Unrefined castor oil, 100% natural, 70ml/$7, shipping/$12

Castor oil is a multi-purpose vegetable oil that people have used for thousands of years.

It’s made by extracting oil from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant.

These seeds, which are known as castor beans, contain a toxic enzyme called ricin. However, the heating process that castor oil undergoes deactivates it, allowing the oil to be used safely.

Castor oil has a number of medicinal, industrial and pharmaceutical uses.

It’s commonly used as an additive in foods, medications and skin care products, as well as an industrial lubricant and biodiesel fuel component.

In ancient Egypt, castor oil was burned as fuel in lamps, used as a natural remedy to treat ailments like eye irritation and even given to pregnant women to stimulate labor.

Today, castor oil remains a popular natural treatment for common conditions like constipation and skin ailments and is commonly used in natural beauty products.


Benefits and uses of castor oil.


1. A Powerful Laxative

Perhaps one of the best-known medicinal uses for castor oil is as a natural laxative.

It’s classified as a stimulant laxative, meaning that it increases the movement of the muscles that push material through the intestines, helping clear the bowels.

Stimulant laxatives act rapidly and are commonly used to relieve temporary constipation.

When consumed by mouth, castor oil is broken down in the small intestine, releasing ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid in castor oil. The ricinoleic acid is then absorbed by the intestine, stimulating a strong laxative effect.


2. A Natural Moisturizer

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid.

These types of fats act as humectants and can be used to moisturize the skin.

Humectants retain moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin.

Castor oil is often used in cosmetics to promote hydration and often added to products like lotions, makeup and cleansers.

You can also use this rich oil on its own as a natural alternative to store-bought moisturizers and lotions.

3. Promotes Wound Healing

Applying castor oil to wounds creates a moist environment that promotes healing and prevents sores from drying out.

Castor oil stimulates tissue growth so that a barrier can be formed between the wound and the environment, decreasing the risk of infection.

It also reduces dryness and cornification, the buildup of dead skin cells that can delay wound healing


4. Impressive Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid found in castor oil, has impressive anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Reduces Acne
Acne is a skin condition that can cause blackheads, pus-filled pimples and large, painful bumps on the face and body.

It’s most common in teens and young adults and can negatively impact self-esteem.

6. Fights Fungus

Candida albicans is a type of fungus that commonly causes dental issues like plaque overgrowth, gum infections and root canal infections.

Castor oil has antifungal properties and may help fight off Candida, keeping the mouth healthy.


7. Keeps Your Hair and Scalp Healthy
Many people use castor oil as a natural hair conditioner.

Dry or damaged hair can especially benefit from an intense moisturizer like castor oil.

Applying fats like castor oil to the hair on a regular basis helps lubricate the hair shaft, increasing flexibility and decreasing the chance of breakage.

Castor oil may benefit those who experience dandruff, a common scalp condition characterized by dry, flaky skin on the head.

Though there are many different causes of dandruff, it has been linked to seborrhoeic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the scalp.

Due to castor oil’s ability to reduce inflammation, it may be an effective treatment for dandruff that is caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Applying castor oil to the scalp will help moisturize dry, irritated skin and may help reduce flaking