| Nom latin : | Ricinus communis |
| Nom anglais : | Castor oil |
| Nom français : | Ricin |
| Famille : | Euphorbiacées |
| Pays d'origine : | Inde |
The castor oil plant is a shrub of the tropical regions. It is in the Middle Ages that the plant takes the name of Palma Christi (Palm of Christ) probably because of its hand-shaped leaves of a beautiful metallic green and its therapeutic properties reminding of the healing gift of Christ.
| Part Used: | Seeds |
| Extraction Method: | Cold pressing |
| Average Composition: | Ricinoleic acid 90 %, oleic acid 5 %, linoleic acid 4 % |
| Characteristics: | Very viscous and slightly yellowish oil. |
| Saponification Index: | 182 (175-185) |
Castor oil has been known for its uses for ages. Already Cleopatra used it as a make-up remover. With 86% ricinoleic acid, it produces remarkable results.
Its applications:
CLERGEAUD, Chantale et Lionel, Les huiles végétales : huiles de santé et de beauté, Éditions Amyris, 2000, 131 p.
