What Is Castor Oil Good For?

The castor plant, or ricinus communis, is a green leafy species native to east Africa. Today, this plant can be found in many different parts of the world, including large areas of the southern U.S. The castor plant is known for its large seed pods, or beans, which are harvested and pressed to produce castor oil. This oil has been used for centuries in both health remedies and industrial products.

History

Archaeologists have found castor seeds in Egyptian tombs that date back to 4000 B.C. During that time, the oil from the seeds was used as a fuel source in lamps, and for medicinal purposes. In the modern era, many families used castor oil to regulate digestion, or to produce a laxative effect. During the early 20th century, famed psychic Edgar Cayce promoted the use of castor oil packs to soothe the skin and treat a variety of mental and physical ailments. Today, castor oil is primarily used in industrial products, though research into its potential health benefits is ongoing.

Features

Castor plants contain a number of large seeds, each of which has a unique pattern of gray, black and brown stripes. While these seeds are often called "beans," they are not a member of the bean family. Manufacturers submit the seeds to a hot or cold pressing process, which helps to separate the oil from the solid portion of the bean. This oil has a fairly clear, yellowed appearance and is known for its unpleasant odor and taste. The remains of the bean contain a high quantity of ricin, an extremely deadly, potent poison. When most standard press techniques are used, ricin is not present in the oil itself.

Uses

Castor oil has industrial and personal care applications. The oil is often used to produce nylon and other synthetic fabrics and is a common component in motor oil. It is also applied to fabrics and insulation to create a waterproof coating over these materials. Many paint and varnish manufacturers use castor oil to improve the performance of paints and coatings.
Some cosmetics companies use castor oil in skin care products or makeup to add thickness or moisture. Castor oil can be found in many soaps and lotions, and is still used in some cases as an alternative to traditional laxatives or stomach treatments.

Warning

According to the American Association of Family Physicians, people should avoid using castor oil as a laxative. In fact, this product should not be ingested at all, and is only recommended for external use. Ingesting castor oil can cause you to lose muscle tone in your bowels, which can cause serious problems with constipation or loose stools over time. Castor oil also interferes with a number of prescription medicines, including antibiotics and heart medications.
The castor bean itself is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. According to the Palomar College Arboretum, it only takes a single castor bean to kill a child, and as few as two to kill an adult.

Expert Insight

While the industrial uses for castor oil have been well established, there is limited research available to support the health benefits associated with this oil.
According to a 1984 study published in the Journal of the American Oil Chemical Society, castor oil is effective at preventing the growth of mold, yeast, viruses and bacteria. This study found that castor oil could be used to treat a variety of skin ailments, such as acne or ringworm, as well as fungal infections in the hands and feet. The results of this study support some of the claims made by Edgar Cayce in the early 20th century regarding castor oil packs and skin care.
Similarly, in his 1993 book "The Oil That Heals," physician William McGarey recommends castor oil packs to stimulate and regulate the thymus gland, spleen and lymph nodes. McGarey conducted a series of studies that found that castor oil packs could increase the number of disease-fighting cells in the immune system, which may reduce the risk of illness, or help treat existing diseases.