27 Health Benefits of Castor Oil

14. Colic in Infants

Applying castor oil to a baby's skin may help with colic. While there is little research on castor oil for a colicky baby, moms have used it for centuries. For best results, heat a pot of water and warm a bottle of oil. Make sure it's not too hot and apply the oil in a clockwise direction, massaging into babies' skin. It works by relieving sore muscles. Castor oil may also help to induce labor, though it can cause nausea and diarrhea. One study shows women who use it to induce labor all experience an upset stomach. Plus, it can cause irregular contractions, making it risky for women with a complicated pregnancy. Always seeks a doctor's advice before using castor oil to induce labor.