Castor Oil - Organic (Ricinus Communis)

Cold pressed Castor Oil has many well-known medicinal and beauty benefits, including skin, hair, and scalp health. It is soothing for all skin types and also able to penetrate deeply into the skin. The first documented text mentioning the use of Castor Oil was in Egypt’s oldest medicinal text, called the Ebers Papyrus, which dates back to 1550 BCE. It is also commonly known as the Palm of Christ, or Palma Christi, that derives from Castor Oil's reputed ability to heal wounds and cure ailments. The Castor plant is also mentioned in the Bible, in the Book of Jonah.

Our Organic Castor Oil contains 90% ricinoleic acid, which is what gives this oil its amazing anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This is one of the few carrier oils that can be used to effectively reduce pain. It also contains undecylenic acid, which is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-viral, making it a helpful addition to many remedies directed toward the healing of wounds.

Despite its heavy and viscous appearance, Castor Oil has a molecular mass that is low enough to penetrate the stratum corneum, making it ideal for soothing arthritis. Some people also make castor “oil packs”, which is a cloth that is soaked in castor oil and applied to affected areas. These have been used to soothe many different conditions, such as skin conditions, blood circulation issues, and digestive problems.

Properties: Analgesic, Antiarthritic, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antiviral

Hair health… Well known for stimulating hair growth, reducing dandruff, and repairing split ends. Nourishes, thickens, and strengthens hair. Stimulates blood flow to scalp, helping to cleanse toxins from the area. Moisturizes dry and brittle hair, adds body and bounce, counteracts itchy scalp, supplies hair follicles with nutrients, and prevents breakage. Castor Oil is commonly used to thicken eye lashes.

Wound Healing… Disinfects wounds and promotes healing.

Skin Conditions... The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties of Castor Oil may help to facilitate healing of many different skin conditions. Commonly used to soothe and heal skin issues such as psoriasis, eczema, rashes, irritation and sunburn. 

Moisturizing... Humectant. Because this oil penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin, it is profoundly moisturizing. This may help to smooth the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and giving the skin a more youthful appearance.

Oil Pack… Castor Oil packs have been used to sooth digestive issues, heal wounds, promote liver and galbladder health, increase blood circulation, relieve pain from arthritis and swollen joints, break down cysts and fibroids, detoxify organs, stimulate lymphatic circulation, remove blockages in the uterus, relieve pain and inflammation in the muscles, and break up scar tissue.

Arthritis... Castor Oil is commonly used to relieve pain from arthritis and swollen joints because of its ability to penetrate beneath the top layers layers of skin, and reduce pain and inflammation with its high ricinoleic acid content.

Nourishing Hair & Scalp Treatment

In 1 Tbsp - 1/4 cup of Castor Oil, add...

2 - 5 drops Yarrow essential oil

2 - 5 drops Hops essential oil

2 - 5 drops Carrot Seed Co2 essential oil

Massage mixture into the scalp, and through your hair all the way to the ends if desired. Wrap hair with plastic bag or shower cap, and leave in over night. (Place an old towel over your pillow to avoid getting oils on your bedding.) Wash out oils in the morning.

The Magic of Carrier Oils and How to Use Them 

Ayurvedic Massage: Abhyanga

Main Chemical Components:

1. Fatty Acids: • Ricinoleic acid: 85-95% (predominant fatty acid) • Oleic acid: 2-6% • Linoleic acid: 1-5% • α-Linolenic acid: 0.5-1% • Stearic acid: 0.5-1% • Palmitic acid: 0.5-1% • Dihydroxystearic acid: 0.3-0.5%

2. Triglycerides: • Castor oil is primarily composed of triglycerides of the above fatty acids

3. Other Components: • Glycerol (as part of the triglyceride structure)

Key Points:

1. Unique Composition: • Castor oil is unique due to its high content of ricinoleic acid, which makes up 85-95% of its fatty acid composition.

2. Chemical Structure: • Ricinoleic acid is unusual among fatty acids because it has a hydroxyl functional group on the 12th carbon atom.

3. Polarity: • The hydroxyl group in ricinoleic acid makes castor oil more polar than most fats.

4. Chemical Reactivity: • The alcohol group in ricinoleic acid allows for chemical derivatization not possible with other seed oils.

5. Molecular Properties: • Molecular Formula: C57H104O9 • Molecular Weight: 933.43026

6. Physical Properties: • Appearance: Clear, almost colorless or pale yellow viscous liquid • Odor: Faint, mild odor • Taste: Initially bland, afterwards slightly acrid

7. Industrial Significance: • Due to its unique composition, castor oil commands a higher price than other seed oils in industrial applications.

Production Date: May 2023