7 Natural Ways to Use Castor Oil for Boils

Boils or skin abscess are a skin infection caused by the release of toxins in the skin. A boil is a painful, pus filled, red lump that occurs when sweat glands or hair follicles gets clogged with bacteria, sweat, dust or dead skin cells. You are more prone to develop them if you have a weak immune system.

Castor oil is one of the oldest and most effective home remedy for treating boils, along with the ingredients you will have in your home. Here is why it works so well:

Is Castor Oil Good For Boils?

• Ricinoleic acid is an anti-inflammatory agent present in castor oil which helps to cure pain.
• It has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-viral properties that fight against the bacteria.
• When taken internally, it acts as an immune booster and prevents infection and recurrence.
• Regular application of castor oil draws out the poison or pus from boil and helps to heal it quickly.
• It contains oleic acid that acts as microbicide in nature that inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Want to know how to use castor oil for treating boils? Here are some of the time tested and effective methods.

1. Castor Oil

This process is used to heal boils on all over the body like face, neck, shoulders, thighs and groin areas along with cysts on skin.

• Pour a few drops of castor oil on a cotton ball.
• Dab on the infected skin area and cover with a bandage.
• Let it sit for 3 – 5 hours or overnight before removing the bandage.
• You can also put some warm castor oil on boils instead.
• Or place a warm compress after applying castor oil over boils.
• Follow this process daily for best results.

2. Castor Oil with Betel Leaves

Tannins and other essential oils present in betel leaves draws out the pus from boils to cure the infection. This helps to clear toxins from skin to heal boils quickly.

• Slightly warm a betel leaf and apply castor oil to it.
• Place this oil applied leaf over the boils and secure with a bandage.
• Leave on for a few hours and then replace with a new oil applied warm leaf.
• Keeping the betel leaves in warm water for few minutes will help them to soften.
• Repeat the same process regularly.

3. Castor Oil with Parsley and Baking Soda

• Mix 1 teaspoon each of parsley, dry mustard and baking soda to 1 tablespoon of castor oil.
• Stir it well to make a fine paste and apply this paste over the boils at night.
• Wash it off the next morning, dry the skin and apply castor oil.
• Leave it without washing, and follow the same process every night.

4. Castor Oil with Turmeric

This process is used for treating boils especially inside the nose, where it is difficult to reach.

• Mix a few drops of castor oil in 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
• Use a cotton swab to apply it on the inside of the nose.
• Let it sit for a minute or two before washing off with lukewarm water.
• Or you can apply this turmeric paste on boils (other than nose) and wash it off with lukewarm water after 20 – 30 minutes.
• Follow this process regularly.

5. Castor Oil with Goldenseal Powder

Goldenseal powder has a natural antibacterial property that kills the bacteria causing the boils.

• Mix goldenseal powder in 1 teaspoon of castor oil and apply over the boils.
• Secure it with a bandage and leave it on for 20 – 30 minutes.
• This process pulls out the infection from the skin within few hours.
• Continue doing the same process three times a day for 2 – 3 days.
• After boils have healed, apply aloe vera gel on the healed skin to prevent scarring.

6. Castor Oil with Cumin

Cumin has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent the bacteria causing boils.

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder to 1 – 2 tablespoons of castor oil.
• Stir it well and apply directly over the skin, covering with a bandage for a few hours.
• Repeat the process with fresh mixture and bandage for every 12 hours.
• Or you can also use cumin essential oil in the castor oil.

7. Castor Oil with Baking Soda

• Mix baking soda in 1 teaspoon of castor oil and apply on the boils.
• Cover with a bandage and leave it on for a few hours.
• Reapply this paste with a new bandage daily.

Tips and Precautions:

• Jamaican black castor is better than regular castor oil.
• You can also use castor oil based creams like bell’s zinc and castor oil cream.
• Consult your doctor if the boils do not heal.
• Make sure to wash your hands and boils before and after application with mild antibacterial soap and warm water to prevent the spread of infection.
• Apart from using castor oil, you have to strengthen the immune system with a healthy and nutritious diet. Also have proper skincare hygiene along with best lifestyle habits.

This is all about Castor Oil on Boils. Give a trial to these castor oil methods and don’t forget to share your experience with us! You can also check out our separate post on treating boils using garlic.