Castor Oil for Health & Beauty

April 15, 2014

This week we are excited to feature a post  from Bonnie Purdy! Bonnie Purdy is a Certified Aromatherapy Health Professional, operating a home-based business Bon Esprit Aromatherapy, in Fergus, Ontario. She started her practice in 2013 and is currently expanding her range of services, offering “scent care for Body, Mind and Spirit”. Bonnie also enjoys practicing Therapeutic Touch as a Hospice Volunteer.

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The Castor Oil plant, known botanically as Ricinus communis, has been used since ancient times throughout the middle-east for health and beauty. During the middle ages it became known as the Palma Christi plant, or palm of Christ, due to its reputed healing abilities and the shape of the leaves which resemble a hand. The plant is exceptionally beautiful and grows wild in many tropical regions. During Edwardian times it was grown in the parks of Toronto, Canada. The Castor Oil plant seeds can be lethal due to the presence of a toxic protein, ricin, and therefore the Castor Oil plant is not recommended as an ornamental plant.

Castor Oil is a triglyceride comprised of fatty acids, 90 percent of which is ricinoleic acid, extracted from the castor seeds. The therapeutic grade of Castor Oil is not poisonous because the toxin, ricin, is denatured when the oil is processed. Castor Oil has been a staple in the medicine chests of North Americans for generations, as a purgative. It is “generally recognized as safe and effective” by the United States Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use as a laxative. This practice has subsided in recent times due to the application of more effective and gentler methods. Castor Oil however, has a broad array of lesser- known external uses.

The 20th Century Psychic Edgar Cayce popularized the use of the Castor Oil pack in healing. This involves placing a folded piece of wool flannel saturated with Castor Oil over the abdomen. A piece of plastic is placed on top to contain any messiness, with a hot water bottle over that. The pack can be stored in the refrigerator and reused. Castor Oil aids the body in eliminating toxins by increasing the flow of lymph throughout the body. The lymph system promotes healing by draining excess interstitial fluid, transporting dietary lipids (i.e. vitamins A, D, E and K) and carrying out immune responses.

Castor Oil is the richest natural source known of ricinoleic acid, its most active ingredient. Aiding the body to remove toxic waste is fundamental to Castor Oil’s healing action. However, ricinoleic acid exerts analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, and is therefore useful for pain relief and to reduce swelling. It is also effective in preventing the growth of various species of viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds and fungus. Formulations for eliminating skin tags, moles and liver spots, often include Castor Oil as one of the main ingredients.

Castor Oil is very thick and sticky, but absorbs well into the skin. It is an excellent carrier-oil for aromatherapy massage when mixed with other oils such as Grapeseed Oil or Coconut Oil, to give it more slip. Due to its lubricating and waterproofing properties Castor Oil is used in hair conditioning formulas. It also mixes well with essential oils and with wax and is used successfully in balms and lipsticks. As an emulsifier, it can be used to make aromatic soaps.

The practical use of Castor Oil seems endless, but, be sure to use a cold-pressed therapeutic grade. It’s usually readily available at a local pharmacy. If you’d like to try a Castor Oil Skin balm, try this simple recipe, compliments of Bon Esprit Aromatherapy.

CASTOR OIL SKIN BALM

Ingredients

1/3 cup of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

1/4 cup of Therapeutic Castor Oil

1 tbsp of Aloe Vera Gel

5 inch square of pure Bees Wax (Honeycomb Sheet)

10 drops pure Lavender Essential Oil

10 drops pure Frankincense Essential Oil

5 drops pure Patchouli Essential Oil

5 drops pure Juniper Berry Essential Oil

5 drops pure Coriander Essential Oil

Method

Use caution with oils and wax around a heat source and don't leave unattended. In a small stainless steel pot, melt the Coconut Oil at a low temperature and remove from the heat. Break the square of sheet wax into it and stir until it melts. Add the Castor Oil and stir. While it’s cooling it will become opaque. This will take some time.

Add the Aloe Vera Gel and the Essential Oils before the mixture sets, and stir. As it begins to set, whip it to a creamy texture. Let it cool completely. If you are not satisfied with the consistency of it you can reheat it at a low temperature and add more wax for a firmer mix, or more Coconut Oil for a creamier mix. It makes approximately 2/3’s cup of balm.

Scoop it into a small jar, or jars, ideally dark coloured glass. It can be stored at room temperature. This balm is great to rub on the rough skin of your heels and elbows, as well as on brown skin spots and moles.

Enjoy!