Long before drugstores were around, healers relied on natural remedies. Two of their favorites? Castor oil and Epsom salt. These old-school cures are making a big comeback—and for good reason. They can ease pain, help with detox, and improve your health, often in just 24 hours. Let’s take a look at why this powerful pair still works wonders today.
Why Castor Oil and Epsom Salt Work So Well Together
Castor Oil
- Packed with ricinoleic acid—a strong anti-inflammatory.
- Works as a deep moisturizer, helps fight infections, and supports detox.
- Soaks into the skin easily for targeted relief.
Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)
- Relaxes tight muscles, reduces swelling, and flushes out toxins.
- Provides magnesium, which your body needs for hundreds of functions.
- Gently exfoliates and soothes irritated or dry skin.
Top 6 Ways to Use Them for Healing
1. Joint Pain & Arthritis
- Mix 1 tablespoon castor oil with 2 tablespoons warm Epsom salt.
- Massage onto sore joints or use as a warm compress.
2. Muscle Aches & Cramps
- Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath.
- Rub castor oil onto sore muscles before soaking for 20 minutes.
3. Constipation Relief
- Take 1 teaspoon of castor oil by mouth (only with a doctor’s okay).
- Or massage it gently on your belly.
4. Skin Problems (Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne)
- Mix castor oil with some Epsom salt water.
- Apply to the area for 15 minutes, then rinse.
5. Natural Detox
- Soak a cloth in castor oil and place it over your abdomen.
- Cover with a hot water bottle for 30 minutes.
- Then take a warm bath with Epsom salt.
6. Foot Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
- Soak your feet in warm water with 1 cup of Epsom salt.
- Afterwards, rub castor oil into the soles.
14 Other Great Ways to Use Them
| Problem | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Back Pain | Use as a warm compress with both ingredients |
| Hair Growth | Massage castor oil into scalp, rinse with Epsom salt water |
| Dandruff | Mix both, apply to scalp for 15 mins, rinse |
| Headaches | Rub castor oil on temples and neck |
| Sinus Congestion | Warm castor oil on chest and neck |
| Dry Skin | Make a scrub with castor oil and Epsom salt |
| Puffy Eyes | Dab diluted castor oil under the eyes |
| Insect Bites | Apply castor oil directly or soak in Epsom salt water |
| Minor Burns | Cool the burn, then apply castor oil |
| Cracked Heels | Soak feet in Epsom salt water, then apply castor oil at night |
| Bruises | Use castor oil and a warm compress |
| Menstrual Cramps | Use a castor oil pack on belly and follow with a bath |
| Trouble Sleeping | Take an Epsom salt bath before bedtime |
| Detox Wrap | Place a castor oil pack on the liver area once a week |
What to Be Careful About
- Always do a patch test to make sure your skin doesn’t react.
- Talk to a doctor before taking castor oil by mouth, especially if you’re pregnant or nursing.
- Don’t use it on broken or open skin.