Coined the Palma Cristi (the palm of Christ) during the Middle Ages, the castor plant has been used medicinally for the oil extracted from its beans for thousands of years.

In folk medicine traditions from around the world, castor oil has been used for digestive issues, abdominal pain, muscle and joint pain, sciatica, eye issues, liver problems, infections, labor induction, and youthful skin and hair. 

Here are our favorite ways to harness the healing powers of castor oil:

1. Castor oil packs

Pour 1-2 tablespoons of Soma Organic Ozonated Castor Oil on a cotton castor oil pack (preferably organic) instead of regular castor oil for enhanced detoxification benefits, lymphatic flow, bowel regularity, and a mitochondrial boost. 

While the only published research paper on castor oil packs examined their effects on constipation, many find they also benefit liver and gallbladder health, allergy and histamine symptoms, digestion, food sensitivities, sleep quality, energy levels, and more!

2. Hair growth

Massage a drop one or more times daily into eyebrows and eyelashes for increased thickness, and massage into scalp as a pre-treatment before washing your hair. Leave on for at least one hour and up to overnight.

Castor oil is confirmed to be nourishing and moisturizing to the hair and scalp due to its ability to penetrate the hair and skin. Its actions against fungal species that can colonize the scalp make it a potential ally in cases of dandruff as well. 

3. Skin treatment

 Sometimes referred to as "crunchy people's botox", castor oil's skin-healing properties are amplified even more with the addition of ozone. Massage into entire face or use as a spot treatment one or more times daily for reduction in fine lines, eczema, dermatitis, even skin tone, acne, rosacea, and enhancing your youthful glow. 

4. Sunburns

Ozone is a powerhouse for speeding up the healing time for burns and, combined with castor oil's skin benefits, it becomes incredibly soothing for a sunburn. We recommend applying as soon as possible after a burn!

Discover why one of our customers said this: 

"This ozonated castor oil is magic. As someone who burns often...This stuff is so good at relieving a burn and heavily reduced my sunburn in 24 hours."

5. Minor infections

While we obviously don't recommend this as a replacement for medical attention or antibiotics, when warranted, both castor oil and topical ozone are well-researched for their abilities to reduce inflammation and their actions against harmful pathogens. Ozone specifically has the added benefit of reducing the healing time in wounds.

6. Tight and sore muscles

The combined anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties of castor oil and ozone make this our favorite massage oil for sore muscles, gym injuries, joint pain, and lymphatic massage! 

Do you incorporate castor oil into your routine already?