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Organic Cold Pressed Castor Oil – King of Medicinals for Hair & Scalp Wellness, Skin Glow & Castor Oil Packs

Organic Cold Pressed Castor Oil – King of Medicinals for Hair & Scalp Wellness, Skin Glow & Castor Oil Packs

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About This Oil

Castor Oil (Ricinus communis) has a long history of traditional use across multiple healing systems, referenced in the Ebers Papyrus of ancient Egypt (1550 BCE), and known in Ayurveda as Eranda, where it holds a distinctive traditional classification.

Approximately 90% of Castor Oil's fatty acid content is ricinoleic acid, an unusually concentrated fatty acid profile rarely found elsewhere in the plant kingdom, and the compound traditionally associated with the oil's characteristic thick, penetrating texture.

This certified organic, cold-pressed Castor Oil is traditionally described in Ayurveda through three characteristic actions: it's traditionally said to draw (traditionally associated with drawing toward the surface), clear (traditionally associated with the body's channels, or Srotas), and lubricate (its thick, unctuous texture is traditionally valued for nourishing dry, depleted-feeling tissue).

Traditional Ayurvedic wellness product. Terms such as "drawing," "clearing," and "Srotas Shodhana" describe traditional Ayurvedic concepts and are not claims of medical or physiological effect. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Benefits

Skin & Hair

• Traditionally used to moisturise and nourish the skin, Castor Oil's thick texture is traditionally valued for forming a protective, moisture-locking film on the skin

• Traditionally used as an emollient across a range of skin types, including dry and combination skin

• Traditionally used to support a naturally soft, smooth-feeling skin texture with consistent use

• Traditionally used for scalp and hair massage, Castor Oil's thick, penetrating texture is traditionally valued for conditioning the hair shaft

• Traditionally used to support a feeling of scalp comfort through regular massage application

• Traditionally used on eyebrows and lashes as a nourishing topical oil, one of Castor Oil's most popular traditional beauty applications

Traditional Topical Wellness Ritual (Castor Oil Pack)

• Traditionally applied as a warm topical pack over the abdomen as part of Ayurvedic and Western naturopathic tradition, associated with the traditional concept of channel-clearing (Srotas Shodhana)

• Traditionally used as a restful, warming self-care ritual, often combined with rest, meditation, or quiet time

• Traditionally used over the lower abdomen as part of a traditional comfort ritual

• Traditionally associated with a feeling of ease and lightness following use, consistent with the traditional Ayurvedic concept of clearing

Joint & Muscle Comfort

• Traditionally massaged into joint areas to support a feeling of comfortable ease, Castor Oil's thick, penetrating texture is traditionally valued for this purpose

• Traditionally used to support comfortable joint movement with regular topical application

• Traditionally used with a warm compress to support comfortable muscle ease

Directions for Use

Topical Use, General

Directly on skin: Apply a small amount and massage in gently. Castor Oil is thick, a little goes a long way. For the face, mix with a lighter carrier oil (Jojoba or Rose Hip) at a 1:3 ratio for easier application.

For hair and scalp: Warm a small amount between your palms and massage into the scalp using circular fingertip pressure. Work through the hair lengths. Leave on for 30 minutes to overnight, then wash out with natural shampoo. May need two washes to fully remove due to the oil's thickness.

For skin nourishment: Apply directly to areas of dry or depleted-feeling skin, lips, elbows, heels, cuticles, and similar areas.

Castor Oil Pack (Traditional Method)

What you need: Organic Castor Oil, a flannel or cotton cloth, cling film or plastic wrap, a hot water bottle or heating pad, and an old towel to protect surfaces.

Preparation: Saturate the cloth with Castor Oil, well soaked but not dripping. Place over the targeted area (abdomen or joint area).

Apply heat: Cover the cloth with cling film, then place a hot water bottle or heating pad over it.

Duration: Leave on for 45–90 minutes while resting.

Remove and cleanse: Remove the pack and wipe the skin clean with a warm, damp cloth. A baking soda and water solution (1 teaspoon baking soda in 500ml warm water) can help remove oil residue.

Frequency: 3–5 times per week for regular use, or 1–2 times per week for occasional use.

Reuse the cloth: Store the saturated cloth in a sealed container in the refrigerator between uses, adding a little fresh oil before each use. Replace the cloth when it becomes discoloured.

With essential oils: Add 5–10 drops of an Ayurvedic essential oil blend specifically suited to your constitution to the castor oil before pack preparation, Vata Blend for warming and grounding, Pitta Blend for cooling, Kapha Blend for activating and clearing.

Safety: Perform a patch test before full-body use. Not recommended during pregnancy without practitioner guidance. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Internal use of Castor Oil is a recognised traditional Ayurvedic practice, always undertaken under the direct guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic or healthcare practitioner. 

Key Botanicals

• Castor Bean Oil (Ricinus communis), certified organic, cold-pressed

100% pure, certified organic, cold-pressed Castor Bean Oil. No additives, preservatives, fragrances, or artificial ingredients. 

  • benefits of ricinoleic acid

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Castor Oil called the King of Medicinals in Ayurveda? +

Castor Oil (Eranda) is given this title in classical Ayurvedic texts because of its extraordinarily broad range of traditional uses, from supporting digestive health and joint care to scalp nourishment and lymphatic stimulation. It is one of the most used oils in Ayurvedic Panchakarma (therapeutic cleansing) protocols and is considered a powerful Vata-pacifying medicinal oil.

What are the traditional external uses of Castor Oil? +

Externally, Castor Oil is traditionally used in Ayurveda for scalp and hair conditioning, joint and abdominal massage, lymphatic massage over the abdomen and liver, lip and nail nourishment, and skin conditioning. Its thick, viscous, and warming nature makes it a deeply penetrating external oil. It is applied in small amounts, often mixed with lighter carrier oils to improve spreadability.

Can Castor Oil help support hair growth? +

Castor Oil has been used for centuries across Ayurvedic, Egyptian, and folk traditions for scalp nourishment and hair conditioning. Its ricinoleic acid content is traditionally associated with supporting a healthy scalp environment. Many people include Castor Oil in their regular hair care ritual for scalp conditioning and hair wellness. It is not a treatment for any hair loss condition. Consult a healthcare professional for persistent hair or scalp concerns.

Can Castor Oil help with joint stiffness when applied externally? +

Castor Oil packs (applying warm castor oil to a cloth and placing over joints or the abdomen) are a traditional Ayurvedic and naturopathic practice for supporting natural joint comfort and tissue nourishment. Many people with stiff or aching joints include castor oil packs in their wellness routine. This product is not a treatment for arthritis or any joint disease. Consult your healthcare practitioner for diagnosed joint conditions.

What is the difference between food-grade Castor Oil and regular Castor Oil? +

Food-grade Castor Oil is cold-pressed, hexane-free, and meets purity standards for potential internal use in very small quantities as traditionally used in Ayurveda. Regular industrial castor oil may be solvent-extracted and is not suitable for internal use. Vitality Now's Castor Oil is cold-pressed and suitable for both external Ayurvedic applications and traditional internal use as directed by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.