The use of castor oil for medicinal purposes has been known for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used oil from the castor bean as a folk medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. Today castor oil is used not only in medicines, but as an industrial lubricant. In much the same way that castor oil lubricates metal works, it also lubricates and soothes our bodies, both inside and out. Castor oil is FDA-approved for treating skin disorders, and as a skin emollient, it can help heal scar tissue.
Treat Large Areas
Step 1
Heal large scar areas by soaking several layers of undyed wool, cotton flannel or clean cloth with castor oil in a container. Ensure the material is large enough to cover the entire affected area.
Step 2
Cut plastic wrap so it overlaps the material by at least a 1/2 inch. Soak the cloth until saturated and place it over the scarred area. Cover the area with the plastic wrap and a hot water bottle.
Step 3
Rest for up to an hour with the pad in place. Store the cloth in the container for reuse. Place it in the refrigerator and use it again every other day. The cloth can be used up to 30 times.
Step 4
Clean your hands with water and baking soda to remove all the oil. Since castor oil stains, wear old clothing and cover the area where you are resting with old towels.
Treat Small Areas
Step 1
Clean the scar gently with soap and water. Soak a clean cloth with castor oil. Place it over the scar area for one or two hours daily.
Step 2
Rub castor oil over the scarred area each day to promote circulation. Place a few drops of the oil on fingertips and massage for several minutes. Repeat twice daily.
Step 3
Wash hands thoroughly with water and baking soda. Serious internal scarring requires a long time to heal. Castor oil can also prevent scars from forming, so apply on unbroken wounds to stop scar tissue before it can form.
Things You'll Need
- Castor oil
- Undyed wool, cotton flannel or clean cloth
- Container with lid
- Scissors
- Plastic wrap
- Hot water bottle
- Old clothes, towels
- Baking soda
References
- Encyclopedia.com; Castor Oil; Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine; Judith Sims, et al.; 2005
- "The Oil That Heals: A Physician's Successes With Castor Oil Treatments”; William A. McGarey; 1993
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- ICOA; National Institutes of Health; The Chemistry of Castor Oil and Its Derivatives and Their Applications
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