Although psoriasis has no cure, certain treatments and natural remedies may help relieve skin symptoms like dryness, itchiness, and scaling. Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have tried castor oil as a complementary remedy alongside their prescribed treatments.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and speeds up skin cell production. Skin builds up faster than it can shed, causing thickened, scaly patches that can crack, bleed, and itch — as well as other symptoms.

This article will explain the potential benefits of castor oil and how it may be used to manage psoriasis symptoms. However, it’s important to understand that home remedies shouldn’t replace the medical treatment plan your healthcare provider has recommended for psoriasis.

As always, talk to your doctor or dermatologist (specialist in skin conditions) about all your treatment options for psoriasis, including natural remedies. It’s important to be aware that castor oil hasn’t been studied for psoriasis in clinical trials (research studies that test the effectiveness and safety of new therapies in humans).

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil comes from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). This natural oil is composed mostly of a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid, which is its active ingredient (the source of its effects). Castor oil also contains oleic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. Castor oil has been used since ancient times and remains popular in home remedies, either taken as a supplement or applied in topical form (rubbed directly onto the skin).

Research on Castor Oil for Psoriasis

There’s limited scientific research on how castor oil works. Most of what’s known can be traced back to folk or alternative medicine and word of mouth. However, some studies have suggested that castor oil may help calm the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Ricinoleic acid has been found to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically. Because psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes skin inflammation, these effects may explain why some people report that castor oil helps soothe their symptoms.

In one small study, people who were experiencing fatigue (exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest) applied castor oil five days a week for two weeks. After the treatment, their white blood cell counts — especially a type called T cells — went back to normal or dropped. Notably, in psoriasis, overactive T cells mistakenly attack healthy skin, leading to flare-ups.

However, some researchers believe that castor oil may not be absorbed well through the skin, which may limit any potential health benefits. Ultimately, it’s not well understood how castor oil may benefit people who have psoriasis or other medical conditions.

Potential Risks

Castor oil is usually safe when used topically, and it’s often found in cosmetic products such as lipstick. Research in humans has shown that castor oil has few side effects and doesn’t tend to irritate the skin. However, you should talk to a healthcare professional before introducing castor oil into your psoriasis skin care routine. They can help you understand if castor oil is right for your skin.

Like many other home remedies, such as apple cider vinegar, castor oil may cause stinging or irritation if it’s applied to broken skin, such as cuts or deep cracks caused by psoriasis. Allergic reactions are uncommon, but they can happen. Your dermatologist may recommend doing a patch test, a type of allergy check done on the skin to see how your body reacts.

MyPsoriasisTeam Members on Using Castor Oil

Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have found that castor oil has helped ease some of their symptoms. “Castor oil is very soothing to my flare-ups,” one member said.

Another member found that castor oil lasted longer than shea butter, “and healed some places that were scabbed from scratching.”

Members have described a variety of ways to use castor oil for psoriasis. “I have put organic castor oil on my eyebrows and eyelashes,” a member wrote. “It not only helps with psoriasis but also encourages hair growth.”

“You can rub the castor oil on your skin and leave it on for relief and healing,” another member shared.

How To Use Castor Oil for Psoriasis

You can buy castor oil over the counter at drugstores, typically found near laxatives or dietary supplements. Many people with psoriasis apply castor oil directly to the skin. However, unlike a moisturizing lotion, castor oil doesn’t soak in quickly, so it’s best to let it sit on your skin for a while to give it time to work.

Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have found ways to make castor oil part of their routine. “I’ve tried everything over the years, but have recently started applying cold-pressed castor oil to my scalp and found it really helps,” one member shared. “It’s a bit messy and leaves my hair greasy, but I apply it at night and wear a shower cap to bed.”

Before you try castor oil or any home remedy, talk with your doctor or dermatologist. Some natural ingredients can irritate sensitive or inflamed skin and may even make psoriasis symptoms worse for some people. Your healthcare provider can help you decide whether castor oil is a good addition to your treatment plan.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 134,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

Have you tried castor oil as a complementary remedy for psoriasis? How was your psoriasis before, and how was it after using castor oil? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.