Castor oil is a home remedy that’s been used for decades; it has had a role in treating hundreds of maladies. There are several prominent remedies using castor oil that have survived through today, and it’s often an ingredient in cough syrup, lip balm and medicated skin lotions. Though castor oil is generally safe to ingest, take care not to use it to treat any internal conditions if you are pregnant. The oil can induce labor.
Skin, Muscles and Joints
You can use castor oil externally to treat sore muscles and joints, as well as irritated skin and cramps. The best way to apply oil to these areas is to make a castor oil pack. Soak an old rag in the oil until it’s wet, but not dripping, and place it directly on the area that needs soothing. Wrap several layers of plastic wrap around the rag to keep it in place and prevent it from dripping, then place a heating pad set to medium on top. Wrap the whole thing with a clean, dry towel and relax for an hour or two, letting the castor oil seep into the skin and loosen the sore areas. After you remove the castor oil pack, make a mixture of 2 tsp. of baking soda and 1 quart of water and use it to wash the residue from your skin. Repeat as necessary.
Corns and Calluses
Castor oil will significantly soften corns and calluses on your toes, making them easy to scrape away with pedicure equipment. Place a non-medicated, doughnut-shaped corn pad on the corn or callus, then use a cotton swab soaked in castor oil to apply the oil to the area through the hole in the center of the pad. Wrap the whole toe in adhesive tape to keep the pad in place. Replace the pad, tape and castor oil every eight to 12 hours, until the corn or callus is soft.
Constipation
According to “1,801 Home Remedies,” castor oil has long been touted as a constipation remedy; it can gently relieve stubborn cases. Take 1 to 2 tsp. of castor oil orally, then wait for about eight hours. Castor oil is slow to start working, but can effectively loosen your bowels if you’re patient. Do not take another dose for at least 12 hours.
Warts
Warts require quite a bit of moisture to break down and disappear, and castor oil gives them everything they need to do so. Rub a small amount of castor oil onto the wart with a cotton swab, then wrap it in a bandage. Reapply the castor oil several times daily until the wart fades.
