In this article
Overview
Castor Oil is a thick vegetable oil obtained from the castor seed, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used as a remedy for acne and other skin conditions for years, including dermatitis and psoriasis.
But can it be used for Eczema?Â
What is Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition characterised by dry, red, inflamed and irritated skin. It is an inflammatory response connected to your immune system.
Common symptoms include dry, flaky skin, an itching or burning sensation along as well as red, inflamed patches across your body.
Benefits of Castor Oil for Eczema
Hydrating
Castor Oil can deeply nourish and protect your skin. It can provide an extra layer of hydration which could help reduce the dryness which is brought upon by eczema and help against the skin from cracking, which could lead to complications of bacterial or viral infections.
Rich in Nutrients
Castor Oil is rich in ricinoleic acid which is an omega-9 fatty acid that exerts anti-inflammatory properties. When massaged into your skin, it can help fight off inflammation caused by eczema.
Anti-bacterial / Anti-Fungal
As this seed contains a host of natural fungal and bacterial fighting properties, applying castor oil to dry and cracked patches of skin could help prevent a secondary bacterial or fungal infection through the open wounds.
Cons of using Castor Oil
Can block your Pores
Castor oil is thick which means it can / will block your pores. This can mess up the natural oil production of your skin, which could lead to overproduction and consequently oily skin with possible effect of breakouts.
How to use Castor Oil for Eczema
You can apply this oil directly onto the affected areas, however it is thick and there is no direct research outlining the benefits of castor oil in directly remedying eczema.
We recommend applying it in a mix of different natural ingredients, including coconut oil, Neem and Turmeric to obtain the best benefits.
Be aware of ingesting internally, as Castor Oil is known to create abdominal cramping, vomiting and / or diarrhea. It is also not recommended to take internally if you’re pregnant.
Summary
Castor oil can help relieve symptoms of eczema in similar ways to Coconut Oil and Neem. However it is strong, and could lead to blocked pores. Plus, as there is no scientific evidence proving the benefits of castor oil to relieving eczema – we recommend applying it into a special mix or elixir as part of your skin care regime.
