Black Castor Oil: The Healing Potion

Our castor oil is obtained by the traditional method of processing. Castor seeds are roasted and then the oil is extracted by boiling the roasted seeds in water. It is an ancient traditional method that is still followed in Mysuru and other parts of South India. This method produces subtly aromatic darker castor oil with alkaline pH.

Why Dhatu Black Castor Oil?

Black castor oil is a superior variety of castor oil. The roasting process of castor seeds and resulting ash imparts a dark color to the castor oil and also results in alkaline pH. This acts as great fuel for hair growth. The cold-pressed castor oil will be relatively light in color and feel.

The Castor plant is native to India and its uses date back to centuries. In India, castor seed plants are traditionally used for various health conditions such as dysentery, hair growth, asthma, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, and bladder, and vaginal infections.

Castor oil is rich in Ricinoleic acid which is known for its analgesic properties.  Dr. David Williams (renowned doctor on alternative therapist), while talking about the benefits of Ricinoleic acid present in Castor Oil says below:

“Effective in preventing the growth of numerous species of viruses, bacteria, yeasts and molds. It's successful as a topical treatment for ringworm, keratoses, skin inflammation, abrasions, fungal-infected [fingers] and toenails, acne and chronic pruritus (itching)."

"The most effective use of castor oil is castor oil packs or poultices, which increase topical absorption. When used properly, castor oil packs improve the function of the thymus gland and other immune system functions" .

Applying on the skin, black castor oil may help in soothing sunburns, rashes, skin redness, and itching. It has a moisturizing effect on the skin and can be great for dry skin. Castor oil finds great application in natural therapies (alternative medicines or complementary therapies) and also as a home remedy in many countries.

Applications:

Hair Oil: Massage a small amount of castor oil into the scalp daily. Do not rinse out. It has a cooling effect on the body.  Traditional knowledge of India (Ayurveda) indicates that it is an excellent oil for hair growth.

Mix castor oil with coconut oil or with any other hair oil and apply regularly.

Massage Oil: Castor oil can be used as a massage oil in combination with other oils. It can be simply rubbed on the muscle pain area to get relief.

Therapeutic Compress (Castor Oil Packs):

Make black castor oil compress for arthritis, sore muscles, stiff joints, back pain, swellings, etc. for significant pain relief.

How to make a castor oil compress or Castor oil Packs?

Take a piece of cotton cloth (three-four layers or folded) and immerse it in castor oil until the cloth is saturated. Make sure oil is not dripping from the cloth but it should be fully saturated with the castor oil. Keep ready a hot water bottle or bag (or an electric heating pad), a plastic sheet, paper towels, and washcloths. If there is no hot water bottle or bag, castor oil can be heated to a lukewarm temperature, and then the cloth can be saturated with this warm castor oil.

Lay down on a plastic sheet or old bedsheet and place the compress on the affected area of your body. For example, on joints (knees, wrist, fingers, and other joints) in case of joint pains caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. The oil packs can be used on your stomach area in case one is experiencing constipation.

The other way of using the castor oil packs is to apply it to the abdomen to improve liver and gallbladder health. The heating pad or bag should be kept on top of the bag. Make sure the heat level of the bag is optimal (to your comfort level). If necessary, place a plastic sheet in between the oil pack and the heating pad. Keep the pack on for at least 1 to 2 hours (it can be kept overnight as well.

After you are done, remove the oil pack and keep it in a container. Wash the affected area, with warm water and soap if required. The oil pack can be reused for a while (until there is no rancidity smell). If necessary, add more castor oil to the cloth pack while reusing.

Internal Use: In South India, it is common to take castor oil internally (1 - 2 tablespoons) on an empty stomach. It has a laxative effect and helps in bowel movements. It is considered to be a safe and natural laxative.  The external compress may also help in treating constipation as indicated above.  Internal use of castor oil should be done under expert supervision.

Castor Oil & Ayurveda:

In Charaka Samhita Castor oil is mentioned as the best one among purgatives. It is popularly used for centuries in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for the management of rheumatic disorders, various skin diseases, worms, ascites, Gout, Colitis, Oedema, Filariasis, Insomnia, Amenorrhoea, and Spleen Enlargement.

Disclaimer:

Castor oil may cause allergic reactions in some people. Unsupervised usage may cause diarrhea and abdominal pains. It is suggested to contact your health professional before starting any new health regime.

References:

GülşahGürolArslan, İsmetEşer, An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, Volume 17, Issue 1, 2011, Pages 58-62, ISSN 1744-3881.

Dr. Thombare Prakash, The review on therapeutic uses of Castor oil (Eranda Tailam) with special reference to Ayurvedic and Modern science. Paryeshana International Journal of Ayurvedic Research, July-August 2017, volume 1, Issue-6  ISSN:2456:4354