EDITOR’S SUMMARY: As a home remedy for skin growths and constipation, castor oil has been used for a very long time. It may not be the tastiest thing to touch your tongue (if taken internally), but its powerful ability to penetrate and break up lumps and cysts, and relieve digestion, has been noted in the research. Used topically by way of warm “packs,” it can also soothe joint pain and inflammation.
By Jennifer Wolff-Gillispie HWP, LC
Castor oil has a long, albeit “folk” reputation for being an oil that could cure just about anything. It was common for American grandmothers centuries ago (and even today) to offer their kids or grandkids a teaspoon full of the distasteful liquid as “an ounce of prevention” for everything from colds to constipation. Today, the use of castor oil has been touted as having universal healing qualities with claims that it can even dissolve cysts. But is it as beneficial as many natural healing experts (and grandmas) say it is? Castor oil is derived from the seeds (also called castor beans) of the Ricinus communis plant. While the plant can have a reddish hue, its oil is pale yellow in color, and has a thick, viscous consistency. The primary component of castor oil is ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that constitutes about 85–95% of the oil.
Other fatty acids found in castor oil include oleic acid (about 3–7%) and linoleic acid (approximately 1–5%). While research has shown that consuming too much linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) can promote inflammation, it is an essential fatty acid that your body needs (in small amounts from quality sources). Castor oil contains very little of this omega-6, and is usually taken in small quantities internally. Used topically, omega-6’s are hydrating, healing, and anti-inflammatory. According to “Castor oil (Ricinus communis): a review on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties”:
“Like other vegetable oils, the composition and properties of castor oil vary with respect to the method of extraction, geographical location, and type of cultivar. The fatty acid profile of castor oil shares a higher similarity with that of macadamia nut, palm kernel, olive, and sunflower oil.”
The oil is also rich in other bioactive compounds, including tocopherols (vitamin E), sterols (compounds found in plants similar to cholesterol), and phenolic compounds (flavonoids, tannins, etc. that exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities), all of which contribute to its beneficial health impacts. In addition, ricinoleic acid is loaded with therapeutic properties. It is responsible for cell regeneration, and is angiogenic (able to form new blood vessels). Although the rich oil of the castor bean is known for these characteristics, the beans themselves also naturally produce a powerful poison called ricin. Typically, when oils are processed with high heat, there is fear of degradation and oxidation of vital nutrients, so cold-pressing is preferred. The same goes for castor oil, however, after cold-pressing the oil is later refined with the introduction of low heat (176 degrees Fahrenheit) to disable the enzyme responsible for ricin’s toxic effects. This low heat does not thermally degrade the oil, but makes it safe to use. In the scientific article, “Ricin: An Ancient Story for a Timeless Plant Toxin,” the historical uses of the castor plant are discussed:
“The castor seeds and other parts of the castor plant were certainly utilized in ancient Egypt for pharmacological purposes. In the Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian medical treatise dating back to before 1500 BCE, an entire chapter is dedicated to the castor bean that is indicated as an abortifacient, a laxative, a remedy for abscessual illness, baldness, and so on. In the Hearst Papyrus, written approximately in the same period, various castor plant parts are included as ingredients in some prescriptions for internal use, with the aim of expelling fluid accumulation or promoting diuresis, as well as for external use as poultices for bandaging. Ancient Egyptians knew the toxicity of castor bean and the use of seed pulp, included in drug preparations for oral ingestion, was recommended only in small amounts. ”
A Variety of Uses
Today, natural healers like Australia’s Barbara O’Neil believe very strongly in the healing qualities of castor oil. Barbara, a conventionally-trained nurse, praises the oil:
“Castor Oil penetrates deeper than any other oil. Wherever it penetrates, it can break up lumps, bumps, adhesions. So great for cysts in the breasts, for breast cancer. Great for irritable bowel. Great for constipation. It’s very good for breaking up stones in the gallbladder …“
From Dr. Axe, chiropractor, clinical nutritionist, and certified natural medicine doctor, on the health benefits of using a castor oil pack:
“By applying a castor oil pack to your abdomen, you increase circulation in the lymphatic and circulatory systems and also increase lymphocytes — white blood cells that eliminate disease-causing toxins from the body.”
