Castor oil has a variety of health and cosmetic benefits. It is a vegetable oil that comes from the castor bean plant, a flowering plant that is common in eastern parts of the world. Cold-pressing castor bean plant seeds make the oil.
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid—a type of fatty acid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties.
Using castor oil as a natural remedy dates back thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, castor oil was used to soothe dry eyes and relieve constipation. In Ayurvedic medicine—a holistic approach to medicine native to India—castor oil has been used to improve arthritis pain and treat skin conditions Others apply the oil directly to the skin and hair for its moisturizing benefits.
Castor oil can benefit many areas of health and wellness because of its diverse medicinal and therapeutic properties—such as antimicrobial, antiviral, and wound healing benefits.