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Castor Oil for Lichen Sclerosus: Natural Relief Guide

| Modified on Oct 15, 2024
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Castor Oil for LS.

Castor oil is a natural remedy known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It is commonly used to relieve symptoms of lichen sclerosus, a chronic skin condition that causes itching, pain, and inflammation. Castor oil's moisturizing and soothing effects make it an ideal treatment for managing this condition.

How Castor Oil Helps with Lichen Sclerosus

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These compounds help to reduce inflammation, soothe irritated skin, and promote the healing of damaged tissues. Regular use of castor oil can alleviate symptoms such as itching, pain, and skin dryness associated with lichen sclerosus.

Topical Application of Castor Oil for Lichen Sclerosus Relief

Applying castor oil topically is one of the most effective ways to use this remedy for lichen sclerosus. Here are some methods:

  • Direct Application: Use pure, cold-pressed castor oil directly on the affected area. Apply a thin layer and gently massage it into the skin. Repeat this process several times daily for best results.
  • Castor Oil Compress: Soak a soft cloth in castor oil and apply it as a compress to the affected area. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes to provide extended soothing relief.
  • Castor Oil and Coconut Oil Blend: Mix castor oil with coconut oil to create a soothing and moisturizing blend. Apply this mixture to the affected area to relieve itching and dryness.

Benefits and Tips for Using Castor Oil

Benefits: Castor oil helps reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and promote the healing of skin affected by lichen sclerosus. It is a natural and gentle option, making it suitable for regular use.

Tips: For the best results, use pure, cold-pressed castor oil without added chemicals or preservatives. Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using it extensively to ensure there is no allergic reaction. Store castor oil in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency.

Additional Reader Tips for Using Castor Oil

  1. Essential Oil Combination: Mixing castor oil with lavender and lemongrass essential oils enhances the soothing effects.
  2. Consistent Use: Regular application, such as twice daily, significantly improves symptoms.
  3. Alternative Remedies: Some users combine castor oil with coconut oil or aloe vera for additional relief.
  4. Avoiding Steroids: Many readers found castor oil effective as a natural alternative to steroid creams.

Conclusion

Castor oil is a popular and effective natural remedy for treating symptoms of lichen sclerosus. Its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties provide relief from itching, pain, and skin dryness. Incorporating castor oil into your skincare routine can help manage symptoms and promote healing.

Have you tried using castor oil for lichen sclerosus relief? Share your experience and let us know how it worked for you! Keep reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers who have used castor oil for this condition.

Related Links:

Natural Remedies for Lichen Sclerosus: Effective Treatments

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Posted by Lolo (boston, ma) on 11/18/2023
 ★★★★★

lichen sclerosis relief with castor oil

thanks so much for these posts. My gynecologist insisted that I would need to use clobetesol twice a week for the REST of my LIFE!! Tried that for over a year, but still had flare-ups. And who wants to use steroids forever? -- I have started using castor oil twice daily, with occasional aloe vera for irritation or lavender oil for itch, and coconut oil once during the day for extra moisturizing. Symptoms calmed down quickly, and No symptoms for 1 week now.

Wonder if people are using the castor oil even when symptom-free as a preventative? Or just when needed. Would be helpful to know.

I notice that lots of people ask for follow-ups, to see if these remedies work long term -- so I will post again. Here's hoping...

Replied by Lolo
(Boston)
12/14/2023
★★★★★

About 1 month later - happy to report that I have been able to manage symptoms with castor oil etc. --other than a 2 day flare up where I did use Clobetasol, and have been mostly symptom-free.

Also invested in very expensive Dermasilk underwear, which seem helpful when having symptoms

Castor Oil
Posted by Twww (Uk) on 02/13/2018
 ★★★★★

LS: Dry it out first! Cures it completely

I was using castor oil with lemongrass and lavender as well as hydrogen peroxide 6% - the itching had gone but the white patch wasn't going.

