Castor oil comes from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis) and has been used for thousands of years as both a medicine and a cosmetic, especially as a strong laxative and skin remedy.

Castor oil as a tropical medicine:

The castor plant (Ricinus communis) is native or naturalized across many tropical and subtropical areas and is a classic example of a tropical medicinal species

Origin and traditional use:

Castor oil was already in use in ancient Egypt around 4000 BC, where it was used as lamp fuel, a medicine, and a cosmetic, including as a moisturizer and eye remedy. It later appeared in Greek, Ayurvedic, and Traditional Chinese Medicine records, mainly as a purgative for constipation, for infections, and for various skin conditions.

 

Many traditional systems used castor oil packs (cloth soaked in oil) over the abdomen or joints to support detoxification, relieve pain, and stimulate elimination.

 In the 19th–20th centuries it became a common household remedy in Europe and the Americas for constipation and as a general “clean‑out” medicine.

Native and folk uses:

In Ayurvedic medicine, castor oil is described as a strong purgative and is used in small, controlled doses for cleansing the digestive tract and reducing certain inflammatory conditions.

 Traditional Chinese Medicine and many African and Caribbean folk practices have used it externally for joint pain, menstrual discomfort, wounds, and as a scalp and hair oil.

Indigenous and rural communities in tropical regions where the plant grows have used the seeds and oil for constipation, as an antiparasitic, and topically for skin infections and to soften scar tissue, always taking care not to ingest raw seeds because of their toxicity.

 Modern “castor oil packs” over the liver or abdomen are a continuation of these folk applications, though scientific evidence for systemic detox effects is still limited.

Main constituents and effects:

The main active component of castor oil is ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid that gives the oil its strong laxative and many of its anti‑inflammatory effects.

 

In vitro and animal studies suggest that castor oil and ricinoleic acid have anti‑inflammatory, analgesic (pain‑relieving), antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, which may explain some of the topical benefits for skin and joints.

 

Evidence‑based benefits: 

Current evidence supports a few clear, practical benefits when used properly:

When taken internally, ricinoleic acid stimulates intestinal motility and fluid secretion, which explains both the constipation‑relieving effect and the tendency to cause cramping or diarrhea at higher doses.

Skin and wound support: Its emollient, antimicrobial, and anti‑inflammatory properties can help moisturize dry skin and may support minor wound and ulcer care in some clinical contexts.

Hair and scalp: Topical use is popular for dry scalp and brittle hair; it clearly acts as a heavy occlusive moisturizer, though evidence for dramatic hair regrowth is mostly anecdotal.

Applying castor oil once a month can boost hair growth up to five times the usual rate. It can moisturize a dry, irritated scalp. Castor oil's antibacterial and antifungal properties can reduce dandruff. Looking for ingredients to mix like rosemary oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, amla, peppermint, red clover, neem, kului nut oil, sunflower seed oil, safflower, olive, grape seed oils, burdock, ashwagandha, ginseng, caffeine, passion fruit oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil and castor oil as they may help promote hair growth. Consistent use is key to results; use your oil about three times per week,”

 

Pain and inflammation: Early studies and traditional reports suggest benefit for arthritis, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), and general joint pain when used as packs, but high‑quality human trials are still limited.

 

 

 In folk medicine across Africa, India, and Latin America, different parts of the plant are used for liver problems, abdominal pain, flatulence, constipation, inflammation, warts, colic, and fever.

The expressed oil is widely used as a strong purgative for constipation and bowel cleansing, and sometimes for parasites.

Leaves and oil are applied externally as poultices to reduce inflammation, joint and muscle pain, and some skin problems.

From traditional use to modern drugs:

Several major modern medicines come from or were inspired by tropical traditional remedies, such as artemisinin for malaria, which originated from a Chinese herb used for fevers.

 Current research on tropical medicinal plants is focusing heavily on anti‑infective, anti‑inflammatory, and anticancer compounds, often guided directly by indigenous knowledge of which plants are effective.

 

 

Risks, side effects, and safe useInternal use can cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalances, especially at higher doses or with repeated use.

 Because castor oil can stimulate uterine contractions, internal use in pregnancy is generally avoided unless specifically supervised by a healthcare professional.

Topically, most people tolerate castor oil, but some experience irritation or allergic reactions, so patch testing on a small skin area is recommended before larger applications.

.