In the realm of natural remedies, few substances have garnered as much attention as castor oil. With claims ranging from promoting hair growth to inducing labour, the benefits of this versatile oil seem almost too good to be true. But what's the reality behind the hype?

Let’s delve into the facts behind castor oil.

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). It has been used for centuries for many medicinal properties. The oil contains ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It also contains other fatty acids, such as oleic and linoleic acids, as well as vitamin E and various minerals.

Dr. Jen Gunter spoke about the castor oil hype in a recent article, dispelling the apparent 'miracle cure' for period pain. But for many, they find it really helps – how does this add up?

Though castor oil has been historically used and has anecdotal evidence supporting its advantages, the lack of research on its specific benefits leaves many questions unanswered. 

Having said that, while scientific validation may be lacking, many women swear by some age-old practices with castor oil for its comforting and therapeutic effects. Some of these practices include applying it externally, particularly through the use of warm compresses, while other people suggest that massaging castor oil onto the lower abdomen offers a soothing relief, especially for menstrual discomfort or digestive issues. You can even create a castor oil pack by soaking a cloth in castor oil, placing it on the abdomen, and covering it with a warm towel or heating pad for 30-60 minutes which is also believed to have a soothing effect. 

Warning: oil gets hot easily so don’t use a just boiled hot water bottle for this!

Maisie Hill, a leading hormonal health expert and the author of Period Power, also recommends castor oil packs to her clients struggling with cramps, fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis and ovarian cysts. “Castor oil packs provide a gentle way of improving blood flow to the organs in your pelvis,” She explains in Period Power. “They’re incredibly relaxing and a great excuse to get horizontal [...] my recommendation is to do the pack for three consecutive days a week.”

But while it’s clear castor oil has some benefits, let’s delve deeper into what's fact or fable in the media.

Safety Considerations

While castor oil is generally considered safe for topical use, there are some precautions to keep in mind when using it. 

Here are a few:

• Oral Consumption: taking large doses of castor oil orally can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhoea, and dehydration. It is essential to follow dosage guidelines and consult a healthcare professional before using castor oil as a laxative.
• Skin Sensitivity: some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions when using castor oil topically. It's advisable to perform a patch test before applying it to larger areas of the skin.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution when using castor oil, especially orally, due to the lack of sufficient safety data. It's best to consult a healthcare provider before using castor oil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

So the truth is, castor oil has many health benefits to support your well-being but some have been taken a little too far.

As with most social media crazes, claims can go wild, and we’ve found that a lot of these ideas lack scientific evidence.

However, castor oil has been found to have many health benefits that are true including moisturising the skin, reducing inflammation, promoting hair growth, and even supporting menstrual cramps through the soothing sensation. And hey, if the age-old practices work for you, then that’s a benefit too!