I rolled a small section of a panty liner up and wedged it next to the sore and taped it in place with micropore tape before bed. After massaging the hydrogen peroxide solution in the next morning (quite vigorously), most of the white stuff wiped off with a tissue. One more night of the same and the rest of it came off. Now the skin is pink and I'm just using castor/lemongrass/lavender oil to make sure it doesn't come back.

I'm so relieved it seems to be completely cured. I had a patch about the size of a 5p piece on my labia minora. I think drying it out killed it completely, and surprisingly it didn't irritate the skin around it. Hope this helps some others get rid of it completely as well.

Replied by Rita
(Cashton, Wi)
08/08/2018

I also have LS. started like white streaks, blisters, pain, itching. It came on suddenly. I had it dx by a Gyno and was told you can only keep it at bay, no cure. I use steroid cream alternately with Aquaphor. Stay away from chlorine, pools, hot tubs as this will aggravate your symptoms. It has started to atrophy and my labia is almost gone. It really hits your confidence as a women and sex can be painful. I recommend letting your significant other see this condition, let them know it is not contagious. They need to be gentle with you and if they love you as my husband does, it helps alot with self esteem. I also am frustrated that there is no studies on this as it affects so many women, men. I feel it is from trauma to your skin. I was a gymnast and rode horses, farmed etc. I also had a 9lb baby and had an significant episiotomy. I make sure to wear only cotton underwear and all natural soap, no perfumes etc. I feel also I am totally willing to try the castor oil mixture. Good luck to you all, be nice to yourself it is not something we ever thought we would get.

Replied by Vicky
(New South Wales)
07/17/2024

What did you put on the rolled up panty liner that you taped on? Was it just the liner...is that what dried it out? Or did you put the hydrogen peroxide on the liner?...what was it please? Thanks in advance

Replied by Sheila
(NM)
10/15/2024

Hello, I realize this is a very old post. I I was diagnosed with LS a year ago. And of course I was prescribed the topical steroid. But I'm trying to reduce this as I think it's contributing now to some redness and itchiness. I wanted to know if you could clarify a little bit on how you used the hydrogen peroxide. Did you combine it with the oils and put it all on the panty liner? Or just the oils on the panty liner and the hydrogen peroxide in the morning? Thank you and I hope you get this message!

Castor Oil
Posted by Sandra (Arizona) on 12/01/2017
 ★★★★★

For LS:

3 tbsp castor oil, 2 to 3 drops lavender oil and 2 to 3 drops lemongrass oil. Mix and apply in the morning and at night. Lavendar helps for the itching.

Castor Oil
Posted by Ag (San Marcos, Texas) on 11/22/2017
 ★★★★☆

I have been using organic castor oil on myself for a week for LS. It has softened the rough patches of skin. Also, it tends to soothe the irritation. My Gyno said 2 days ago that it hasn't disappeared, but it is not getting worse. So, I figure that is a step in the right direction.+.

Castor Oil
Posted by S (Kansas City ) on 08/13/2017
 ★★★★★

Lichen Sclerosus:

Castor oil, lavender oil and lemon grass oil mixture have given me incredible relief from pain and itching. I'm Almost feeling normal at times. Also, it looks much better only after 2 days of use. Bowel movements are much less painful as well. Before I tried this wonderful oil mixture, I had tried Butt Paste with 40% zinc oxide which helped with itching and pain to a certain extent. Applying several times night and day just to get by. Coconut oil is very soothing and felt nice but didn't help the itch at all. Please try the castor oil!

Replied by R D
(Iowa)
08/17/2017

I have also been diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus and the meds from the Dr have not helped. I have purchased an organic Castor Oil (Aura Cacia) but it says for external use only. Is it still ok to use inside the vaginal area? Along with the Lavender and lemongrass essential oils.

Any help is appreciated!!

