Castor Oil: Types, Uses & Medicinal Properties

Castor oil is a type of vegetable oil produced from castor beans. These "beans" are actually seeds. It has a slight unpleasant taste or no taste at all, accompanied by an undesirable aftertaste. It may be clear or yellow in color.

Medicinal Castor Oil

• When castor beans are processed, the first pressing produces castor oil that can be used in medicine. It can be used as a laxative or purging agent, but other modern alternatives are recommended. The oil also is used for skin problems. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil is anti-inflammatory. Castor oil is actually added as a component of some modern medications. Some organizations recommend castor oil for hair growth.

Food Grade Castor Oil

• Castor oil is often used as a food additive to add flavoring and as a preservative. It is commonly used as an emulsifier in the production of chocolate.

Industrial Castor Oil

• A number of industries make use of castor oil in adhesives, lubricants, inks and other tools. The first Castrol oil was named for the ingredient.

Castor Oil as a Raw Material

• Castor oil also is used to produce other raw industrial ingredients. These include sebacic acid, lithium grease and a type of nylon.