Castor oil is used as an antifungal for inflammatory skin disorders, boils, carbuncles and abscesses. Also, as an emollient and to dissolve cysts, growths, warts, for osteoarthritis, and to soften bunions and corns.It is also used to soothe the irritated conjunctiva after the presence of foreign bodies in the eye; and internally for constipation, to stimulate labor and to promote the flow of breast milk.
Castor oil plant seeds are very poisonous to people, animals and insects when the outer shell is broken or chewed open. When the beans are hulled and crushed at temperatures below 100°F they have no toxin and yield a clear or yellowish poison-free oil rich in ricinolein, which irritates the intestines and causing them to expel their contents, therefore used as a laxative. It is used for temporary constipation only, colic, acute diarrhoea, to support labour and delivery, for ringworm.
The juice has been used for rheumatism, headache and and warts.