Thank you

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Usa)
08/17/2017

castor oil hexane free is a penetrant and when I use it on my liver it takes affect almost immediately from the surface of my skin ....so I would use on lower pelvic right above hairline and you will get results . Just use with some cotton flannel on it and saran wrap and healing pad to drive it down into the skin. Be careful of using too much essential oil with it the first time....

Replied by Lulu
(Walnut)
08/18/2017

Yes castor oil can be used vaginally. Please be very careful with lemongrass on the skin, especially delicate skin. It is strong and can burn. No more than 1 drop per tablespoon castor oil. On delicate tissues, dilute lavender as well.

Castor Oil
Posted by Cheryl (Tennessee) on 05/06/2017
 ★★★★★

Castor oil is the best remedy for taking away my LS itching. I apply in the morning when I am itchy ..... and it is gone all day long excellent remedy and works for me ..

Castor Oil
Posted by Karen (Goldbar Wa.) on 03/18/2017
 ★★★★★

I use Castor Oil applied to the area for my L.S. and the itching goes away immediately.

Castor Oil
Posted by Sue (Canada) on 01/13/2017
 ★☆☆☆☆

The Castor Oil application has not worked very well for me....still itching and pain with heat. I am looking for a cure but have not found any real help yet. I refuse to see a Dr or Ob/Gyn for assistance as I know what they will give me. I am looking for natural assistance. I am thinking about trying Hemp flower oil. I would make my own naturally.

Replied by Sharon
(Greenwood, SC)
01/20/2017

You may have more success using white oak bark supplement and baking soda in your bath and for soaks.

Replied by Coralie
(Victoria)
08/01/2017

Having UV is not invasive, not unnatural, and it works. I have UV for a couple of months each winter and am free of the problem through the summer months.

Replied by Susan
(Wa)
07/29/2023

You can improve a lot by avoiding foods with OXALATES. There a list online of foods high in Oxalates

Replied by Karen
(Phoenix, AZ)
12/05/2023

I've been using ozonated hemp oil as it the highest frequency and hopeful it will continue to heal. The company I use is PureO3.

Castor Oil
Posted by Ramona (New York) on 09/14/2016
 ★★★★★

You must use castor oil....it cured my LS.....have no more symptoms. It's been over 2 years now. No more pain, no tearing.. Sex is great...........please just use castor oil.

Replied by Trish
(Ca)
09/15/2016
★★★★★

Castor Oil is it! Finally got some relief. Slept through the night last night with no irritation. First time in years. Thank you!

Replied by Jamie
(Toronto)
09/15/2016

Can you tell me, did it make any white patches go away? Make anything infuse, or just relieve itching and tearing?

Replied by Jamie
(Toronto)
09/15/2016

UN-FUSE, I mean.

Replied by Frankie
(Brooklyn, Ny)
11/01/2016

Can you please tell me if you drank it or applied it?

Replied by Vera
(Oklahoma)
11/02/2016

I am sure it was applied topically.

Replied by Suzanne
(Al)
06/29/2017

I am hopeful! I suffer every day! Pain to even sit down!

Replied by Kenny
(California)
06/30/2017

How do I mix this? Is it straight castor oil?

Castor Oil
Posted by Sue (Montreal) on 07/05/2016
 ★★★★☆

I am 55 and have had L.S. for one year. I am a naturopath so I eat super healthy and have a very healthy lifestyle. Cortisone creams helped a little, but it still never went away completely. I tried Lisepten by Clover leaf farm, which didn't work. I tried Emuaid, which soothed the itching but didn't heal. I have been following the extremely strict Candida diet for 5 + months, no sugar, no alcohol, no yeast, taking supplements to kill any yeast as well as a probiotic, with no results!

And now finally yesterday I tried this castor oil and lemon grass essential oil and lavender essential oil and so far so good. One small white patch that has been chronic is just about gone.

I am hopeful, I will keep you posted.

EC: Essential oils should always be diluted when used topically. Lemongrass can burn delicate tissue if it is not diluted sufficiently.

