Castor oil: what are its benefits and why is it so popular?

Castor oil has stood the test of time and is widely used throughout the world for its fabulous virtues in cosmetics, hair care and even natural remedies. Its popularity has increased considerably with the trend towards natural and organic products.^{4, 5, 8}

Castor oil and its historical revelations

Castor oil is a plant of the Euphorbiaceae family, originally developed in Egypt, Ethiopia and India. Today, however, it is cultivated mainly in India.⁶

Ancient Egypt

The earliest medical writings on castor oil (Ricinus Communis) therapies date back to 1550 B.C. in Egypt, where it was used to treat skin conditions and aches and pains such as digestive disorders. It was also used as fuel for oil lamps.^{4, 5, 8}

Ancient India

Its history has travelled the world in time and space. The castor oil plant's place of origin, where it has been used for 5,000 years, is India, in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Over time, the castor plant found its way to Europe in the Middle Ages, where it was nicknamed Palma Christi.^{4, 5, 8}

Have you ever seen this plant with its gigantic hand-shaped leaves? That's why it's called "Palma Christi" or "Palm of Christ". The oil from this plant is used for its therapeutic properties.

Use in the Greco-Roman world

The Greeks and Romans used this oil for medical treatments. They considered it a powerful remedy for digestion, inflammation and skin infections.^{4, 5, 8}

Castor oil was also seen as a beneficial plant in some cultures, and was considered sacred.^{5, 6}

Middle Ages and modern times

Although castor oil is not specifically mentioned, its use continues in various cultures, always for the treatment of digestive disorders.^{4, 5, 8}

Hildelgarde of Bingen, healer and visionary, used natural remedies such as castor oil poultices in the 12th century for their anti-inflammatory action.^{4, 5, 8}

In the 17th century, castor oil became a recognized remedy in European medicine for constipation.^{4, 5, 8}

It was also used as a lubricant for machinery and in various industrial applications.^{4, 5}

20th century and today

In the twentieth century, castor oil became increasingly popular, not only for its medical and cosmetic applications, but also in industry, notably for its use in the production of biofuels, biodegradable plastics and in the cosmetics industry.^{4, 5, 8}

Edgar Cayce, the famous medium of the early 20th century, prescribed the castor oil poultice, which simply consisted of using a piece of flannel soaked in oil, placed on a part of the body and to which heat was added to maximize its action. Leave on for 1h30 and apply for 3 to 4 consecutive days. According to his writings, the cataplasm promoted purification of the area concerned and improved lymphatic circulation thanks to ricinoleic acid.^{7, 15}

The power of castor oil

Ricinoleic acid, its active ingredient

Castor oil mainly contains ricinoleic acid, the fatty acid that gives it its beneficial properties, as well as triglycerides, saturated fatty acids and bioactive compounds.

Ricinoleic acid makes up 87% of castor oil and is responsible for many of its therapeutic properties. For this reason, castor oil is anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, analgesic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and lymphatic decongestant.^{1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 12}

It is also purifying, nourishing and restorative. It is softening and emollient, making it ideal for sensitive and irritated skin. It has the ability to regenerate damaged skin (chapped, cracked, chapped, itchy, etc.).^{1, 2, 4, 7, 13}

Castor oil, also known as "beaver oil" to our grandmothers, is a unique vegetable oil that deserves to be perpetuated for its many benefits.¹²

All you need to know about natural castor oil treatments

Hair care

To nourish dry hair, stimulate growth or treat dandruff.^{1, 4, 9, 10}

Natural care recipe for hair growth

Ingredients:

• 1/3 castor oil: fortifying and nourishing
• 1/3 coconut oil: fortifying and nourishing
• 1/3 sweet almond or argan: fortifying and nourishing
• 3 drops rosemary cineole essential oil: tones the scalp and stimulates hair growth.

Mix oils together in a container. Apply to hair, from roots to ends. Leave in for at least 1 hour. If you want to apply overnight, you'll need to wrap your hair in a shower cap to protect your pillow. Rinse and wash your hair several times to remove all the oil. You'll find your hair is silkier.¹⁰

Skin care

Face and wrinkles

Apply a mixture of castor oil and rosewater to the areas to be treated. Leave on for a quarter of an hour and rinse off with cool water to moisturize the skin.^{7, 9, 10}

Anti-acne virtues

Castor oil is used to combat acne; it helps reduce skin inflammation by eliminating bacteria. The treatment produces rapid results. It should therefore be applied in the evening before going to bed.^{9, 10}

For brown spots on the skin (pigmentation spots)

To remove brown spots, apply directly to the spots 4-5 times a week. They will gradually disappear naturally.^{7, 9, 10}

Antibacterial and antifungal

It can be used to treat certain skin infections, wounds or irritations.¹²

Warts and acrochordons

Applying a few drops of castor oil every day for a few weeks can make these small excrescences of flesh disappear.²²

A little personal anecdote: I once cured a plantar wart with castor oil, applying it systematically morning and evening to the affected area until it disappeared. For a recent wart, the healing time is shorter.

