Castor Oil

Organic Cold Pressed Castor Oil (Hexane Free)

Extracted from the plant Ricinus Communis, this Hexane-Free oil is renowned for its multiple health benefits, such as its antimicrobial, antiviral, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Properties:

• Certified organic cold pressed castor oil
• Excellent fatty acid profile
• Hexane free
• Certified by KIWA BCS – Oko-garantie GmbH 

Traditional Uses:

• Liver compress
• Eye compress 
• Wound care & healing 
• Assists with bone spurs 
• Encourages hair growth 
• Excellent for oil pulling 
• Helps with addressing inflammation when applied to the skin. 

Ingredients:

• 100% Organic Cold pressed Castor Oil

Allergens:

• None

Caution:

• Not for use while pregnant. 
  
• Ingest only under supervision.
• Packed in a factory that uses tree nuts. 

Benefits of Castor Oil

Castor oil is a vegetable oil pressed from castor beans, which are the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. It has been used for thousands of years due to its health benefits and as a versatile product in various industries. The oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that contributes to many of its beneficial properties. Here are some ways in which castor oil is beneficial for people:

1. Laxative Effect: Castor oil is well-known for its powerful laxative effects. It stimulates bowel movements, making it an effective remedy for constipation. The ricinoleic acid in the oil activates EP3 prostanoid receptors in the intestine, promoting the process of digestion and cleansing.

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Ricinoleic acid has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

3. Moisturizing and Conditioning: Castor oil is a natural moisturizer due to its ricinoleic acid content, which helps lock in moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin. It's often used in cosmetics, soaps, and lotions to hydrate skin and hair.

4. Promotes Wound Healing: Applying castor oil to wounds creates a moist environment that promotes healing and prevents sores from drying out. It can reduce the risk of infection and accelerate the healing process.

5. Antimicrobial: It has antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacterial overgrowth when applied to the skin.

6. Improves Hair Health: Castor oil is often touted for its ability to improve the health of the hair, by enhancing its growth, reducing split ends, and conditioning the scalp, potentially reducing dandruff.

7. Natural Anti-fungal Agent: The oil is also effective against certain types of fungal infections, such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and candidiasis, due to its undecylenic acid content.

Some Facts About Castor Oil

Castor oil is a subject of interest in various scientific fields due to its unique chemical composition and potential health benefits. Here are some scientifically backed facts about castor oil:

1. Chemical Composition: The primary component of castor oil is ricinoleic acid, accounting for about 90% of its fatty acid content. Ricinoleic acid is a type of monounsaturated fatty acid that is rare in the plant kingdom. This unique fatty acid is responsible for most of the oil's medicinal properties.

2. Laxative Mechanism: The laxative effect of castor oil is due to its ricinoleic acid, which binds to the EP3 receptors in the smooth muscle cells of the intestines, leading to increased intestinal movement and inducing defecation. This process can help relieve constipation.

3. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Research has shown that ricinoleic acid has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have indicated that when castor oil is applied topically, it can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. This makes it a potential treatment for conditions like arthritis.

4. Antimicrobial Properties: Castor oil has been found to exhibit antimicrobial properties against a variety of bacteria and fungi. This is partly due to its fatty acid content, which can disrupt microbial cell membranes and inhibit growth.

5. Wound Healing: The application of castor oil on wounds has been observed to promote healing. This effect is attributed to its ability to keep the wound moist, reduce inflammation, and its antimicrobial properties, which can prevent infections.

6. Hair and Skin Health: Scientific studies suggest that the application of castor oil on hair and scalp can improve hair health by increasing its luster, promoting scalp health, and potentially supporting hair growth. Its moisturizing properties also make it beneficial for skin health, helping to maintain skin hydration and elasticity.

7. Industrial Uses: Beyond its health applications, castor oil's unique properties make it valuable in various industries. It is used as a high-quality lubricant, in the manufacturing of biodiesel, as a polyol in the production of polyurethanes, and in the cosmetics industry for skincare and haircare products.

