Get to know the castor bean plant (ricinus communis)

The Ricinus communis plant, better known as castor bean, is a species belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. Native to tropical Africa and the Middle East, castor beans have gained recognition for both their ornamental properties and industrial applications. In Mexico it can also be found and is also cultivated in the country (where it is known as "higuerilla").

Botanical Description

Castor bean is a perennial shrub that can reach remarkable heights, often exceeding three meters. Its dark green, palmate leaves can have a diameter of up to 60 centimeters. The plant produces peculiar-looking flowers, with shades that vary from red to yellowish green. These flowers give rise to thorny fruits, which contain the famous castor seeds, from which castor oil is obtained, which has a high content of ricinoleic acid.

Cosmetic Applications of Castor Oil

Castor oil is a pale yellow liquid extracted from the seeds. It has been widely used in traditional medicine and cosmetics. In the cosmetic industry it is used to promote hair growth and improve skin health , functioning as a moisturizer for dry areas of the skin , as well as in the production of liquid soaps. It acts as a solvent, is viscous, adheres well to the skin, repels water and reinforces the moisturizing of the pigments. It is also said to provide the skin and hair with a kind of protective film with a moisturizing and shiny effect. Therefore, it is used in the production of lipsticks, eyeliners or mascara. Castor oil is also often added to toners and oils for hair and nail care and can also be processed to obtain other raw materials such as waxes, emulsifiers, emollients and deodorant salts.

In our case, our deodorant and jelly both contain ingredients derived from this plant, such as: castor oil, glyceryl undecylenate and methylheptyl glycerin.

Ornamental Uses: Despite its notable industrial applications, castor bean is also grown for ornamental purposes. Decorative varieties of the plant are prized for their attractive leaves and hardiness in gardens and landscapes.

Environmental Considerations: Although castor bean offers practical benefits, it is important to note that all parts of the plant, except the seeds, are toxic due to the presence of ricin, a protein toxin. This makes the plant potentially dangerous, especially to animals and small children.

Conclusions:

Ricinus communis, or castor bean, is a versatile plant with a rich history of practical and ornamental uses. Its oil has been used over time in various fields, and its presence in gardens and landscapes adds a unique aesthetic dimension. However, caution should be exercised due to the toxicity of some parts of the plant, underscoring the importance of fully understanding its properties before handling or consumption.