Beard growth

Castor oil gives your beard, long or short, all the vitamins and nutrients it needs to grow, as well as a healthy shine.¹⁰

Eyelash and eyebrow care

Applied topically, it promotes growth. Apply with a small mascara-style brush.^{9, 10}

Nail care

Castor oil is perfect for strengthening nails. The vitamin E it contains helps make them stronger. Simply apply a few drops of oil to your nails every day and massage in gently. Your nails will become unbreakable and will no longer split.^{9, 10}

Muscle and joint pain

Massage therapy: Castor oil is used to relieve muscular pain (bursitis, sports injuries, aches and pains, stiff neck, etc.) and joint pain, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.^{7, 9 ,10, 12}

Sleep and insomnia

Valuable aid for difficulty falling asleep. Apply castor oil to your eyelids, taking care not to get any in your eyes, or apply a little oil to your solar plexus and cover with a flannel and a warm magic bag, hot water bottle or heated towel.⁹

Digestion

Natural laxative

When ingested in small quantities, it has a laxative effect, making it a remedy for constipation.¹⁰

Sluggish liver

Massage castor oil into the liver area, add a washcloth and place a magic bag or hot-water bottle on top (30 minutes). In the evening, before going to bed, add lemon juice to a glass of warm water.¹⁹

Otitis

Otitis externa is an inflammation of the ear that often occurs after swimming. The condition is characterized by acute pain, redness and sometimes discharge. Castor oil can help with otitis. Simply apply a few drops of castor oil to a absorbent cotton pad, insert it into the auricle and leave it on for an hour.¹⁸

Hemorrhoids

Castor oil is an effective solution for hemorrhoids. Simply soak a cotton pad in castor oil and apply to hemorrhoids. Leave for 15 to 20 minutes. It may be advisable to apply the oil to hemorrhoids several times a day.^{7, 9 ,10}

Heavy legs and/or swollen ankles

Massage with castor oil to activate lymphatic circulation and help unclog tissues. You can add a few drops of evergreen cypress essential oil, indicated for varicose veins, hemorrhoids and edema of the lower limbs.^{7, 9}

Other uses for castor oil

Castor oil can dissolve densifications such as cysts and fibroids. It can also detoxify the liver and other organs when used as a poultice.¹⁰

In short, massage it to treat muscular or arthritic pain, sports injuries, skin problems, fungus, burns and cuts. Internally, it is highly laxative. It can also induce labor in late pregnancy.^{3, 7, 10, 12}

Inducing labor naturally

Castor oil is a natural solution for inducing labor. It facilitates labor when the baby is overdue. It induces the first contractions more quickly, without risk of harm to mother and/or child. Labour will begin 1 to 3 hours after intake.

*The use of castor oil for childbirth must be supervised by a midwife or doctor.^{3, 7, 10}

Stretch marks in pregnancy

Stretch marks are the result of a change in dermal structure and a breakdown of collagen fibers. To prevent them before they appear, apply pure castor oil to the areas most at risk (breasts, stomach, buttocks and thighs). Massage the oil into the skin Flyer. Applications are recommended during pregnancy and for 3 months after giving birth. Castor oil can fade recent and/or old stretch marks.^{9, 11}

Castor oil from Palma Christi

It's essential to use genuine castor oil for optimal results. This is the case with castor oil from Palma Christi. This oil is organic and naturally rich in ricinoleic acid and vitamin E.

One of its important qualities is that it penetrates deep into the skin.^{15, 16}

Production process

Every stage of production, from planting to pressing, is subject to absolute quality control to ensure the highest standards of oil.

For example, the characteristics of the soil in which it is grown guarantee that it will be a non-sticky oil when compared to other castor oils.

What's more, Palma Christi castor oil can be used in cosmetics, for hair and scalp health, massage and poultices^{.15, 16}

Organic castor oil

Palma Christi castor oil offers several options for its use. It is gentle, penetrating and non-sticky^{.15, 16}

Palma Christi castor oil is rich in natural vitamin E, which gives it its exceptional anti-inflammatory and cosmetic properties^{.15, 16}

Palma Cataplasm Kit

A complete kit for making poultices, including: a piece of flannel with Originelle castor oil, an elastic bandage, a storage bag and instructions for good results^{.15, 16}

Clay poultice

This poultice is ready to use. It is a combination of castor oil, green clay and calming essential oils. This poultice provides in-depth treatment.

