Face Skin Eyelashes Hair Organic Pure Hexane Free Castor Oil Glass Bottle Organic Castor Oil Cold Pressed For Belly Button

Castor Oil Benefits

There’s been little research into most of the traditional health uses of this oil. But some of its potential health benefits include:

Castor oil for constipation

The only FDA-approved health use for castor oil is as a natural laxative to relieve temporary constipation. 

Its ricinoleic acid attaches to a receptor in your intestines. This causes the muscles to contract, pushing poop through your colon. 

Anti-inflammatory effects

Research in animals shows that ricinoleic acid may help fight swelling and pain caused by inflammation when applied to your skin. One study in people found it was as effective at treating symptoms of knee arthritis as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). 

But we need much more research into this. 

May help heal wounds

Castor oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that may help speed wound healing, especially when it's combined with other ingredients. Venelex, which contains castor oil and balsam Peru, is an ointment used to treat skin and pressure wounds.

The oil may help to prevent infection by keeping the wounds moist, while the ricinoleic acid reduces inflammation. 

Don't use castor oil on minor cuts or burns at home. It's recommended for wound care only in doctor's offices and hospitals.

Castor oil benefits for skin

Because it's rich in fatty acids, castor oil has moisturizing effects. You can find it in many commercial beauty products. You can also use it in its natural form, which is free of perfumes and dyes. Because it can be irritating to skin, try diluting it with another neutral oil.

Some people think castor oil's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects could help fight acne. But there's no research evidence to back this up.

Castor oil for hair growth

Castor oil is sometimes marketed as a treatment for dry scalp, hair growth, and dandruff. It may moisturize your scalp and hair. But there's no science to back up claims that it treats dandruff or promotes hair growth.

In fact, using castor oil in your hair could cause a rare condition called felting, which is when your hair becomes so tangled it has to be cut off.

Are there benefits to putting castor oil in your belly button?

This idea is based on an Ayurvedic treatment that suggests a Pechoti gland near your naval can absorb things like essential oils through your belly button. But there's no scientific evidence that this gland exists. So there's likely no advantage to putting castor oil in your belly button. But it probably won't hurt you,  either.