4. Treat acne

This thick oil contains ricinoleic acid which can help keep acne from forming and help heal acne that is already in place. Good Health Academy makes a castor oil mask by mixing 2 drops of castor oil, 2 drops of almond oil and 1 drop of camphor oil. Apply this to your face at night before bed and sleep with it on. Clean it off in the morning before applying your makeup.

5. Add shine and growth to hair

Some believe that castor oil will cause the hair to grow faster and healthier. Dr. Axe recommends making a hair mask from 1 tablespoon castor oil, 1 tablespoon olive oil and juice from 1/2 lemon. Massage this through the hair to the tips and letting it sit for 30 minutes before washing and styling your hair.

6. Treat fungus

Because castor oil has antimicrobial properties, some think it may help treat fungus. If you want to try to treat jock itch, ringworm or athlete’s foot, Mercola recommends warming the castor oil and applying it to the affected area before bed. Apply every night for about a week or until the fungus is gone.

7. Reduce pain in joints

Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties which some believe may help with joint pain. Dr. Axe recommends rubbing the castor oil straight onto the bothersome joints and then using a hot pack afterwards. He recommends doing it twice a week.

Castor oil has some great medicinal properties. Be aware that some people may be allergic to the oil, so test it on a small area before going crazy with it. Who knew that one simple vegetable oil could be so helpful?