Castor Oil
— Materia Medica
Snapshot
Castor Oil (Ricinus communis (oil from seed)).
Parts usedCold‑pressed oil (external packs); castor oil internally is a strong purgative.
PreparationsExternal castor‑oil packs with heat; internal laxative only short‑term and with caution.
Primary actionsTopical emollient; rubefacient; cathartic (internal)
SystemsSkin; Digestive
NotesViscous oil used externally as warm packs for local tissue comfort (abdomen, joints).
Internally it is a powerful cathartic—use sparingly and not during pregnancy.
Identification & Harvest
Preparations
Safety
Related Research
No studies yet.
References
Educational content only; not medical advice.