Castor Oil

The Handsome Castor Tree Provides Shade Over This Patio

Castor oil, long revered for its use internally as a gastrointestinal stimulate, immune booster and general tonic, also has many beneficial topical uses. Seed oils are life-creating oils, since they're the energy base that feed seedlings when they germinate.   First cold pressed Castor oil was one of the world's first medicinal oil's because it naturally contains a unique and beneficial mixture of triglycerides or fatty acids. About 90% of Castor seed oil contains the unusual hydroxy fatty acid ricinoleate (ricinoleic acid). Ricinoleic acid inhibits the growth of many viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and molds, like its derivative undecylenic acid. Also, "topical application of ricinoleic acid, the main component of Castor oil, exerts remarkable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects."
 Pure cold pressed Castor oil has been used or time-tested for centuries throughout the world for its medicinal properties long before any government agency was created to regulate medicines. In addition, the time-tested pure cold pressed Castor oil of the past was both tasteless and odorless, so if you find Castor oil that tastes or smells bad, you can be assured, it's not pure cold pressed Castor oil.
Pure cold pressed Castor oil was used for or on:

Abrasions: topical analgesics (pain relievers), disinfectant, protected abrasions and promoted healing.
Allergies: a cotton swab (i.e., Q-tip) dipped in oil is gently inserted into nasal canal and then swab is rotated in a circle. A few minutes later fluids run from nose and congestion clears, providing rapid pain and pressure relief without a bitter after-taste.
Antibiotics for infections: a teaspoon/day with meals and plenty of fluids for 5 days.
Arthritis: rubbed on affected area for some pain relief.
Burns: topical analgesics (pain relievers), disinfectant, protected burns and promoted healing.
By midwives to initiate labor (16A).
Cuts: topical analgesics (pain relievers), disinfectant, protected cuts and promoted healing.
Dental or tooth problems (e.g., abscesses, infections, etc.).
Decongestant: a cotton swab (i.e., Q-tip) dipped in oil is gently inserted into nasal canal and then swab is rotated in a circle. A few minutes later fluids run from nose and congestion clears, providing rapid pain and pressure relief without a bitter after-taste.
Deodorant: was applied under (clean) armpits to prevent odor causing bacteria growth.
Ear infections: a couple of drops in ear (tilted head helps oil into ear canal) for a couple of days.
Hair oil
Lacerations: topical analgesics (pain relievers), disinfectant, protected lacerations and promoted healing.
Laxative
Lubrication: used as a personal lubricant, e.g., applied under foreskin of uncircumcised penis to prevent bacteria growth, etc.
Skin disorders: used on all skin disorders (e.g., herpes, cold sores, warts, etc.).
Skin problems: used on all skin problems (e.g., acne, etc.).
Sunburns: topical analgesics (pain relievers), disinfectant, protected sunburns and promoted rapid healing.
Weight loss
Worms or Parasites
Source: Kristina's Oil

Here's just a few natural beauty creams containing castor oil:

 Or just use it straight from the bottle! Here's my favorite brand:

From the Heritage Store