Castor oil

Castor oil is also called American oil, castor oil or holly oil.

Castor oil is derived from the plant Ricinus communis, also known as the oil plant or holly and belongs to the spurge family.

Castor oil is extracted by cold-pressing castor beans, which are actually seeds, as Ricinus communis does not belong to the bean family.

Pure castor oil is odorless and tasteless and is mainly used for many industrial purposes but also in hair care and medicine.

Properties of castor oil

Undocumented properties

• Pregnancy and childbirth: Some pregnant women use castor oil in the hope of inducing labor – however, this is not recommended because there is no scientific evidence that castor oil has this effect (the results of studies on the “birth-promoting” effect of castor oil are conflicting). You will most likely feel the laxative effect instead, which should really be left to the maternity ward staff to administer. Furthermore, the general recommendation is that pregnant women should not use castor oil.

• Hair growth: An old home remedy says that “you can regrow hair with castor oil”, which is of particular interest to men – but also some women – who are losing their hair. However, there is no scientific evidence for these effects. Instead, it is recommended that you contact your general practitioner for a referral to a specialist if you have problems with hair loss.

There is also no scientific evidence that castor oil can be used to treat the following:

*A good example of an undocumented use that is downright dangerous is the use of castor oil for barley corns; according to an old remedy, if you drip a few drops into the eye and let it float around for a moment, castor oil will cure barley corns.

The problem with this remedy is that essential oils – including castor oil – should NEVER come into contact with the eyes as they can damage vision.

Documented properties

• Constipation / laxative: Castor oil has a laxative effect and has therefore long been used as a laxative for constipation, for example. Today, however, there are several alternative products on the market and it is recommended that you consult your pharmacist or doctor if you need laxatives.

Castor oil uses

Although castor oil can be used both as a laxative (internally) and for the hair, skin, etc. (externally), it is recommended that you only use it externally unless otherwise recommended by your doctor. If you drink or otherwise ingest the oil, you can expect to feel its laxative effect – but always read the instructions on the packaging carefully before use.

In the hair

When buying a castor oil for your hair, you should choose one that doesn't smell – i.e. a completely pure oil. A pure castor oil is used by some women to achieve the following:

• Thicker hair
• More shiny hair
• More fuller hair
• Prevention of split ends
• Prevention of damaged hair
• To make hair grow faster

For these purposes, we recommend the oils below (the oils are the same – the only difference is the pack size, where one is 100 ml and the other 500 ml):

For use in hair, we recommend these oils

Although there are no studies to confirm that castor oil has the above effect on hair, you can try it: if you get the desired effect, that's great – and if not, at least you've tried.

Eyelashes and eyebrows

There are a few companies that have marketed castor oil as a product that can make eyelashes and eyebrows grow faster (probably based on the same claims that it can make hair grow faster).

However, using castor oil on the eyelashes and eyebrows is not recommended as the skin around the eyes is too delicate and some castor oils may be mixed with substances that should not come into contact with the eyes (which is a risk if you apply in the eye area!).

Cleansing

Because of its laxative properties, some people believe it can be used to cleanse the body. However, the problem is that cleansing should only be done in consultation with a doctor and will usually not include American oil.

The general recommendation is therefore not to use American oil for cleansing.

Industry

The industry uses 270-360 million kg of castor oil annually. The oil and its derivatives are used in the following:

Food and beverages

In the food industry, castor oil is used as an additive, flavoring, moth repellent, packaging and more.

In some countries, castor oil is also used as a kind of preservative in rice and wheat, for example. Similarly, pea beans (Cajanus cajan) coated in castor oil (for longer shelf life) are available in some countries.

Medicinal products

Castor oil and its derivatives are used in many different modern medicines (to treat various diseases).

However, please note that this does not necessarily mean that castor oil plays a role in the treatment of the disease in question or its symptoms; the oil can just as easily be added for its laxative effect.

Precautions for use

• General use: Castor oil can be used both internally and externally, but is generally only recommended for external use (unless otherwise advised by your doctor). When ingested, a certain laxative effect is to be expected. ALWAYS read the instructions on the packaging before use

• Long-term use: Castor oil should generally not be used internally for prolonged periods. Read the instructions on the packaging and contact your pharmacist or doctor if in doubt

• Pregnant women: All use of castor oil is not recommended for pregnant women. The effect of the oil on breastfeeding women and their children is not known.

Side effects of castor oil

You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Persistent nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Muscle cramps or a feeling of weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Reduced urination
• Mental or mood changes (including confusion)

Although severe allergic reactions are rare, the following may be signs:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially on the face, tongue or throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Difficulty breathing

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.