Plant Information

Common Name: CASTOR OIL PLANT
Scientific Name: Ricinus communis

N/A

R90.00

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Description

• Perennial
• The Castor Oil plant is native to Eastern Africa.
• It is a shrub or small tree up to 4m with very large hand-shaped leaves.
• Female and male flowers appear separately near the tips of the branches.
• The fruit is a three-seeded capsule with spine-like projections.
• Each seed is about 10mm long, conspicuously shiny and irregularly motled with silver, brown and black.
• Young plants grow quickly and may need to be repotted into larger containers before transplanting outdoors.
• Plant them outdoors in full sun and deep, rich soil about 120cm apart - water regularly.
• Once established it can tolerate drought.

Parts Used

• The seed capsules are gathered when nearly ripe and are then put out in the sun to mature.
• Only undamaged ripe seeds are collected and cold-pressed for oil.

Medicinal Uses. It is said that

• Although Castor oil has an unpleasant taste – it is a well-known and effective purgative treatment for constipation.
• Dosage: One to two teaspoons (5-10g) of the oil are usually taken as a laxative (maximally 30g per day).
• Root and leaf poultices are used in folk medicine to treat wounds, sores and boils.
• Indian herbalism uses a poultice of castor oil seeds to relieve swollen and tender joints.
• Castor oil's ability to hydrate the skin makes it a perfect remedy for treating cracked heels.
• It is rich in vitamins, and essential nutrients help to hydrate dry, cracked skin.
• Simply rub castor oil on your feet, put on a pair of socks, and leave overnight.

Other Uses

• Castor oil is added to soaps, cosmetics and ophthalmic products.
• Nowadays also an industrial product – used as lubricant and starting material in the manufacture of polymers.
• Castor oil repels insects, notably cockroaches.

The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner.

Mountain Herb Estate, and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided. By use of this site and the information contained herein you agree to hold harmless Mountain Herb Estate, its affiliates and staff