Castor oil is derived from Ricinus communis, more widely known as the castor bean plant. The "beans" are actually seeds that look like beans, and they are highly poisonous due to a component called ricin. The process to extract oil from the beans eliminates the ricin, as explained by Animal Science at Cornell University, so people can safely use castor oil for treating a few health conditions.
Castor Oil Packs
A castor oil pack is a traditional folk remedy for a variety of health disorders. The pack is intended to improve blood flow and enhance healing, as explained by naturopath Denise Moffat. You can apply a castor oil pack over any affected area. For instance, apply a castor oil pack over the lower abdomen to relieve digestive or menstrual problems. Castor oil packs also can be wrapped around sprained joints and strained muscles to relieve symptoms and speed healing; the University of Maryland Medical Center lists a castor oil pack as an alternative treatment for tendinitis. To make a castor oil pack, saturate a piece of wool flannel with the oil and fold the flannel two to four times. Place the flannel over the organ or interior area to be healed, or wrap the flannel around the affected joint or muscle. Then wrap the area with plastic to hold the flannel in place, and put a heating pad or hot water bottle on top. Use for at least an hour a day for three consecutive days.
Skin Conditions
Castor oil also is a traditional folk remedy used for healing certain skin conditions, though no scientific evidence is available. Apply castor oil directly to the affected area once or twice daily for possible benefits, as advised by Puristat Digestive Wellness Center. Castor oil may help heal abscesses, bruises, corns, dermatitis, ringworm and sunburn. Cover the area with a small gauze pad to promote proper absorption.
Laxative
Castor oil is a fast-acting stimulant laxative and can treat constipation when taken orally in dosages as directed on the label, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). A standard dose for adults and children 12 years of age and older is 1 to 4 tablespoons, but you should start with the smallest dose. Stimulant laxatives are the harshest type of laxative, so you should never take more castor oil than the label recommends. Taking more than directed can lead to diarrhea or an overdose, and routine use can damage the bowel and lead to laxative dependency.
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