Yes! Castor oil has been lauded for its many healing effects, including antifungal properties. A classic study published in 1961 by the Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society found that ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid in castor oil, displayed high antimicrobial activity against yeast, bacteria, and mold.

The oil can be taken internally to help probiotics multiply and induce a laxative, cleansing effect to help clear out dead or semi-dead candida cells. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Applied Oral Science found that castor oil significantly reduced candida and bacteria placed in root canals after 21 days. It is also used externally for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and is believed to draw out toxins in the body.

Most scientific research has only used castor oil as a base for other chemicals when studying effects on candida. While the oil has been found to reduce candida in intestinal and oral infections, yeast overgrowth in the genital area needs more research to establish efficacy. However, Undecenoic acid, a polyester derived from castor oil, is used for vaginal yeast infections as it inhibits fungal growth and helps reduce inflammation.

There is no need to use castor oil if you don’t have candida yeast, take our free quiz to see if you may have the overgrowth or not..

Side-effects

As a laxative, castor oil may cause stomach pain, cramping, diarrhea, or nausea. Dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and general physical weakness are other reported side effects. Stop use immediately if these effects do not wear off or become worse. Although rare, some people can be severely allergic. Seek medical assistance immediately if any symptoms occur: rash, swelling/itching especially in the face, throat, or tongue, breathing problems, or extreme dizziness. Castor oil is not recommended during pregnancy, and has not been studied on breastfeeding mothers.

How to use it (externally or internally)

Research and testimonials have shown castor oil to be effective for both internal and external use. If taking internally, you may mix the oil with juice or tea to help mask its unpleasant taste and texture. Follow directions on the container, and begin with lower dosages.

Hot packs of castor oil can be placed on the abdomen to stimulate bowel movements and treat skin infections. The cloth pack is often placed in areas needing detoxification, such as intestinal areas, liver, joints and muscles. Soak the castor oil in a wool flannel cloth that has been folded in layers. To prevent oil from dripping, cover the top (area not touching the skin) with plastic. Castor oil will stain, so make sure to cover fabrics or lay down on rags or old towels. Using a heating pad or hot bottle of water can increase the effectiveness. Keep the pack on for around one hour. Remove excessive oil off the skin with an old cloth.

How to Find the Best Castor Oil for Candida?

Purchasing castor oil can be difficult: there is light and black, as well as products that state “For External Use Only.” Natural castor oil is yellow in color, while the black form adds ash from roasted castor beans into the oil solution. The benefits of including ash have not been studied. Cold-pressed oil is a pale yellow hue and made by the squeezing castor beans at a high pressure without heat. By not using heat, the oil is not degraded.

Other uses

Externally, castor oil is found in many beauty products and used to nourish hair, skin, and nails. It is believed to help strengthen and lengthen eye lashes. People also use oil packs to stimulate lymph flow and relieve join pain. A 2002 study in Chiba, Japan that was published in Ophthalmology found castor oil eye drops were a safe and effective treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction, a condition that causes dry eyes.

Castor oil is used internally as a laxative and to soothe irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive problems most commonly caused by an overgrowth of bad bacteria. It is used to cleanse bowels before an x-ray or to combat food poisoning. Olive oil is commonly used as a substitute to castor as there are not as many concerns with internal consumption, and because olive oil may also contain chemicals to help fight fungus.

Is Castor Oil Enema Good for Candida?

The effectively of castor oil enemas being used for candida has limited research. Read more about enemas and candida.

Is Frozen Castor Oil a Better Option?

Freezing castor oil may help prevent cramping and other negative digestive reactions, as the oil will dissolve near the bottom end of the small intestine. This means that the oil will not work as a laxative, but will retain antimicrobial and antifungal properties.