100% Pure Castor Oil

Castor oil is obtained from the seeds of the castor oil plants by pressing the seeds, then removing any impurities by boiling.

The finest oil is thought to come from France, where the oil is obtained by pressing the seeds without heat. However, when castor oil is heated during processing, all bitterness is removed, leaving a flavorless oil.

Castor oil has been used for medicinal purposes in Eastern countries, like India and China, for centuries. One commonly held belief is that drinking castor oil will induce labor in a pregnant woman, although it has not been proven scientifically.

Castor oil packs are also recommended for sore, aching muscles, and would be a great addition to any massage oils, especially when combined with peppermint.

Castor oil is similar to olive oil in texture, and works well in lip glosses and conditioning treatments for the hair.

Lip Gloss

• ¼ cup beeswax
• ¼ cup castor oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• Beet juice for color

Melt beeswax, and add other ingredients over low heat. Remove from heat and add beet juice. Store in small containers.

Hot Oil Hair Treatment

• ¼ cup castor oil
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup boiling water

Add both oils and boiling water together in a lidded container. Shake the mixture until the oil breaks into tiny drops. Massage into hair, and then place a shower cap or plastic bag to cover hair for 20 minutes. Shampoo and condition hair as you normally would.

Citrus Lotion

• 1 ½ ounce castor oil
• ½ ounce cocoa butter
• ½ ounce vegetable glycerine
• 1 ½ tablespoon emulsifying wax
• 8 ounces distilled water
• 15-25 drops lemon essential oil
• 15-25 drops orange essential oil

Combine oil, cocoa butter and emulsifying wax in a heat safe measuring cup. Melt the ingredients in the microwave, for 1-2 minutes. (You can also use a double boiler.) Measure the water into a blender, and start the blender on low. Very slowly add the oil mixture to the water. Now you can add any essential oils you are using. Pour into lidded containers while still warm, as the mixture will thicken as it cools.