8. Toxic Protein: While castor oil itself is safe for many uses, the castor bean seeds contain ricin, a highly toxic protein. Ricin is not present in the oil because it is water-soluble and does not partition into the oil during the extraction process. However, it underscores the importance of proper processing and handling of castor beans.

Why Castor Oil is a Great Product For Athletes

Castor oil offers several benefits that can be particularly advantageous for athletes, given its natural properties that align with the needs of athletic performance, recovery, and overall wellness. Here's why castor oil can be considered a beneficial addition to an athlete's regimen:

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Athletes often deal with inflammation and soreness due to the physical demands of their sports. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain in muscles and joints. Applying castor oil topically to affected areas can support recovery and reduce discomfort.

2. Pain Relief: Beyond its anti-inflammatory effects, castor oil can act as a natural analgesic, providing relief from pain. This is particularly beneficial for athletes who might experience acute injuries or chronic pain from repetitive strain and overuse injuries.

3. Improved Circulation: Applying castor oil can help stimulate circulation, which is crucial for healing and recovery. Enhanced blood flow ensures that oxygen and nutrients are efficiently delivered to muscles and tissues, aiding in faster recovery and improved performance.

4. Antimicrobial Properties: The risk of infections from cuts, scrapes, and athlete's foot is higher in athletes due to their active lifestyle and communal changing rooms. Castor oil's antimicrobial properties can help protect against bacterial and fungal infections, ensuring that minor wounds don't become major setbacks.

5. Moisturizing for Skin and Hair: Frequent exposure to outdoor conditions, sweat, and showering can lead to dry skin and hair for athletes. Castor oil is a natural moisturizer that can help maintain the skin's hydration and health, preventing issues like dryness, chapping, and irritation. For hair, it can help maintain moisture and reduce breakage.

6. Natural Laxative: Maintaining a healthy digestive system is crucial for athletes to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and general health. The laxative properties of castor oil can provide relief from constipation, helping to maintain regularity and comfort.

7. Supports Immune Function: Some studies suggest that castor oil may help stimulate the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. Improved lymphatic circulation can help in detoxifying the body and enhancing immune function, potentially leading to better health and fewer missed training days due to illness.

What makes Castor Oil different to other oils? 

Choosing castor oil over other oils depends on the specific application and desired benefits, as castor oil has unique properties not found in most other oils. However, it's crucial to differentiate between external and internal use. For external applications, here are reasons why you might prefer castor oil:

1. Unique Chemical Composition

• Castor oil's high ricinoleic acid content, a rare monounsaturated fatty acid, offers benefits not found in other oils. This includes anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for skin and hair care, as well as for treating certain medical conditions externally.

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties

• Its anti-inflammatory effects can be particularly beneficial for relieving pain and swelling in conditions like arthritis or muscle pain, making it a suitable choice for topical pain relief.

3. Moisturizing Abilities

• Castor oil is a potent moisturizer due to its ability to retain moisture, making it excellent for treating dry skin and hair, promoting healthier hair, and soothing scalp conditions.

4. Antimicrobial Effects

• The oil has antimicrobial properties, which can help in treating fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, and in healing wounds.

5. Laxative Effect

• Internally, castor oil is known for its effective laxative properties, which can be beneficial in treating constipation when other remedies are not effective. This is a specific application where castor oil is taken internally, but it should be done with caution and under medical advice due to its potency.

For Internal Use:

It's important to note that castor oil should rarely, if ever, be chosen for internal use over other oils, especially for nutritional purposes. Oils like olive oil, coconut oil, or flaxseed oil offer nutritional benefits, including healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins, without the intense laxative effect of castor oil.

Safety and Considerations:

• External Use: For skin and hair treatments, as well as for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, castor oil can be superior to many other oils due to its unique components.
• Internal Use: For dietary and nutritional purposes, other oils are preferable due to their flavor, health benefits, and safety for consumption. Castor oil's internal use should be limited to medicinal purposes, such as a laxative under medical guidance.

Orders are dispatched daily (except Saturday & Sundays – these orders will be packed and sent on Monday).  Your order should be received within 1-4 business days.