrap over the thyroid area can support circulation and tissue healing in the neck. You can also place wraps over the kidneys, lymph nodes, or abdomen for gentle detox and hormonal support.

6. Belly Button (Navel Oiling)

Before bed, massage a few drops of castor oil into your belly button. This simple ritual supports gut health, digestion, and the vagus nerve — an easy way to encourage balance throughout the body.