Castor oil plant spp. Ricinus communis grows ubiquitously across the tropical landscape of the Caribbean. The stalk can grow over 6 feet tall and has a hollow trunk. The seeds are found in a prickly container with varied colours from green to deep red and have been used in traditional medicine across the region for centuries after its migration from Eastern Africa and in particular the regions within Ethiopia and its vicinity. 

Castor oil is commonly used across the country to restore hair and skin health with Jamaican Black Castor Oil becoming a market staple over the last 10 years. It is quickly absorbed into the scalp to soothe dryness and itchiness while treating dandruff and breakage. Some attribute usage to thicker hair. It is used in skin care to treat acne and chapped lips, while promoting beard, eyebrow and eyelash growth. It can be used to care for and soothe haemorrhoids by applying to the affected area for 15 minutes daily. Some people have confirmed that eyesight improves when oil is gently rubbed across eyelashes with reports from Ancient Egypt citing Queen Cleopatra using it in her beauty regimen to keep the white of her eyes bright. Many also swear by its laxative and purgative properties and it was one of the early medicines available on Bequia to deal with constipation or toxicity in the digestive tract. 

Castor oil increases the circulation of blood and lymph, decreases pain and improves the conditions of uterine illnesses. Many women have found castor oil compresses very helpful for conditions related to PCOS, infertility, endometriosis, fibroids and cysts along with inflammation and pain management. This compress can be done in several ways: the leaves can be applied directly to the abdomen, or crushed and the poultice applied. Castor oil packs and rubs can also be used throughout the cycle. 

Castor Oil Pack Prepartion:

I am happy to share the following application to apply a castor oil pack:  Soak a rag in castor oil, ensure it is abundant and fully saturated, place this on the abdomen and cover the area in plastic wrap. It is important that you place protective cover on what you are sitting or lying on as the oil is very dense and sticky and can stain clothing and bedsheets. Over the proactive plastic wrap you can place your hot water bottle or heated blanket and relax for 20-30 minutes. You can place the drenched rag in a container to reuse. You can use this as therapy on days 5-14 of your cycle and castor oil rubs from day 15-28 to balance oestrogen and progesterone levels. It is important to consult your doctor before you start any therapeutic regimen.

Castor oil is a powerful medicine and can be poisonous if ingested in an uncontrolled manner. It is recommended that you handle the seeds of the plant after they burst open naturally or NOT AT ALL. Castor beans have naturally occurring ricin which if chewed and swallowed, can be released and cause bodily harm.

Warning: Be careful when ingesting as castor as it is a powerful purgative/laxative.