Wellness “hacks” constantly ebb and flow (I’m looking at you, berberine and “sexy water“), but castor oil has adopted somewhat of a permanent residency in the spotlight. People swear by its ability to promote hair growth, moisturize skin, support digestion, and even induce labor.
The latest claim? TikTokers claim that putting castor oil in your belly button will help you fall asleep faster and sleep better. How can castor oil do all of these things? And, more importantly, are these purported benefits legit or just another example of overblown social media hype? We tapped experts for the lowdown on everything you need to know about castor oil.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Shoma Datta-Thomas, MD,a gynecologic robotic surgeon, functional medicine expert, and New York Medical Director at Next Health.
Shivani Amin, MD, a functional medicine physician based in Los Angeles.
Resham Uttamchandani, MD, a physician double-board certified family and obesity medicine and the founder of Doctor U.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a natural oil derived from the seeds of the castor plant, technically known as Ricinus communis, says Shoma Datta-Thomas, MD, a gynecologic robotic surgeon, and functional medicine expert. “After the seeds are harvested, they’re pressed to release a thick, pale yellow oil rich in ricinoleic acid. This is the active compound responsible for many of castor oil’s health benefits,” she explains.
Historically, castor oil has roots in ancient Egypt, India, and Africa, where it was valued for its healing and medicinal properties, but the powerful oil has also been used in Afro-Caribbean cultures for centuries, Dr. Datta-Thomas says.
What Are The Benefits of Castor Oil?
Castor oil has some pretty legit benefits. The big caveat? In order to utilize it safely and properly, it’s always best to consult with a medical professional. In other words, you should never be “DIY-ing” castor oil, so to speak.
Fights Inflammation
Thanks to its high ricinoleic acid content, castor oil is a gem for inflammation, Dr. Datta-Thomas says. “This unique fatty acid has been shown to reduce inflammation when applied to the skin, making castor oil popular in natural remedies for joint pain, muscle soreness, and skin irritations.”
Castor oil packs (a piece of cloth or wool that’s soaked in the oil and applied to the skin) can also help manage chronic inflammatory conditions by improving circulation and decreasing overall inflammation in the body, adds double-board certified physician Resham Uttamchandani, MD.
Supports Restful Sleep
Plopping castor oil on your belly button may sound strange, but it’s actually a common practice based on traditional Ayurvedic beliefs. In Ayurveda, the navel is an important energy center for relaxation, explains functional medicine physician Shivani Amin, MD. Anecdotally, castor oil’s warming effect may create a calming sensation, potentially aiding in relaxation ahead of bedtime, she says. The navel area is also near many nerve endings, so applying a soothing oil can be peaceful, in turn, supporting better sleep, adds Dr. Datta-Thomas.
All that being said, this practice is not scientifically-proven to improve sleep, Dr. Datta-Thomas points out. It’s fairly harmless, so if you want to give it a try, go for it, just know that any purported benefits are more anecdotal than research-backed.
Induces Labor
Castor oil may cause contractions by irritating the gut, which can stimulate the uterus and induce labor, Dr. Datta-Thomas says. However, this is a very controversial method and not universally recommended. Castor oil can also cause nausea, diarrhea, dehydration, and excessive cramping, leading to dangerous outcomes during birth, she cautions. As a result, this should only be done under medical guidance – never self-dose castor oil to induce labor.
Improves Skin Health
Castor oil has become a popular skincare ingredient since it’s incredibly moisturizing and rich in fatty acids, helping to hydrate, reduce dryness, and soothe irritation, Dr. Amin says. It also contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help manage acne, support wound healing, and prevent infection of minor cuts and scrapes, she says. (FYI, it’s important to choose organic, cold-pressed castor oil in order to ensure purity and safety, notes Dr. Datta-Thomas.) But if you’re prone to breakouts, you may want to take a pass on this particular oil; it’s thick and has the potential to clog pores.
Moisturizes Your Eyes
The ricinoleic acid in castor oil can soothe dry eyes when used in certain eye drop formulations, thanks to its moisturizing and lubricating properties, Dr. Datta-Thomas explains. However, purity and formulation are key and castor oil should never be applied directly into the eyes unless specifically formulated for that purpose, she warns. Instead, it’s imperative to stick to a doctor’s guidance and only purchase sterile, pharmaceutical-grade castor oil products, Dr. Amin says.
Strengthens Immunity
“Functional medicine practitioners sometimes use castor oil to encourage lymphatic drainage, which is essential for detoxification and immune support,” Dr. Uttamchandani says. “When applied to the abdomen, castor oil packs can help stimulate lymph flow and promote detoxification through the liver,” she explains. By supporting lymphatic drainage, castor oil can then potentially optimize immune functioning, possibly making it beneficial for those with autoimmune or chronic inflammatory conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease, Dr. Uttamchandani adds. Still, you should always consult with a doctor before incorporating castor oil into your routine.
Promotes Hair Growth
Castor oil is commonly used to promote scalp and eyebrow hair growth by moisturizing and nourishing the hair follicles, Dr. Amin says. The rich fatty acids and omega 6 content can also hydrate the scalp, further promoting healthy, strong hair, Dr. Datta-Thomas adds. Just be mindful that a little goes a long way; it’s best to only use a few drops of castor oil once or twice a week to avoid an oily scalp.
Aids Digestion
“Castor oil can support digestion when applied topically to the abdomen because its anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties may ease cramps or bloating,” Dr. Amin says. Massaging oil on the stomach also has a relaxing effect on the intestines, which may help with mild digestive discomfort, adds Dr. Datta-Thomas.
Ricinoleic acid is a natural laxative since it stimulates bowel movements by increasing muscle contractions in the intestines. According to Dr. Amin, ingesting one to two teaspoons of castor oil can help with occasional constipation. However, as in so many of these other scenarios, you should always check with a doctor before doing so, she adds. And keep in mind that it’s also not a long-term solution, so if you’re chronically constipated, you should check-in with a healthcare provider.
Is It Okay to Drink Castor Oil?
Technically, yes. You can drink castor oil, but it should be taken cautiously and only in small, measured amounts between one to two teaspoons, Dr. Amin says. And, again, under the supervision of a doctor. (Have we made that point clear yet?)
Overuse can lead to digestive discomfort and dehydration, so only drink castor oil sparingly and following medical guidance, Dr. Datta-Thomas says. “Castor oil is powerful, so always start with small amounts and see how your body responds,” she adds.
So, Is Castor Oil Healthy?
When used safely and correctly, castor oil can be beneficial and healthy for most people: “It’s moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and contains antimicrobial properties, making it a fantastic tool in natural health and beauty practices,” says Dr. Datta-Thomas.
As with most things in life, however, castor oil is not entirely risk-free. Dr. Datta-Thomas underscores that pregnant people, (especially those who aren’t full-term), should avoid castor oil without medical approval in order to prevent premature contractions and labor.
People with sensitive skin should also patch-test castor oil on a small part of their body to ensure it doesn’t cause irritation, Dr. Uttamchandani says. And again, you should never apply castor oil directly to your eyes unless it’s in a specific eye drop formulation, adds Dr. Datta-Thomas. Finally, Dr. Amin says to always address the root cause of your digestive issues and never rely on castor oil as a long-term laxative.
The bottom line: Castor oil can absolutely be a top-tier ingredient for skin and hair health, digestion, and relaxation…so long as it’s used carefully and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.
