Why I am obsessed with Castor Oil
If you are a client or even family member of mine, especially my partner.. you will know how much I adore castor oil! I am lathering it on daily, which reminds me I should buy another bottle!
Benefits:
Castor oil is a plant-based oil extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis. What makes it chemically unique is that about 85–90% of it is made up of a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid has a special hydroxyl (-OH) group, which makes the oil slightly more “water-attracting” than most other oils. As a result, castor oil is thicker, more stable, and less prone to going rancid. This structure also allows it to bind small amounts of water and form a protective, moisturising layer on the skin or hair. Because of these properties, castor oil works well as an emollient, helping to soften and protect surfaces it’s applied to. When it is cold-pressed without chemical solvents, the oil maintains this natural chemical structure and avoids contamination, preserving its functional and beneficial properties.
Therapeutic Uses:
Castor oil’s chemical structure allows it to act as an effective emollient, forming a protective, hydrating barrier on the skin while supporting barrier function. From a therapeutic perspective, ricinoleic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, as well as promoting circulation, detoxification, and improving tissue hydration. It has been shown to interact with EP3 prostanoid (inflammatory pathway) receptors, helping to stimulate intestinal peristalsis and support bowel regularity. Topically, castor oil may assist in reducing localised inflammation and discomfort, beautiful for soothing abdominal tension, including menstrual cramping. Castor oil packs can be applied over the abdomen or liver area to encourage circulation and relaxation, which can indirectly support the body’s natural detoxification processes to boost liver function and hormonal detoxification. The oil can also be applied externally for concerns such as haemorrhoids, cysts, and inflammation, or to provide moisture around the delicate eye area, the skin, and hair.
Where to find it:
If you are purchasing a bottle of castor oil, choose cold-pressed, organic, in a dark glass amber bottle and ensure the label states “hexane-free”. This is important to ensure you are getting the most pure, high-quality, chemical-free oil with longer-lasting benefits. Hexane is a chemical used in oil extraction processes to result in quicker, cheaper extraction. However, it leaves chemical residue in the oil, which is something we definitely don’t want—especially when applying to delicate areas! A glass amber bottle is also safer due to no risk of chemical leaching (common in plastic bottles); the tint also blocks out UV light exposure, which can break down the efficacy and potency of the oil.