Replied by Jamie
(Toronto)
09/16/2016

Is the castor oil with essential oils still working for you? Can you tell me what kinds of changes you noticed, and how often you apply?

Replied by Nan
(Austin, Tx)
10/06/2016

How did you mix these things up? Please give specifics. Thanks!

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
10/06/2016

Dear Nan,

When I use Lemongrass essential oil on the skin, I dilute it a lot. It is very strong and can burn the skin. Lavender is more gentle.

I would try a mixture of the following:

  • 1 tablespoon castor oil
  • 1 DROP lemongrass essential oil
  • 3 drops lavender essential oil

I hope it is helpful to you! Our family has certainly found the above oils to help with different ailments.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Fotoeguyaca
(Marion, North Carolina)
11/04/2016

Just found out I have Lichen sclerosus on my forearm .. That's a good place I'm finding out .. I only hope it doesn't,, show up >>somewhere else>> doing what the doctor ordered .. Right now clobetasol for three weeks. Keeping it covered .. But thing is it doesn't itch,, not yet .. I've had it about two months .. So I'm looking for natural cures.. I see I have many I already found out .. Trying baking soda,, helps most fungus .. don't like alkali environments,, same as cancers .. I'll keep you all posted on my results..

Replied by Gail
(Huntsville Alabama)
09/23/2017

Wouldnt adding lavender oil and lemongrass oil to castor oil be enpugh dilution? how much of each?? Thank you!!

Replied by Maggie
(Wv)
09/23/2017

Try Mama's dilution mentioned above in this thread.

Replied by Alfrieda
(South Africa)
09/29/2017

What is the ratio to mix the caster oil lavender and lemongrass oil?

Replied by Lisa
(Maine)
09/30/2017

Mix together:

  • 1 tablespoon castor oil
  • 1 DROP lemongrass essential oil
  • 3 drops lavender essential oil

Replied by Susan
(Connecticut)
10/05/2017
★★☆☆☆

I've been mixing a batch of castor oil and lemongrass and lavender oils rather than mixing every time I use it. It isn't helping very much and I've been using it daily for months. I use clobestol sparingly as it can make the situation worse my doctor said. Any other natural remedies that someone has tried.

Replied by Judem
(Illinois)
05/04/2018

I've had LS in my genital and anal area for years. Stopped using steroids because of the thinning of skin in that area. It would split and bleed. I've used 1% hydrocortisone cream for the itiching and try to remember to put it on several times a day before the itching starts. I recently saw a spot on my underside of my breast. The dermatologist diagnosed it as LS without knowing I'd have a previous history. the strange thing is, it has never itched. I'm wondering if the itching is more common if the LS is located in parts of the body where it's skin on skin, or if natural moisture has something to do with it. I am going to try some of the remedies suggested on here. Right now, at the direction of the doctor, I'm back to using a steriod cream, but I want to get away from it as soon as possible. Thanks to all for your input. I've learned a lot.

Replied by Nicci
(Western Australia)
05/16/2018

Hi there, I have recently been diagnosed with LS and would like to try natural therapy. I have lemongrass & lavender essential oils, along with castor oil. I was just wondering if you could please advise how often and for how long you applied? Is it something that needs to be applied daily for the rest of my life? I was also wondering how u insert it? I feel that I'm strugggling with this part. Thanks for your time.

Replied by Frances
(Cabarlah, Qld.)
05/19/2018

I wouldn't recommend inserting it personal opinion; however, apply externally as often as necessary, e.g. after toilet. I prefer to use a lighter oil during the day (jojoba, coconut) and use the castor oil with lavender essential oil overnight.

