Why did Cleopatra use Castor Oil?

We grew up with Castor oil. If it was not mom that drank it to get your little baby brother or sister to come quicker, it was mom that gave it to you if you were constipated. Little did my mom know what a wonder oil Castor oil is.

Let’s get scientific for a moment. Castor oil is a vegetable oil that comes from the seeds of the castor plant, Ricinus communis. Castor oil is a mixture of fatty acid triglyceride, with about 90% of its fatty acids being ricinoleates. Ricinoleate is a long-chain fatty acid anion, and this plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including building cell membranes, acting as a signaling molecule for inflammation, supporting brain health, and potentially contributing to heart health. Ricinoleic acid can be beneficial for moisturising the skin, as it reduces trans-epithelial water loss, which leads to skin dehydration. 

Castor oil has been utilised for various purposes throughout history. It has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, where it was likely used as fuel for lamps and medicinal and beauty purposes. Cleopatra reportedly used it to brighten the whites of her eyes.

When it comes to castor oil, sourcing plays a pivotal role in its quality and safety.

• The process of cold pressing, which extracts oil from castor bean seeds without using heat or chemicals, helps maintain the oil’s natural properties and nutrients. (Another variation, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, involves roasting the beans before pressing, resulting in a darker oil with a distinctive nutty aroma.)
• Opting for hexane-free castor oil is crucial for several reasons. Hexane, a chemical solvent commonly used in the extraction process of castor oil, can leave traces in the final product, posing potential health risks. Long-term exposure to hexane is associated with polyneuropathy in humans, with numbness in the extremities, muscular weakness, blurred vision, headache, and fatigue.

Castor oil health benefits

The only FDA-approved health use for castor oil is as a natural laxative to relieve temporary constipation. Its ricinoleic acid attaches to a receptor in your intestines. This causes the muscles to contract, pushing poop through your colon.

Castor oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that may help speed wound healing. The oil may help to prevent infection by keeping the wounds moist, while the ricinoleic acid reduces inflammation.

Rich in fatty acids, castor oil has moisturizing qualities that may help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Castor oil acts as a humectant, a substance that traps moisture in your skin to keep it soft and smooth. In this way, like other skin-friendly oils, castor oil also acts as a barrier to help prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin.   Castor oil can be used on its own as a moisturizer. However, it is thick, so you may want to dilute it with a carrier oil (such as almond, coconut, or jojoba oil) before applying it to your face and body.

We learn a lot from others’ experiences and reviews on the effectiveness of Castor oil. Further research is needed to substantiate claims, but here are some of the ways castor is being used:

• Castor oil is often used in lip balms and glosses for its moisturising and protective properties. Some people also apply a small amount of castor oil directly to their lips to keep them soft, smooth, and hydrated.
• Castor oil as a moisturizing, wrinkle-reducing night cream. Simply apply a thin layer of castor oil to your face and go to bed. Castor oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and under-eye circles. Its antibacterial properties are also helpful in treating minor acne.
• It is often used to relieve areas of itching, such as minor skin rashes and small bug bites. Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory and itch-relieving properties help provide relief.
• We have heard many testimonies of people using castor oil for fungal infections. Add 1-2 drops of tea tree, lavender, or oregano essential oils to a dollop of castor oil and apply to minor fungal skin infections. Both the essential oils and castor oil contain antifungal properties while helping to moisturize and relieve the itching of infected skin.
• It is said that castor oil assists in the fading of scars. Castor oil promotes tissue growth, which can aid in the process of scar reduction. Over time, with consistent application, scars and blemishes may appear lighter and less pronounced.
• In some cultures, massaging the belly button with oils like castor oil is believed to have various health benefits. This practice is thought to help improve digestion, alleviate menstrual cramps, and even promote fertility.

Our preferred supplier for Castor oil is Soil Organic  Aromatherpay