Castor Oil

Ricinoleic Acid: This unique fatty acid accounts for 90% of castor oil’s composition, giving it its potent laxative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Oleic Acid: Provides moisturizing benefits for skin and hair.

Linoleic Acid: Supports skin barrier function and hydration.

Stearic Acid: Enhances the softening properties of castor oil for skincare applications.

Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that supports skin repair.

Botanical Description

Habitat: Ricinus communis is native to tropical Africa but is now cultivated worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. It thrives in well-drained soils with full sun exposure.

Leaves: The leaves are large, lobed, and palm-like, resembling a hand with extended fingers. They are typically green or reddish-purple, depending on the variety.

Stems: The stems are smooth, hollow, and range in color from green to red or purplish, with a sturdy, upright growth habit.

Flowers: The flowers are unisexual, with female flowers located above the male flowers on the same plant. They are small and clustered, with no petals, and are usually pale green or red.

Roots: The plant develops a strong taproot with lateral roots that allow it to anchor in diverse soil types.

Fun Facts

Castor oil has been historically associated with “punishment” as it was used as a forced laxative in various political regimes. However, its healing legacy far outshines its misuse, with its seeds symbolically tied to the “Hand of Christ” for its ability to heal.

Parts Used

Seeds (Oil extracted from seeds)

Harvest

Castor seeds are harvested once the spiky fruit capsules have dried and split open, revealing the glossy seeds inside. The seeds are collected, dried, and cold-pressed to extract the oil.

Preparations

Castor Oil Packs: Soak a cloth in warm castor oil, apply to the body, and cover with a heat source to promote detoxification and lymphatic drainage.

Hair and Scalp Treatment: Massage directly into the scalp or blend with other oils for a nourishing hair growth serum.

Digestive Tonic: Taken internally (with caution) as a laxative for short-term relief from constipation.

Topical Application: Used for joint pain, muscle soreness, and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Sacred Rituals

The Ritual of Release: Use a castor oil pack on the abdomen during the waning moon phase to promote emotional and physical detoxification. Visualize releasing stagnant energy from your body as you place the warmed pack on your belly.

Protection Ritual: Rub castor oil on doorways, windows, or your body’s pulse points to create an energetic shield against negative forces.

Hair Ritual: Use castor oil as a weekly hair treatment to strengthen the roots and stimulate growth, visualizing each strand as a vessel of vitality.

Affirmations

“I release what no longer serves me, allowing clarity and strength to flow into my life.”

Spiritual Associations

Castor oil is linked to purification, protection, and transformation. It is used in spiritual cleansing rituals and applied as a protective barrier against negative energy. Associated with the waning moon phase, it supports release and letting go.