Castor Oil Prevents Scar

Q. I have been using castor oil for years on bruises in my family. It truly works.

It also works wonders as an anti-scar ointment. I used it on a surgical scar AFTER the stitches were removed. When I went back for a post-surgical appointment, the doctor could not locate his work. I had to point out the incision to him.

A. You are not the first person to recommend castor oil topically on bruises. You may be the first, however, who has reported such success for healing scars. A component of castor oil, ricinoleic acid, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity (Mediators of Inflammation, vol. 9, issue # 5, 2000).

Some people may be allergic to castor oil, so caution is called for. Testing a drop or two on the inside of the forearm should be adequate.