While the science and its supporting studies used to defend the many health claims of castor oil are still mostly non-existent, there are a handful (with extrapolation) that can help you understand the healing mechanisms at play. As it stands today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the “legitimate” use of castor oil for the treatment of constipation. However, when you dig into the handful of studies that do exist, the obvious greater potential starts to materialize. There is a slowly evolving understanding in medicine that ricinoleic acid exhibits “remarkable” anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically. According to “Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation,” repeated application of ricinoleic acid for one to three weeks reduced edema (swelling).
From “Evidence for the Topical Application of Castor Oil,” in the section “Immune System and Liver Function,” results were logged for topically applying castor oil in the form of “packs” (cloths soaked in castor oil and then applied to the desired area). The scientists noted that when these packs were placed over the liver/abdomen for two hours with heat, total lymphocyte (a white blood cell of the lymph system) counts peaked. This is important to note, as lymphocytes are an integral part of your immune system, responsible for handling abnormalities in your body. There are two major types of lymphocytes: B and T. B cells produce antibodies, and are responsible for attacking viruses, bacteria and toxins. T cells on the other hand, fight tumor cells and help modulate immune responses.
In addition to its immune supporting properties, castor oil has been proven to be a powerful antiparasitic. A study out of India, “Anthelmintic Activity Of Castor Oil And Mustard Oil,” indicated that the use of castor oil against worms was superior to that of mustard oil and Albendazole (prescription drug used for parasites). A 2024 study from ScienceDirect assessed the use of castor oil on cysts, formed by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It was concluded that “the present findings indicate that castor oil in pharmacological preparations has anti-E. histolytica cyst activity.” Cysts can occur in many areas of your body and are typically non-cancerous. According to “Cincinnati Children’s,” a cyst is a “pocket-like area, within tissue, that is not normally there. It can be filled with fluid, blood, tissue, hair, bone, a foreign body, etc. If it is filled with pus, it becomes an abscess.” As in the case of Entamoeba histolytica, cysts can also be caused by parasites.
Often, cysts form when there is a blockage or slowing of the lymphatic system. Waste that is trying to escape through normal channels becomes stuck, forming the cyst. Another common cyst occurs on the ovaries. Between 10–30% of women will experience an ovarian cyst at some point in their lives. When ovulation occurs, sometimes the egg is not released, or the sac around the egg does not dissolve, and accumulates fluid. In either case, a cyst can form. All the major organs of your body, including the heart and brain, are connected to your lymphatic system. When a cyst occurs within the body, the lymphocytes responsible for “cleaning up the mess” can get to work on the unwanted growth. With proven lymphocyte enhancing capabilities, as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-pathogenic effects, castor oil does seem to have a scientific leg to stand on for this use. To better understand the extensive network of the lymphatic system, a quick glance at the anatomy illustrates this well:
“Only a few regions, including the epidermis of the skin, the mucous membranes, the bone marrow, and the central nervous system, are free of lymphatic capillaries, whereas regions such as the lungs, gut, genitourinary system, and dermis of the skin are densely packed with these vessels.”
Although the use of castor oil has had limited scientific research to quantify its potential, there is clear historical, as well as modern testaments to its successful application for the treatment of many maladies. The most talked about and debated use today is the dissolution of “growths.” Whether it be cysts or fibroids (non-cancerous tumors of unknown origin), hearing from patients and practitioners on their experiences with topical castor oil is beneficial. The YouTube channels, “Natural Health Resources” and “Strength-N-U,” had this to say about their involvement with castor oil:
Natural Health Resources: “How I (a Naturopathic Physician) Reduced An Enlarged Ovary and Reduced Cysts on My Ovaries from PCOS”:
“I created these castor oil packs the size of my entire abdomen. I covered both ovaries and my uterus and I even would cover my liver so I really did a deep detox process and castor oil has this amazing metabolic ability to get through the skin. And castor oil, the actual bean, has these amazing properties that reduce cysts and tumors and really enhances the lymphatic system to detox our glands and organs. And by doing that once, sometimes twice a day I was able to reduce my ovarian, my enlarged ovary, and I actually had a lot of ovarian cysts, and so through a vaginal ultrasound I was able to identify that reduction in literally less than three months.”
