Castor Oil Home Remedies

Castor oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from the castor bean. The oil is a light yellow in color, with little to no odor and a mild flavor. According to the Food and Drug Administration, castor oil is safe and effective for use in holistic healing. Many home remedies make use of the oil to treat common ailments.

Dry Hair and Dandruff

• Massaging castor oil into the scalp will help remedy dry hair and dandruff. According to William A. McGarey, M.D., author of "The Oil That Heals," you should heat the castor oil in a microwave so that it is lukewarm. After warming the oil, massage it into the scalp using the fingertips, and allow it to sit in the hair overnight. Rinse the oil from the hair in the morning. This treatment also speeds the growth of hair, making it appear thicker and fuller.

Dry Skin

• Castor oil effectively treats dry skin on the hands and feet. Massage the oil into the affected areas after heating it in the microwave until lukewarm. Because the oil is extremely greasy, soak feet in hot water after the oil's application. This allows the oil to soak into the skin and soften any dry or cracked areas. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes after application for smooth and soft feet.

Arthritis

• Castor oil works as a remedy for sore, aching joints caused by arthritis. The oil has anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin. You can either massage the oil into the skin, or soak a cloth in the oil and wrap it around the area to ease arthritis pain. According to Beth M. Ley, author of "Castor Oil," you should keep the castor oil-soaked cloth on the affected area for 45 minutes for maximum relief.

Ringworm

• Castor oil remedies ringworm spots as it has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes itchy, red patches on the skin. Soak a bandage in castor oil and leave it on the ringworm patch overnight. Continue this treatment nightly until the ringworm has dissipated.