Castor oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and beauty routines. In recent years, social media has promoted it as a “miracle oil” that can cure everything from joint pain to cancer. While castor oil does have some legitimate uses, many of these extraordinary claims are not supported by scientific evidence.
Here’s what you should know before adding castor oil to your daily routine.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a thick, pale-yellow vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). It is rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Today, castor oil is commonly used in:
- Skin care
- Hair care
- Massage therapy
- Traditional home remedies
- Certain medical treatments
