Castor Oil: An Ancient Remedy Making a Modern Comeback

From supporting healthy skin to promoting relaxation and lymphatic wellness, discover why castor oil has remained a trusted natural remedy for generations.

Why Castor Oil Has Stood the Test of Time

A Remedy That Has Been Around for Thousands of Years

Long before wellness influencers, podcasts, and social media existed, castor oil had already found its place in homes around the world.

Some of the earliest records of castor oil date back to ancient Egypt, where it was valued for both cosmetic and practical purposes. Historical accounts suggest it was used to moisturize the skin, care for the hair, and even fuel lamps. Over time, its use spread throughout India, China, Africa, and Europe, with each culture finding its own ways to incorporate this simple plant oil into everyday life.

For generations, it was one of those remedies that was simply passed down. Grandparents recommended it. Parents kept a bottle tucked away in the medicine cabinet. It wasn't considered just a trend. It was just part of the everyday life.

While many natural remedies have faded into history, castor oil never really disappeared. It quietly remained a staple for people who appreciated simple, traditional approaches to caring for their bodies.

I think that's one of the reasons it's experiencing such a resurgence today. Many people are beginning to realize that wellness doesn't always have to involve complicated routines or expensive products. Sometimes the practices that have stood the test of time are worth taking another look at.

Part of what makes castor oil unique is its naturally high concentration of ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid found in very few other plant oils. Researchers believe this is responsible for many of castor oil's moisturizing properties and the reason it feels so different from other oils when applied to the skin. It's thick, deeply nourishing, and creates a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture.

Of course, no single oil is a cure for every health concern, and castor oil is no exception. I don't view it as a miracle product. I see it as another tool that can support a healthy lifestyle alongside good nutrition, quality sleep, regular movement, stress management, and addressing the root causes of health concerns whenever possible.

My Favorite Ways to Use Castor Oil

One of the things I love most about castor oil is how versatile it is. A single bottle can become part of several different wellness routines, and over the years I've found myself reaching for it in more ways than I ever expected.

One of my favorite uses is for skin health. Castor oil is incredibly rich and moisturizing, making it especially helpful for dry skin. I'll often apply a small amount to my face in the evening as the last step in my skincare routine to help seal in moisture overnight. It also works beautifully on dry hands, cracked heels, elbows, or anywhere your skin could use a little extra nourishment.

I'm also a big fan of using it as a facial massage oil. Whether you're using your hands or a gua sha tool, castor oil provides enough slip for a gentle massage while leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated afterward. It's become one of my favorite ways to slow down before bed.

Castor oil packs are probably what it's best known for today, and they're something I recommend often as a relaxing self-care practice. A pack is simply applied over a specific area of the body while you rest for about thirty to sixty minutes.

Many people enjoy placing a castor oil pack over the liver area as part of their evening routine. Traditionally, liver packs have been used to support healthy circulation to the area, encourage lymphatic movement, and complement the body's natural detoxification processes. Since the liver works around the clock to filter, process, and eliminate waste products, many people choose to incorporate castor oil packs as a gentle way to support one of the hardest-working organs in the body. I also love the opportunity it creates to intentionally slow down. Setting aside thirty to sixty minutes to rest with a castor oil pack, read a book, pray, or simply relax can become a meaningful act of self-care that benefits both the body and the mind.

Another common area is over the thyroid. Many people find the warmth and gentle ritual calming, especially when paired with other healthy habits that support thyroid function. As someone who is passionate about thyroid health, I appreciate practices that encourage people to become more intentional about caring for their bodies rather than searching for a quick fix.

And if you're looking for additional support for your thyroid health, be sure to check out my Thyroid Supporting Food Checklist. It's a simple guide filled with foods and nutrients that help support healthy thyroid function and is a great resource to keep on hand while making small, sustainable changes.

Many women also enjoy using castor oil packs over the lower abdomen or breast tissue as part of their regular wellness routine. These practices have been used traditionally for generations and are often chosen as a way to encourage relaxation, healthy circulation, and a greater sense of connection with the body.

Castor oil also makes a wonderful hair treatment. If my hair is feeling especially dry, I'll massage a small amount into my scalp and work it through the ends before washing it out later. It leaves my hair feeling softer and helps restore moisture, especially after spending time in the sun or swimming.

Choosing a Quality Castor Oil

If you decide to add castor oil to your routine, quality really does matter.

I always recommend looking for an oil that is organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free, and packaged in dark glass rather than plastic. Since you're applying it directly to your skin, choosing a product that's been minimally processed is worth the investment.

The castor oil I personally use and recommend is Queen of the Thrones. I love that it's organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free, and bottled in amber glass to help preserve its quality. It's become my go-to recommendation for clients because I know exactly what they're getting.

The Beauty of Simple Wellness

There are plenty of wellness products that promise dramatic results, only to disappear a few years later when the next trend comes along.

Castor oil has followed a very different path.

For thousands of years, people have continued reaching for it because it's simple, versatile, and easy to incorporate into everyday life. Whether you're interested in nourishing your skin, creating a relaxing evening ritual with a castor oil pack, or giving your hair a little extra love, it offers a gentle way to support your overall wellness.

Sometimes the most meaningful changes don't come from adding something complicated to your routine. Sometimes they come from slowing down, being consistent, and rediscovering practices that have quietly stood the test of time.