Castor Oil: Your New Go-To For Detoxification & Flawless Skin

In a world inundated with remedies, castor oil is one that has stood the test of time. Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine highly recommends this natural remedy for detoxification and flawless skin. 

Castor oil has a history rooted in traditional medicine and enhanced by modern science. 

Ever heard of a castor oil pack? The topical application of castor oil supports your body’s natural detox systems, enhances circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Castor oil is also a potent moisturizer with plenty of fatty acids to lock in moisture. Its many uses in skin care include treating dry skin, minimizing wrinkles, and reducing inflammation from conditions like eczema and dermatitis.

At Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, we approach healing with a holistic perspective. Natural remedies like castor oil packs can offer valuable support, especially if you want flawless skin or a gentle detox. 

Keep reading for a closer look at the science behind castor oil, and why Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine recommends it.

The Science Behind Castor Oil

Castor oil is a thick, viscous oil derived from the seeds of Ricinus communis plant. It has a rich history in healing and cosmetics, with roots that go all the way back to ancient Egypt. The oil is also well-known in Rome, Greece, and India – a staple in traditional medicine cabinets around the world.

Castor Oil Particles - Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine

What sets castor oil apart are its unique chemical properties. It contains a substance called ricinoleic acid, a rare, unsaturated fatty acid. 

Ricinoleic acid makes castor oil extremely viscous. When applied topically, the high viscosity allows castor oil to penetrate deep into your skin and deliver its therapeutic benefits where they’re needed most. 

What are the Main Benefits of Castor Oil?

Castor oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal. These powerful healing properties make it ideal for healthy skin and natural detox. At Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine, we recommend castor oil for healthy skin and detox.

Castor Oil for Healthy Skin 

The high fatty acid content of castor oil makes it a natural emollient. That means it creates a barrier to lock in moisture for hydrated, soft, and smooth skin. 

Because castor oil is anti-inflammatory, it can soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and combat inflammation from eczema and psoriasis. The ricinoleic acid combats bacterial and fungal infections, making it useful for those with acne and dandruff. 

Castor oil may also stimulate the production of collagen and elastic to get rid of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

Is Castor Oil Good for Your Face?

Yes, castor oil supports healthy skin on all areas of the body. You can even blend in some frankincense and rosehip essential oils to boost the skin healing properties. Then, leave it overnight or remove it with a warm cloth.


Castor Oil In glass tubes - Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine

Does Castor Oil Tighten Skin?

Some studies suggest that castor oil may promote collagen and elastic production. Since collagen and elastin are responsible for the stretch and elasticity of the skin, products that increase their production tighten the skin over time. 

Castor oil for tighter skin is not an overnight process. It takes time and consistent application for the best results.

Castor Oil for Detox

The benefits of castor oil for detox are still up for debate. While anecdotal evidence suggests that castor oil supports your body’s natural detoxification process, modern medicine is still trying to figure out how it all works.

With that in mind, castor oil packs are a popular holistic remedy that involves a piece of organic fabric coated liberally in castor oil. You place the castor oil pack in a strategic area of the body (such as over the liver) and add a heat pack on top. 

The theory is that topical castor oil packs stimulate the lymphatic system, support liver function, reduce inflammation, and even support healthy digestion

Castor oil and heat support your body’s natural detoxification systems. In the lymphatic system, they stimulate lymphatic circulation to help your body eliminate harmful toxins. Placed over the liver, a castor oil pack supports your body’s primary detox organ and aids in natural detoxification processes.

You can see why there may be some controversy over the effectiveness of castor oil packs. However, like many holistic remedies, strong anecdotal and experiential evidence supports the use of castor oil for detox.

At the very least, castor oil packs allow us to slow down and be more present in our bodies, which turns on the parasympathetic nervous system and helps us to relax.

How to Use Castor Oil

What are Castor Oil Packs?

Castor oil packs are a safe and time-tested way to use castor oil for detox.

To make a castor oil pack:

  1. First things first, castor oil stains! Change into an old t-shirt or clothes that you don’t mind staining.
  2. Soak a piece of cloth in castor oil (Boulder Holistic recommends Queen of Thrones castor oil and their organic cotton packs)
  3. Place it on the skin over areas like the abdomen or liver.
  4. Cover it with a towel so it doesn’t soak through to your clothes
  5. Apply heat with a hot water bottle or heating pad (Heat enhances the absorption of castor oil and its therapeutic effects)
  6. Allow the pack to sit for 45 minutes to an hour
  7. Repeat 3 to 4 times a week

A word of caution – sensitive individuals should reduce the amount of castor oil per application as well as the duration and frequency of treatment until you know how your body responds!

Dr. Amy’s Amazing Castor Oil Face Treatment

In 4 ml of a base of good quality castor oil, add 10 drops of therapeutic-grade frankincense essential oil. Dr. Amy suggests Cliganic Essential oil, but any good quality organic essential oil will work. 

The combination of castor oil and frankincense nourishes your skin for a natural and potent anti-wrinkle treatment!

  1. Prepare the Mixture: In a 4-8 ml bottle with dropper, blend 4 ml of castor oil with 10 drops of frankincense essential oil. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of the oils.
  2. Cleanse: Begin by cleansing your face thoroughly to remove any impurities or makeup residue.

  3. Apply: Apply several drops of the mixture to the palm of your hand, and rub your palms together to warm up the oil. Gently massage the mixture onto your face, paying extra attention to areas where wrinkles are more prominent. Use circular motions, allowing the blend to absorb into your skin.

  4. Leave On: Let the magic work for 15–20 minutes. During this time, the castor oil will moisturize, and the frankincense will contribute to its anti-aging prowess.

  5. Rinse and Reveal: Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry. Your skill will instantly look more radiant and supple! 

You can also leave the mixture on your face overnight. But be wary because castor oil stains pillowcases and clothing. You should wear your hair up and may need to wash your hair and pillow case after sleeping with castor oil on your face!

A Holistic Approach to Health and Beauty

Whether you want glowing skin or a gentle detoxification, castor oil is a time-tested natural remedy that will support you on your journey to better health. Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, recommends investing in a kit from Queen of Thrones. They have a superior quality castor oil and an organic cotton pad that makes doing castor oil packs simple and easy.

As always, if you have questions about a treatment or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Boulder Holistic today! 

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Dr. Amy Reidhead

Dr. Reidhead is a double board certified Chiropractic Physician and Family Nurse Practitioner. She is also a Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture and holds a Bachelor of Science in both Nursing and Human Biology. She has spent the past 25 years honing her skills as a functional and integrative medical provider in Boulder, Colorado.

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