Organic Castor (Ricinus communis) Oil
Castor oil is completely natural, free of synthetic chemicals and it derives from the seeds of the castor bean (Ricinus communis) plant. It is rich in skin boosting ingredients and it’s fatty acids are natural humectants, which moisturises the skin by preventing skin loss. Almost 90% of its fatty acid content is a specific and rare compound called ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid is not found is many other plants or substances, making the castor plant unique since it is a concentrated source. In addition, castor oil also contains other beneficial salts and esters that mainly act as skin conditioning agents. This is why it is so popular and used in hundreds of cosmetic, hair and skin care products.
Historically, Castor Oil has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of health conditions and has long been regarded as a powerful skin care remedy. Today it is still used to boost lymphatic, circulatory and immune health, and reseach has shown that when applied topically to the skin, it can help prevent infection, reduce irritation and inflammation, improve localised blood flow, shed damaged skin cells and boost the immune system….all which helps the skin’s healing process and can accelerate wound healing. It has shown to be effective against many types of bacteria including Staphylococcus aureas, Esherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Out of all the staphylococcal bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus is considered to be the most dangerous and cause mild to serious skin infections and other concerning staph infection symptoms.
Not only has castor oil shown in studies to benefit overall skin health, but due to the combination of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties, it has has the potential to treat treat specific skin conditions, promote good skin health, relieve dryness and soothes skin inflammation. Studies have shown that it helps fight fungal infections and can help relieve hard to treat fungal acne. In addition to reducing redness and swelling of acne, it alleviates associated pain and scarring, and can even help prevent beakouts. Studies have found that castor oil contains therapeutic compounds that give the oil its incredible qualities, and reseach has shown that it not only boasts anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic and wound healing properties, but also is hepatoprotective and free radical scavenging.
In addition, it can help treat arthritic conditions and Rheumatism, alleviate backache and muscle pain, soothe chronic headaches, relieve PMS, treat athlete’s foot and even help those with insomnia. Castor oil is also often used as a natural treatment for pain, joint swelling and inflammation associated with arthitic conditions. It is equally ideal in massage oil applied to aching joints, muscles or soft tissue. Abdominal castor oil packs have shown in scientific studes to signifigantly increase the production of lymphocytes which are the immune system’s natural “disease fighters’ that attack toxins, bacteria and other percieved threats to the body. Castor oil’s positive affect on the lymphatic system suggests better overall circulation and support to major organs.
Castor oil is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. If taking medications, always discuss with your doctor before using castor oil to ensure there are no significant interactions.
The composition of Castor oil is known to consist of up to 90% ricinoleic, 4% linoleic, 3% oleic, 1% stearic, and less than 1% linolenic fatty acids. (Patel et al., 2016)
