The ancient Egyptians were one of the first groups to discover castor oil and recognize the many uses and benefits the oil held. The vegetable oil has been used for centuries, from helping with household items like fuel in lamps and working as a natural lubricant, to wellness, like treating eye irritation and constipation. Some people even believe that ingesting castor oil can help bring on labor in women who are full-term, but we’re not so sure about that one (make sure you use castor oil with precaution and only under medical supervision if you’re pregnant).
Still, the list of uses for castor oil is impressive. Used topically, it can moisturize the skin, help heal wounds by acting as a barrier between skin and outside elements, reduce inflammation for people who suffer from acne, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. If you’re looking for a natural hair conditioner, castor oil can be applied to the scalp and help treat dandruff. And, many people swear by castor oil to help grow fuller brows and longer lashes.
Castor oil can also be ingested or applied to problem areas inside the mouth, with some users finding that it helps treat their gums that have been bruised by dentures.
Now that we’ve answered the question of what castor oil can do (see: everything), let’s take a look at the best organic castor oil brands on the market.