Clay poultice can help relieve joint pain and inflammation^{.15, 16}

Palm'Hydra

Warm Palm'Hydra oil hair treatment with nourishing and moisturizing properties. A gentle treatment from tip to scalp^{.15, 16}

Formule SOS Castor oil

Formule SOS combines castor oil with a synergy of essential oils. It is ideal for use in a camping kit or as a natural first aid. It is ideal for rapid relief of insect bites and is applied early on.

It is also suitable for bruises, sunburn and burns. In the case of burns, be sure to cool the burn before application.

This vitamin E-rich oil is anti-inflammatory and promotes scar healing^{.15, 16}

Usage advice and precautions

Due to its potent purgative potential, it is not recommended for internal use^.19

There are no contraindications for skin application by pregnant and/or breast-feeding women, or by young children. Castor oil can be used without risk^.21

Before using castor oil, it is advisable to perform a skin test (e.g. on the elbow) and wait 15 minutes to 2 hours. Follow the specific recommendations for each skin application^.20

Don't hesitate to contact your naturopath, who will be able to suggest a personalized approach to meet your needs.

Castor oil, an ancestral remedy for natural radiance! Try it, adopt it!

About the author

Marie Couture, Certified Naturopath

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References

1. Andréewitch Claire, Mes petites Routines Beauté Glow pour rayonner naturellement, Hachette livre (Marabout), 2022, 126 pages

2. Vasey Christopher, Manuel de Détoxication, Éditions Jouvence, 1992, 185 pages

3. Weed Susun S., Wise woman herbal childbearing year, Ash Tree Publishing April 11, 1996, 171 pages

4. https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Actualites/Dossiers/DossierComplexe.aspx?doc=bienfaits-huile-ricin#:~:text=Tous%20les%20bienfaits%20pour%20la,et%20d%C3%A9sinfecte%20les%20p

5. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huile_de_ricin

6. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricin_commun#:~:text=Ricinus%20communis%2C%20le%20ricin%20commun,de%20la%20sous%2Dtribu%20Ricininae.

7. https://nouvelle-page-sante.com/les-pouvoirs-non-demodes-de-lhuile-de-ricin/

8. https://www.ocl-journal.org/articles/ocl/full_html/2012/01/ocl2012191p10/ocl2012191p10.html#:~:text=C'est%20aussi%20dans%20ces,arthroses%20selon%20la%20m%C3%A9decine%20ayurv%C3%A9

9. https://www.elle.fr/Beaute/Soins/Astuces/huile-de-ricin-3005973

10. https://www.secretsdemiel.com/blog/conseils-beaute/comment-utiliser-lhuile-de-ricin/

11. https://www.typology.com/carnet/l-huile-de-ricin-une-alternative-naturelle-contre-les-vergetures?srsltid=AfmBOoqyDCupgZCWB-t6zQlfRJnX7X1Y5lMJ0PzJGKP8Be8BkwnKLnOv

https://www.aroma-zone.com/page/comment-stimuler-la-pousse-des-cheveux-naturellement

12. https://fr.puressentiel.com/blogs/conseils/huile-de-ricin-vertus-et-utilisations?srsltid=AfmBOorez2MXJHgxwbcwjaIGx7QLTwq3Rm998I1QpOjGDGYcCdAVXCTj

13. https://www.leclaireurprogres.ca/chroniques/chronique-boutique-naturo-sante-remedes-de-grands-meres-lhuile-de-ricin/

14. https://www.siss.be/cataplasme-huile-de-ricin/

15. https://laboiteagrains.com/products/huile-de-ricin-biologique

16. https://groupesante.com/english/palma-christi-en

17. https://www.passeportsante.net/huiles-vegetales-g152/Fiche.aspx?doc=huile-ricin

18. https://www.medisite.fr/otite-otite-externe-un-traitement-naturel.3791887.721176.html

19. https://www.christineangelard.com/lhuile-de-ricin-c3-a0-re-d-c3-a9couvrir/

20. https://archipelparfums.com/blog/comment-faire-un-test-dallergie-cutanee-huiles-essentielles-ou-cosmetiques-n18

21. https://www.typology.com/carnet/l-huile-de-ricin-est-elle-dangereuse

22. https://www.la-vie-naturelle.com/blog/post/verrues-plantaires-comment-agir