Strength-N-U: “The Science Behind Castor Oil”:
“I use castor oil in a wide variety of settings, everything from frozen shoulder to fibroids. It is an amazing oil when applied topically, not internally, when applied topically… at helping reduce inflammation and increase blood circulation to the area which speeds healing and can help break down scar tissue. So I prescribe it topically and not internally. In the 50s it was used internally as …. as a very strong laxative but today in the context we’re talking about it, I use it much more topically and there are two forms; one is literally just rubbing it on and allowing the skin to absorb it. But the most common application that I prescribed it in is called the castor oil pack which is castor oil with a flannel and you’re applying it over the particular area whether it’s the abdomen or the liver or a joint and then putting a heat pack on it and leaving that for about 30 to 45 minutes. And if you can do that three to four times a week, you will be amazed at how much better everything will be functioning.”
An Eye Toward Cardiovascular Health
While castor oil is generally well-tolerated (especially topically) by most people, there are a few precautions to be aware of. When taken internally for constipation or other ailments, abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and weakness can occur. Extreme allergic reactions can also include rashes, swelling (especially face, neck, and throat), dizziness, and trouble breathing. Castor oil is not recommended during pregnancy, as studies have shown that it can “ripen” the cervix and induce uterine contractions. That being said, other benefits of castor oil are mounting; making their way to the headlines. Newly emerging evidence is now pointing at using castor oil for heart and cardiovascular health. The “Times of India” has reported that the use of castor oil packs will improve blood flow as well as lymphatic drainage. “The circulatory system is crucial to keep us alive by bringing oxygen to our cells. Castor oil has been shown to help in blood flow.” And from Dr. Jack Wolfson, board-certified cardiologist, in “Heart Health Benefits of Castor Oil Packs”:
“Inflammation is linked to heart attacks, stroke, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure and more. Castor oil packs can help in these cardiac conditions by helping the liver detoxify and lower inflammation. Oral castor oil can reduce cholesterol levels. We think it can have the same effect by skin application.”
As mentioned previously, the lymphatic system works hand in hand with other organs and systems in your body. Your cardiovascular system is intimately connected to your lymphatic system, working to maintain a balance of fluid in your entire body. If your lymph system is sluggish, this can tax your cardiovascular system, as it has to work extra hard to eliminate fluid from around the heart. This can lead to reduced cardiac function, and potentially heart failure. Castor oil can help support your lymphatic system while promoting blood flow, which can protect your heart as well.
Whether you choose to add castor oil to your medicine cabinet or not, there is clear evidence it has many useful applications. When sourcing your oil, make sure of a few things. One: Since you will be using the oil in or on your body, select a castor oil that is organic. The pesticides and herbicides used in conventional farming would be detrimental instead of beneficial to your health. Two: Cold-pressed oil (with low heat application to remove the ricin) is far superior to high heat extracted varieties. This allows the active ingredients and “virtues” to be retained. Three: The oil’s physical characteristics ought to be inspected. The castor oil you choose should be pale yellow to golden, transparent with a thick consistency, and a mild, slightly nutty scent. If the oil you’re considering is dark, cloudy, pungent or runny, it is not high-quality, and should be avoided.
When selecting a treatment protocol for cysts, fibroids, constipation, or heart health, you’d be smart to weigh the benefits vs. risks of various options. Educate yourself on the warnings, as well as the depth of recovery involved with particular surgeries and medications. Consider choosing natural protocols, and/or integrating them with Western medicine. For six millennia, the use of castor oil for healing and rejuvenation has been documented, and is perhaps one of the best testimonies to its success and efficacy. Castor oil certainly isn’t a cure for everything … but the next time you are confronted with a painful lump or bump, or your intestines are backed up, you may want to think about giving it a try.
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Published on December 19, 2024.
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