Summary
Chalene Johnson shares her comprehensive AM/PM castor oil routine, covering all the ways she uses it throughout the day for skin health, oil pulling, and beauty. She was introduced to castor oil by her doctor for a vocal cord injury and expanded into using it as her primary skin moisturizer after discovering its occlusive properties that lock in moisture. On oil pulling specifically, Chalene does it about three times per week using castor oil, swishing for one to five minutes. She acknowledges the research showing oil pulling is more effective than toothpaste at removing bacteria and can help with gingivitis, though she still follows up with brushing for the minty clean feeling. The episode also covers slugging (sleeping with oil on the face), lymphatic massage with castor oil, and why she avoids using it on hair and lashes due to practical concerns.
Key Points
- Oil pulling with castor oil about 3 times per week, swishing for 1-5 minutes
- Research shows oil pulling is more effective than toothpaste at removing bacteria from the mouth
- Oil pulling helps with gingivitis and may slightly whiten teeth
- Spit oil into trash, not drain; debate exists on whether to brush before or after
- Castor oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial with one of the lowest pore-clogging ratings
- The occlusive nature of castor oil traps moisture in skin, especially important during menopause
- Slugging (sleeping with castor oil on face) locks in moisture but requires hair protection
- Always buy castor oil in amber glass containers, never plastic, as it can break down plastics
Key Moments
Oil pulling with castor oil 3 times per week — more effective than toothpaste at removing bacteria
Chalene Johnson describes her oil pulling practice using castor oil about three times per week, swishing for one to five minutes. She notes the research shows oil pulling is more effective than toothpaste at removing bacteria and helps with gingivitis, though she still brushes afterward for the minty clean feeling.
"Oil pulling is basically you're just putting castor oil in your mouth and swishing it back and forth for anywhere from one to five minutes."
Castor oil as full-body moisturizer — the occlusive properties that lock in skin moisture
Chalene explains how castor oil's occlusive properties trap moisture in the skin, making it especially valuable during perimenopause and menopause when the skin loses its moisture barrier. She applies it head to toe after every shower.
"The racinoleic acid, the vitamin E, it is one of the most occlusive oils available. And what does that mean? It means it traps moisture in your skin."
