Castor oil is a natural remedy derived from the castor bean (Ricinus communis). The main component of castor oil is ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Long used in traditional medicine, castor oil is sometimes taken orally as a laxative, used topically to stimulate hair growth, or applied as a skin lubricant. Some also use castor oil to induce labor in pregnancy or to start the flow of breastmilk.