Castor Oil
Posted by Aj (Charlotte, Nc) on 12/24/2014
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I was diagnosed with LS at the age of 27 by a dermatologist specialist. I am now 48. I am not sure what caused it as I have had no trauma that would warrant it that I can think of other than an episiotomy at age 18 when my daughter was born. I have always been able to keep it under control with steroid creams clobetasol and OTC 1% cortisone ointment. Been out of clobetasol for 4 years and OTS ointment has not really been helping. In the last 9 months my skin has turned more white and some tearing with sex and itching and burning with my monthly menstrual cycle.

I have been doing so much research on how to heal myself. I tried emu oil with little results, coconut oil mixed with lavender and lemongrass with pretty good results but last week I think I found the best thing ever. I researched and starting using a solution of organic castor oil (4tbsp mixed with 2 drops lavender oil and 1 drop lemongrass oil) I have used it for a little over a week now with wonderful results. It gives instant relief of itching and burning, my tears have healed and my skin is finally starting to turn back pink again. Castor oil is very thick and odorless so it stays with my skin well throughout the day while I am at work or in bed asleep at night.

Sex was great with no tearing or itching burning afterward. I will continue to use this and I hope it helps anyone who reads this suffering with this horrible affliction.

Replied by Janice
(Arkansas, US)
01/03/2015

AJ - your post is very encouraging and I'm going to try your treatment! I do have a question, though - how often do you apply the castor oil mixture? Daily? More often?

Thank you for sharing this!!!

Replied by D.d.
(Somewhere, Louisiana)
02/22/2015

How often did you apply the "castor oil, lemon grass lavender" mixture. I'm having a flare up and it's painful. Can't see my Dr.till April...she's booked up. need relief now!

Replied by Michelle
(Albuquerque, Nm)
04/28/2015

Is the castor oil, lavender and lemongrass still working for you? I just got diagnosed and am frightened. Desperate you might say. Thank you

Replied by Evie
(Ca)
06/17/2015

Thanks for the blog plus this new possibility of remedy. I have been suffering with LS nearly 10 years. I have been seen by numerous doctors but none seem to have a cure. There are doctors in Ohio who are claiming they've cured patients with penicillin injections but it's imperative to make sure you are not allergic or it could cause death.

For the past few years, I've been taking antibiotic twice daily as these same doctors have found the bacteria Borelia is the cause of LS. It has kept the LS from progressing although it is all over my body as well as my neck, chin and sides of my face. I went to a doctor who uses the light box therapy but he said it might further my condition. Coconut oil has given me some relief and I think it may even be reducing the white patches and hopefully my skin will become pink again! Good luck to all who suffer from this....

Replied by Joyce Mor
(Boston, Ma)
10/09/2015
★★★★★

Thank you, I used the castor oil, lemongrass, & lavender, I added about 4 drops of Frankincense.

My niece has LS, after about 4 or 5 day putting it on liberally throughout the day, she called today and said everything is back to normal, her skin is back to normal, no more itching, bleeding and pain, hopefully it last, she is only 19, I hope this helps. Thanks again for your post giving me the original recipe.

Replied by Ivah
(Mesa, Az)
10/12/2015

I was wondering is your niece still doing well with LS....using the lavender and lemon grass ..frankincense?

Replied by Susu
(Utah)
02/25/2016
★★★★☆

Thank you so much.

As soon as I read the three oil mix, I went to health store, got last time, applied, burning sensation at first, today, second time applied the oil mixture, already feel the improvement. Yes, I did got cream from Dr. too but nothing is improved but got worse last week...

But just one day, I already see the improvement. thank you so much... You saved my sanity. Susu

Replied by Eve
(Ca)
11/20/2016

Eve,

Could you please update on your Lichen Sclerosis.

Replied by C
(Illinois)
02/19/2017

Thank you for sharing. I will try this.

Replied by Mir
(Woodbridge Ont)
04/03/2018

Do you mix all 3 and just apply to affected area?

Replied by Collette
(Swift Current, SK)
10/05/2024

I feel when using oils and creams I have to wear a pad in the day. Does anyone else? Recommendations for something non-irritating?



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