If you grew up dreading the taste of castor oil, you’re not alone! I often have customers walk into the store, spot a bottle on the shelf, and say, “Oh no… I remember that from when I was a kid!” We all share that same childhood memory — a thick spoonful of the stuff handed over with a reassuring, “It’s good for you.”

Fast forward a few decades, and castor oil is having quite the comeback — and this time, everyone wants it! It’s now one of our top-selling products in store. People are using it for everything from soothing joint and muscle pain to encouraging hair growth, hydrating dry skin, and even supporting gentle detox. The renewed interest has been helped along by well-known naturopath Barbara O’Neill, who’s reignited appreciation for this age-old remedy.

So, what exactly is castor oil?
Castor oil has been used for thousands of years. It’s made from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant — a tropical shrub that produces glossy, bean-like seeds. The oil itself is thick, nourishing, and completely natural.

The ancient Egyptians used it not only as a medicine, but also as a beauty treatment. Cleopatra is even said to have used castor oil to make the whites of her eyes shine brighter — a timeless beauty secret if ever there was one!

Today, research supports what traditional wisdom has long known. Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation (1), hydrate the skin, and support digestion.

How people are using it today?

For Natural Constipation Relief
Castor oil is officially approved by the U.S. FDA as a natural laxative. It works by stimulating the bowels and helping things move along — though it’s best used occasionally rather than regularly, as it can cause cramping if overdone (2).

For Skin & Hair
Thanks to its high fatty acid content, castor oil makes a beautiful natural moisturiser (3). It locks in hydration and soothes dry patches — I like to mix a few drops with a lighter oil like jojoba before applying to the skin.

It’s also a favourite for encouraging hair growth, especially for eyebrows and eyelashes (4). I know some teenagers who apply it nightly to their lashes and swears they’ve grown longer and thicker!

For Pain, Period Cramps & Detox Support
Castor oil packs are another popular use. These are cloths soaked in castor oil and applied to the skin (often with a warm compress). They can be wonderfully soothing for abdominal discomfort, period cramps, or joint pain. You can make your own at home or pick up ready-made packs in-store (5). 

Always use pharmaceutical or cosmetic-grade castor oil (6). The raw seeds are toxic if ingested, and internal use should be occasional and avoided during pregnancy. As with any topical product, do a patch test before applying to large areas of skin. 

Castor oil truly is simple, natural, affordable — and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re nourishing your skin, supporting your body, or exploring traditional remedies, it’s a beautiful addition to your natural health toolkit.

For further information on castor oil or other health issues, call to see the team at Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North St, Batemans Bay or phone on 44729737. Don’t forget to tune in to Marianne and Go Vita’s Nutritionist Sofia on 2EC after 12.30pm every Wednesday.

 Reference list:

1.       1. Singh M., Kaushik A. Pharmacological and Toxicological Aspects of Ricinus communis Linn. J Pharmacogn Phytochem (2017)

2.     2.  Vieira C. et al. “Study of the antinociceptive effect of ricinoleic acid.” European Journal of Pharmacology (2000).

3.      3. Draelos Z.D. “The effect of natural oils on the skin.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2020)

4.       4. Kanti V. et al. “Evidence-based use of cosmetic products in hair disorders.” Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2014).

5.      5.  Gfeller R. et al. “Castor oil packs and symptom relief: A review of clinical data.” Integrative Medicine Insights (2019).

          6. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Castor Oil – OTC Laxative Monograph (2019).